Oilers President comments on future of coach Paul Coffey

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Liam McCormick
July 19, 2024 (12:14)

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The Edmonton Oilers brought franchise legend Paul Coffey onto the coaching staff and he was such a success that President Jeff Jackson is hoping he'll be back.

The Oilers President spoke recently on the Bob McCowan Podcast, where he was asked about Coffey's return. Jackson said he hopes Coffey makes the decision to return, but nothing is official yet.

Coffey has said several times that he was reluctantly coaxed into the coaching position, and was happy enjoying his retirement. The 63 year old was retired for 24 years, only once coaching the Pickering Panthers in junior hockey. However, his experience, leadership, and pure hockey mind has clearly benefitted the Oilers defence this season - especially the development of Evan Bouchard into an offensive superstar like Coffey was. Even Coach Knoblauch has expressed that he hopes Coffey returns.

Jeff Jackson has now revealed that he hopes to make a General Manager hire in the next 10 days, and hopefully, we'll get some more clarity on Coffey's status at that time. There have been reports that he could consider heading back into retirement, but hopefully he can be convinced to come back and finish the job he started last year.

With the new additions to the offence and a full year of being coached by Knoblauch, the Oilers are in a prime position to be the top team in the NHL next regular season, and make another run for the Stanley Cup. Even if Coffey doesn't return, the Oilers will still have learned valuable lessons from him, and will be more motivated than ever before to win.