Edmonton Oilers have made a coaching change and Paul Coffey is back behind the bench
|
Julien Trekker
Feb 18, 2026 (12:57)
|
|
Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers organization announced an official coaching change, confirming that Paul Coffey will be back behind the bench.
After stepping down from his coaching duties in Edmonton following the 2024–25 season, Paul Coffey took on the role of Special Advisor to Ownership and Hockey Operations.
Less than a year after joining the team's front office, he decided to return behind the bench.
Paul Coffey Returns Behind the Edmonton Oilers Bench
On Wednesday afternoon, the team confirmed the news of Coffey's return to the Oilers' coaching staff in a press release:
"I have been in regular contact with Paul since last summer, and I believe we will benefit both as a team and as a staff from his return at this time." - Kris Knoblauch
"I'm excited to return and work alongside Kris and the entire staff. With 24 games left in the season, there is ample time to build on the many positives and build momentum for another long playoff run." - Paul Coffey
"I'm excited to return and work alongside Kris and the entire staff. With 24 games left in the season, there is ample time to build on the many positives and build momentum for another long playoff run." - Paul Coffey
Per the team statement, Coffey will join the team on Friday ahead of the final portion of the regular season.
In his last coaching stint, the Oilers had the fifth-best record for goals allowed per game on average, with 2.78.
A strong end to the season will be crucial in Edmonton this year. As of now, Connor McDavid's team is 2nd in the Pacific Division with 64 points, but both the Anaheim Ducks and Seattle Kraken are right behind with 63, while the Los Angeles Kings have 60.
It'll be interesting to see what Coffey will bring to the team once McDavid returns from the Olympics and NHL activities resume.
Also read on PuckReporter :
Juraj Slafkovsky injury at the Olympics scare sends shockwaves through Montreal and Slovakia
Juraj Slafkovsky injury at the Olympics scare sends shockwaves through Montreal and Slovakia