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Can Paul Coffey Solve the Oilers’ Defensive Shortcomings?

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Nate Duffett | Last updated Feb 18, 2026 5:26 PM ET

Imagine signing Connor McDavid to an extension under the guise of putting him in the best position to win a Stanley Cup and not doing everything you can to make it a reality. Edmonton Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman attempted to do that by trading for Tristan Jarry, but the team has still been unable to keep the puck out of the net. The next logical step was to fix the Oilers’ defense, which is what recently re-hired assistant coach Paul Coffey hopes to do.

Coffey was the Oilers’ defense coach for the past two seasons, during which he helped lead the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances. However, instead of continuing those duties, he returned to his old role of Special Advisor to Ownership and Hockey Operations in July.

The Oilers allowed 2.78 goals per game during Coffey’s tenure behind the bench. They were one of the stingiest teams over that span, regardless of how some may have felt about Stuart Skinner‘s job as the starting goaltender. Nevertheless, with Skinner traded earlier this season, the Oilers are now seventh-worst in the league, allowing 3.29 goals per game. It shows that there is more to the team’s struggles than goaltending alone.

Edmonton hopes that Coffey will bring some success back to the blueline. It isn’t just bad luck for the Oilers that they’ve been poorer this season without the defense coach running things. They also sit fifth-worst in the league with 2.73 expected goals allowed per 60. The team wasn’t a defensive juggernaut by advanced metrics last season, but they were in the middle of the pack with just 2.37 expected goals allowed per 60, and they posted a 2.40 mark in the 2023-24 season.

Will Paul Coffey Turn the Team into a Stanley Cup Contender?

The Oilers are still in second in the Pacific Division, but most fans will tell you that the team feels a little different this season. A more reliable defensive structure will help fans sleep better at night, and if Coffey can return the team’s metrics to last season’s levels, they’d be near the top of the league.

Coffey returning and reinvigorating the defense seems like a great idea for the Oilers. However, Tom Gazzola reports that it isn’t a popular move among some members of the coaching staff and that Darryl Katz may have taken the lead on the decision.

If the Oilers’ defense turns it around, the coaching staff might warm up to the idea of Coffey being back behind the bench. While some of it falls on the defense and coach’s shoulders, they’ll also need better goaltending than Jarry’s 3.64 goals-against average and .870 save percentage.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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