Paul Coffey returns to Oilers: 3 strange things about the move

The Edmonton Oilers made a notable move this week Bringing Paul Coffey back to the coaching staff. For a franchise steeped in history and star power, a lot of questions arose.

First, why now? Second, what does Coffey bring? And third, how will this shake up the Oilers’ current coaching staff? On paper, it seems like the organization admitted it needed Coffey’s experience and skills, but the details make the move feel more than a little strange.

Strange thing one: Coffey’s return was announced during overtime

First, there is the timing. Coffey’s return was announced midway through the match during an overtime tie. That’s right: the team drops a press release as players compete on the ice. You rarely see front office moves revealed while the puck is still moving, and it sends a strange message about priorities.

Is it a declaration of urgency, or just a baffling PR choice? Either way, it’s not your typical hockey announcement. The Oilers have a habit of doing this. They announced the signing of Jack Roslovic during the first period of the opening game of the regular season. The Coffey news came at about the strangest time ever.

Strange thing two: head coach Kris Knoblauch isn’t getting fired

Second, the coaching dynamic is unusual. Kris Knoblauch, the current head coach, will not be fired. Coffey doesn’t take over; he is added to the staff. So now you have a Hall of Famer walking into a room where someone else is running the show, with potentially overlapping responsibilities on defense.

Knoblauch has confirmed that Mark Stuart will no longer handle blueline duties, with Coffey stepping in. Stuart will provide input. All the while, Coffey remains the eyes and ears of owner Daryl Katz. Whatever is wrong with the coaching, from whatever aspect, Coffey will be sure to pass on that information.

There is already a subtle tension. No one is openly clashing, but the optics of a coaching room with an “added” legend are, well, strange.

Strange thing three: Coffey is back after Draisaitl’s criticism

Third, the context of the decision raises eyebrows. Coffey left the organization but is now back because the team wanted a shake-up and perhaps to make the players understand what is at stake. After Draisaitl publicly suggested the coaching staff could do a better job, it appears the Oilers quietly asked Coffey to return.

This comes after McDavid said last year’s Finals loss showed the Oilers were guilty of doing the same thing over and over again, expecting it to somehow work.

But it’s not every day that a former player is quietly asked to come back mid-season to “help steer the ship.” It’s a mix of symbolism, authority and perhaps a dose of desperation.

Bottom line: with Coffey Back, what about Knoblauch?

What does Coffey’s return mean for Knoblauch? The man certainly has credibility, but if the team slips up again, people will start to wonder who is really in charge. For fans, it makes watching the Oilers a little more intriguing — and perhaps a little tense.

Related: Oilers Shake Up Blue Line With Regula Loan, Coffey’s Return to Bench