Hall of Famer Paul Coffey Rejoins Oilers Coaching Staff

Coffey will serve as an assistant coach under Kris Knoblauch for the remainder of the NHL season.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 9:15am

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The Edmonton Oilers have announced that Hall of Fame defenseman Paul Coffey will be returning to the team's coaching staff as an assistant coach under head coach Kris Knoblauch. Coffey previously served as an assistant coach for the Oilers during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, helping the team reach the Stanley Cup Finals in back-to-back years.

Why it matters

Coffey's return to the Oilers' coaching staff is seen as a boost for the team as they make a push for the playoffs. His defensive expertise and experience as a Hall of Fame player could help improve the Oilers' goals-against average, which has been a weakness for the team this season.

The details

Kris Knoblauch cited his regular communication with Coffey since last summer as a key factor in bringing him back to the coaching staff. Coffey initially joined the Oilers' coaching staff at the start of the 2023-24 season and remained through the 2024-25 campaign. During that time, the Oilers had the fifth-best goals-against average in the league.

  • Coffey initially joined the Oilers' coaching staff at the start of the 2023-24 season.
  • Coffey remained on the Oilers' coaching staff through the 2024-25 season.
  • Coffey left the Oilers' coaching staff in July 2025 to become a Special Advisor to Ownership and Hockey Operations.
  • Coffey is now rejoining the Oilers' coaching staff as an assistant coach under Kris Knoblauch for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

The players

Paul Coffey

A Hall of Fame defenseman who is rejoining the Edmonton Oilers' coaching staff as an assistant coach under Kris Knoblauch.

Kris Knoblauch

The head coach of the Edmonton Oilers, who is bringing Paul Coffey back to the team's coaching staff.

Connor McDavid

The superstar forward for the Edmonton Oilers, who is currently representing Canada at the Olympic Games.

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What they’re saying

“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, Head Coach, Edmonton Oilers

“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

What’s next

The Oilers will return to action on February 25th, facing the Anaheim Ducks as they look to build momentum for another playoff run with Coffey back on the coaching staff.

The takeaway

Coffey's return to the Oilers' coaching staff is seen as a significant boost for the team as they look to improve their defensive play and make another deep playoff run. His Hall of Fame experience and expertise could be a valuable asset for the Oilers down the stretch.