Rumours heating up around coaching change in Edmonton
Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Per a new report from NHL analyst Frank Seravalli, the Edmonton Oilers could potentially be thinking of making a change behind the bench.
The Edmonton Oilers have been the Western Conference champions in each of the last two years, but they've fallen short on both occasions to the Florida Panthers.
Right now, they're second overall in the Pacific division behind only the Vegas Golden Knights, but even so, they could potentially be thinking of making a change in leadership.
After their last loss to the divisional foe Calgary Flames, Leon Draisaitl put the entire team on blast for their effort.
Per a new report from NHL analyst Frank Seravalli, the Oilers could be considering a coaching change that would bring back former Edmonton defensive legend Paul Coffey back behind the bench.
I think it’s a very strong possibility that they do make a change to their coaching staff and that Paul Coffey is brought back to run the defence. I think that’s something they’re examining and talking about right now. The break is sort of that perfect time to make that change. - Frank Seravalli
Additionally, NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman hinted that Coffey could come back, but also expressed some doubt.
[Coffey] brings an edge they could use. I asked about this earlier in the season and was told no. Does everyone involved really want that? - Elliotte Friedman
Coffey was part of the Oilers staff, but left after last season, and the Edmonton defense is allowing nearly a full additional goal per game since his departure.
Paul Coffey Left The Oilers After Last Season
Right now, the Oilers are 26th overall in the NHL in terms of goals against, and have allowed nearly a full additional goal per game since Coffey left. He was also reportedly angered by the trade of Evander Kane to the divisional foe Vancouver Canucks.
There were rumours that head coach Kris Knoblauch and Coffey did not get along with one another, but with how things have gone defensively for the Oilers this year, it wouldn't be surprising to see him come back to help shore up the defense try and make a run toward the Stanley Cup Final again.
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