Paul Coffey's coaching stint: A surprising success and future prospects
When Paul Coffey was announced as part of the Edmonton Oilers' coaching staff in November last season, the decision raised a few eyebrows.
After all, integrating a legendary player back into the game, this time in a coaching role, could go either way. But Coffey, the esteemed Oilers defenseman, didn't just meet the expectations set upon him; he exceeded them spectacularly.
Under Coffey's guidance, the Oilers transformed their trajectory dramatically. From flirting with the bottom of the league, they soared to the Cup Final, a testament to his significant impact. Coffey, who had been enjoying his retirement, initially seemed reluctant to return to the rink's competitive environment. Yet, his commitment last season was undeniable, and now it's official: Paul Coffey will continue with the Oilers to "finish the job he started" last year, as confirmed by Oilers Daily.
Despite his current involvement, Coffey is 63 and has expressed no desire to prolong his coaching career beyond the immediate future. This stance has fueled speculation about his successor. A potential candidate for the defensive coach role has been hinted at by Oilers defenseman Ty Emberson during an interview with the Edmonton Journal. Emberson suggested Steve Smith, a former Oilers player and Cup Champion, as a suitable replacement. Smith, unlike Coffey, is still actively engaged in his coaching career as the head coach of the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack.
This statement not only highlights Smith's coaching capabilities but also aligns his philosophy with that of the current coaching ethos under Coffey.
Smith's resume is robust. With three Stanley Cup wins and a substantial NHL career spanning several years, followed by a transition into coaching, he brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record. His tenure as an assistant coach with the Oilers between 2010 and 2014, despite those years being less fruitful, combined with his recent success in the AHL, positions him as an apt candidate for the Oilers' coaching future.
The potential for Smith to join forces with Coach Kris Knoblauch, considering their previous successful collaboration at the Hartford Wolf Pack, is an exciting prospect. The philosophy of encouraging players to be proactive and confident on the ice is a legacy that Coffey also upholds, making Smith a natural successor to carry forward this mindset.
While it's uncertain whether Coffey will decide to step down after this season, the Oilers' coaching staff's future seems promising with potential leaders like Smith. The hope is that whatever decision Coffey makes, it will be off the back of another successful season-perhaps capped with a Stanley Cup victory.
For more details, Emberson's full remarks can be found in his interview here:
All coach statistics: Steve Smith HockeyDB
| POLL | ||
After this season, do you think Paul Coffey will retire? | ||
| Yes, he's not here long term | 13 | 26.5 % |
| No, he'll stay no matter what | 21 | 42.9 % |
| He'll only step aside if they win the Cup | 13 | 26.5 % |
| See Results | 2 | 4.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
