There’s something about seeing a Hall of Famer walk back into your locker room that changes the atmosphere. Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm couldn’t hide his excitement when talking about Paul Coffey’s return as an assistant coach. And honestly, it’s not just nostalgia, it might even matter.
Coffey never left the team, just the Oilers’ Bench
Coffey never really left the scene. He has been hanging out with the team, giving advice and joining the conversation. But now, with a full-time coaching role, he is an injection of energy, according to Ekholm. And that energy is not just hype. Coffey brings a perspective that few people on this planet have. He sees the game differently, anticipates plays before they happen, and can communicate this in a way that players actually absorb.
Ekholm was clear: Coffey’s value isn’t just on the bench during games. He’s there off the ice, during film sessions, during daily preparation. He reminds players of the details that matter: positioning, timing, making the simple plays count. In a grueling season where the Oilers have to play nearly four games a week, that kind of focused, calm guidance is invaluable.
The Oilers have lost a bit of their defensive edge. Can Coffey help get it back?
And Ekholm suggested the Oilers have lost a bit of their defensive edge recently. Coffey will not “reinvent the wheel.” Still, his personality, presence and insight can help the team find its edge. He could become a reset for their attention to detail, allowing players to mentally anticipate each shift. That’s the kind of leadership that separates playoff teams from those that don’t.
The real question: Can Coffey change the defense simply by being there? Ekholm thinks so. It’s not magic: just years of experience, focus on details and a culture he has lived himself. Now the players can take it in, team by team.
If the oil companies can integrate Coffey’s insights, it would help
If the Oilers can integrate Coffey’s perspective, stay disciplined and push the pace without exposing themselves, this could be the stretch run that changes the narrative of their season. And maybe, just maybe, seeing a Hall of Famer not just talk the talk, but teach the nuances of defense will help Edmonton turn the grind of a long schedule into a real opportunity to dominate down the stretch.
Related: Oilers Shake Up Blue Line With Regula Loan, Coffey’s Return to Bench
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