PUBLICATION
Hunter Bowman
February 18, 2026Â Â (1:03 PM)
Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Just when you thought the Edmonton Oilers were done tinkering, they drop a bomb from the past. Former Red Wings legend Paul Coffey is back behind the bench.
The Hall of Famer is officially returning to the Oilers’ coaching staff.
It’s a move that screams “unfinished business.” Coffey isn’t just a figurehead. We saw what he did with this blue line before.
Paul Coffey is returning to the #Oilers coaching staff.
He turned Evan Bouchard into a Norris contender overnight. He also gave Darnell Nurse his confidence back. He isn’t there to draw up neutral zone traps; he’s there to teach them how to attack, and let’s be honest, the timing is interesting.
Coffey had a stint with the team as an assistant in 2023-24, and the results spoke for themselves. The power play clicked. The transition game was lethal.
Former Red Wings legend Paul Coffey back behind the bench
During his NHL career, he played for the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Hartford Whalers, Philadelphia Flyers, Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, and Boston Bruins.
But now, the former Red Wing walks back into a room that knows him, respects him, and frankly, needs him.
Evan Bouchard, who is already having a monster season with 15 goals and 63 points in just 58 games, must be grinning ear to ear.
Coffey is the “Point God” whisperer. He sees the ice differently, and he translates that vision directly to the guys holding the sticks.
The Oilers are loading up. They aren’t just adding depth on the ice; they are adding royalty to the bench.
Maybe this will help propel the Oilers into winning a Stanley Cup Championship.
Previously on Detroit Hockey Insider
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A coaching change is announced and a Detroit Red Wings legend is back behind the bench
Will Paul Coffey’s return help the Edmonton Oilers secure a Stanley Cup Championship?