Oilers coach Paul Coffey reveals hilarious advice to his defenceman

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Ryan Hall
April 23, 2024 (6:28 PM)

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Legendary Oilers defenseman Paul Coffey has been enjoying his new job as assistant coach with the Oilers. During an interview with Pierre Lebrun of the Athletic, Coffey revealed some of his coaching tactics and hilarious advice for the Oilers blue line.

Throughout the year, Coffey has been stressing to the Oilers defenceman to take advantage of their skilled forwards, and make plays to get them the puck.

»Well, if I'm gonna stand there for two and a half hours, I want to be entertained. First thing I said to the D: �You want the forwards to like you? Put the puck on their stick. You have time to put it around the boards? You have time to make a play.»
- Coach Paul Coffey

To cap it off, Coffey left the Oilers with a clear reminder of why they should be listening to him - he's been around far longer, and been much more successful than any current Oilers D-man.

»I bring some experience to it. I said to them the other day, �Guys, I've got more experience than all you guys. You know why? Because I'm the oldest prick in the room.»
- Coach Paul Coffey

He was introduced as assistant coach at the end of November 2023 as the Oilers were reeling with losses to which a win almost seemed impossible. Since their hiring, Knoblauch and Coffey have taken the Oilers to a new level as they finished 2nd in their division with 49 wins and 104 points. The team's defensive play has improved since the change as they hold a goal differential of +57.

Coffey, who helped the Oilers win five Stanley Cups during the Oilers heyday of the 1980's and early 90's and was a magician with the puck. He always feels a defenseman can make a play when they hold possession rather than make rattle it down the boards. He has made this a mandate with his players and they have responded well.

He also has used tactics to help keep his players motivated, wearing his Stanley cup ring to show them what the ultimate goal is.

With Game 1 in the books and the Oilers taking a 1-0 lead, many hope including Coffey that this is a sign of a long run to the Cup finals and potentially lifting the Stanley Cup once again.