There have been a lot of talks lately about Paul Coffey possibly coming back to the Oilers as a defense coach, but one source believes he might be a better choice as a General Manager.
Recent insider information shows mixed opinions about Coffey joining the Oilers coaching team. Bringing Coffey on board could be an easy way to make changes to the coaching group and try to bring back the success of the last two years, but it’s not a sure thing.
Oilers insider Jason Gregor has an interesting thought: if Coffey returns, it might mean the head coach has to be changed, so it’s possible he would be a better choice for General Manager instead.
I think we can both agree that Coffey coming back is unlikely. It would be strange. If he did come back, I believe it would require changing the head coach.
Looking ahead, if the team doesn’t achieve what it aims for in the next few years, I can see Paul Coffey being more fit for the General Manager role than coaching.
– Jason Gregor
It’s also worth noting that Gregor mentioned Coffey’s return would likely mean a change in head coach. Insider Elliotte Friedman pointed out that not everyone wants Coffey back, and previous reports suggest there was some tension between Coffey and Knoblauch, which may mean they don’t want to work together.
In a couple of seasons, if Stan Bowman can’t help the Oilers win a Stanley Cup, Coffey could be a strong candidate for General Manager. He is currently a special advisor to owner Daryl Katz, which would give him a good chance for that role.
That being said, whether Coffey should actually be hired as a GM is a different question. He’s 64 years old and doesn’t have any experience as a General Manager, and Oilers fans know how poorly the team has been managed in the past by the ‘old boys club. ’
Coffey added something special to the Oilers’ locker room and helped his defense players to perform at their best. He seems like a natural fit for the coaching staff now, but it appears unlikely that he will actually return.
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