Coaching change in Edmonton ahead of playoff push

The Edmonton Oilers are making a notable change to their coaching staff as the regular season winds down and the playoff race intensifies.

On Wednesday, the team announced that a former key figure will immediately rejoin Kris Knoblauch’s staff behind the bench. The move comes with just 24 games remaining in the season and signals a clear intent to sharpen the group ahead of what the organization hopes will be another deep postseason run.

Hall of Fame defenseman Paul Coffey is back behind the Oilers’ bench.

Coffey will step back into a coaching role after serving as Special Advisor to Ownership and Hockey Operations since July. He previously led the Oilers’ defence corps from November 13, 2023, through the end of the 2024-25 regular season, a span in which Edmonton allowed just 2.78 goals per game, the fifth-best mark in the NHL during that stretch.

“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,” head coach Kris Knoblauch said in a team statement.

Coffey echoed the excitement. “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.”

He’s expected back with the club Friday as Edmonton prepares to resume action in California following the Olympic break.