Oilers Newest Defenceman Reveals Paul Coffey's Messaging on the Bench
Photo credit: The New York Times
Oilers defenseman Travis Dermott explains the messaging that assistant coach Paul Coffey has for him and other defensemen on the team as the Oilers prepare to closeout their preseason.
"The coaching staff here is unbelievable, especially with how I've been thinking about the results a bit too much in the past," he said. "They're great with kind of just letting me play my game. Mistakes are going to happen, but if I stop playing my game and stop being creative when that happens, then that really takes away from the player I can be.
Dermott is looking for a home with the Oilers after signing a PTO earlier this month. He has worked with Coffey directly and it appears the legendary oiler defenseman had many pointers and advice for Dermott.
"I think [Coffey] is behind me, giving me tips and telling me to get up on the play pretty much every shift I'm out there. So that really goes far for players. I don't know how many people behind the TV can really see that, but it speaks volumes for the type of guy he is. He's obviously been through it all, so it's great to have him and you can really trust his voice and everything he's saying."
Dermott has been with several organizations including the Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and the Arizona Coyotes. He's always shown a steady defensive style and put in big minutes like he did in his last preseason game when he was clocked at 19 minutes. It's been stated that contract negotiations have begun.
It seems to be a growing theme as Coffey continues to show his dominance as a former player, as a coach who has transformed this Edmonton Oilers defence into something special.
Coffey Stated once that he was reluctant to take this job as it was not on his radar but time and time again, he is shown that he's the perfect fit for the Oilers and his defensemen are buying what he selling and are doing all they can to help their coach.
If the Oilers decide to sign Dermott to a one-year deal and his numbers rebound under Coffey he continues to prove that I think he is the secret weapon the Oilers have had.
Source: NHL.com
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