The Edmonton Oilers entered the 2026 Winter Olympic break in the midst of what felt like a climax. Throughout the season, the club has experienced many issues and the team, namely general manager Stan Bowman, has navigated the rough waters well.
When the team needed to make changes in net, he swapped out his goaltending tandem. He has tried many different things to upgrade the depth scoring of the team, even reportedly showing a willingness to move on from Andrew Mangiapane. Unfortunately, one issue that has plagued the Oilers and continues to, is the defensive breakdowns.
This has led fans and media to speculate on the Oilers potential moves behind the bench. Some fans want them to fire everybody, while many media members have thrown out the suggestion and subtle hint that the Oilers could bring back former assistant coach Paul Coffey.
Recent reports from Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman in his 32 thoughts blog seemed to pour cold water on those rumours. However, another NHL insider Frank Seravalli has suggested that the Oilers rehiring Coffey is an avenue they could explore.
Are the Oilers hiring Paul Coffey or not?
In his 32 Thoughts blog, Friedman made a lot of interesting comments. One of his was about Coffey's rumoured return to the Oilers bench saying "I’m not sure if he’s talking about preparation or energy, but it’s led to local speculation the team will put Paul Coffey back on the bench. He brings an edge they could use. I asked about this earlier in the season, and was told no. Does everyone involved really want that?"
It is not surprising that earlier in the year, the Oilers were unwilling to bring Coffey back. The team just kicked him upstairs over the summer. Now given the significant downturn in their play away from the puck recently, it must be considered more serious.
In saying that, the final line of Friedman's statement is the one that truly sticks out. Him questioning if "everyone involved" really wants that, is ambiguous but reading the tea leaves, it lines up with reports that there were rifts behind the Oilers bench last season. As well, the point from earlier in the year that the Oilers brass may not want to undo a change they made so quickly, admitting defeat.
On the other side of the coin, NHL insider Frank Seravalli on the Big Show with Rusic and Rose suggests that the Oilers may actually make the change. Seravalli says; "I think there is a very strong possibility that they [Oilers] do make a change to their coaching staff and that Paul Coffey is brought back to run the defence."
He cites that the Oilers may take time to assess the situation over the Olympic break and says that the defence "hasn't been the same as it was... The last couple years when Coffey was on the bench."
At this point, it is a game of he said and he said so we will have to see how things play out. One thing is clear based on the fan reaction and even Leon Draisaitl's postgame comments heading into the break, change has to come. Whether that be through Kris Knoblauch being fired, the Oilers adding another voice to their bench, or moves being made at the deadline, there simply must be change. The Oilers Stanley Cup aspirations depend on it.