Paul Coffey knows a thing or two about what it takes to play in the NHL, highlighted by winning four Stanley Cups, including three with the Edmonton Oilers. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004, he still holds the league record for most goals by a defenceman in the regular season and playoffs combined.
As such, when Kris Knoblauch took over as Oilers head coach last November, it made sense that Coffey would be asked to come on board as an assistant coach. Fortunately for everyone concerned, the 63-year-old accepted, and he played a key role in helping turn the team's season around and advancing all the way to the Stanley Cup Final.
One of the prime examples of Coffey's impact on the defence was the play of Evan Bouchard, who had a career year and set an NHL record with 26 assists during the playoffs. (Ironically surpassing the previous record held by Coffey.) Now, he's turned his attention to Darnell Nurse and been similarly successful.
A nightmare 2023-24 campaign
Nurse had a terrible season in 2023-25, particularly during the playoffs, where he proved to be a significant liability at times and ended up setting an unenviable record with the worst +/- rating in NHL postseason history. It didn't help that he was taking home an annual salary worth $9.25 million which was identified as one of the worst contacts in the NHL, especially when he isn't even part of the Oilers' top pairing.
In any event, after some early teething issues this season, the 29-year-old is now enjoying a bounce-back campaign and seems to be galvanised. He's on course to set career-bests in assists, total points and +/-rating, leads the team in blocks, and is second in hits.
While Nurse's talent has never been in doubt -- not that we're saying he's at a first-pairing quality level -- make no mistake about the influence of Coffey. This includes the three-time Norris Trophy winner speaking regularly with the struggling defenceman during the offseason.
Coffey discusses his impact on Nurse
Coffey went into more details about what was discussed, during an appearance on the Got Yer' Back podcast with fellow former Oilers' defenceman Jason Strudwick and TSN's Ryan Rishaug. He said:
"We've had a lot of long conversations. One good one in the summer, one prior to training camp. I promised to deliver him with a leadership role on the ice, but it came with a cost. I said if you want the ice time, you've got to play good."
Nurse has certainly embraced the guidance of Coffey, and the Oilers are now reaping the benefits of this. Coffey explained why, as he said:
"He is very comfortable right now and very confident. I think he's just very comfortable in his skin and in his game. I mean Darnell is an easy guy to coach, because you can get on at him and he either performs for you or he doesn't. ... and he has stepped up."
Coffey has long been a supporter of Nurse, but back then he wasn't as involved with the Oilers as he is now. The fans are undoubtedly grateful that he decided to join Knoblauch's coaching in general, and specifically help in the case of Nurse.
The 2013 seventh overall draft pick may never entirely justify his eight-year, $74 million extension, but at least he's now playing at a more acceptable level for the team. And it's all thanks to one of the top players in Oilers history and one of the NHL's best ever defencemen working his magic.