Edmonton Oilers finalize two major signings at practice following Olympics

The Edmonton Oilers have been practicing on the ice several times this past week and have made big changes to their defense and coaching team.

Paul Coffey is back as the defense coach, a role he was really good at for the last two seasons. The Oilers wanted to change how their defense works, and now Coffey will help put those changes into action.

Coach Knoblauch says that important adjustments are coming for their defense, and Paul Coffey is back with the coaching group during practices.

After taking a break for the Olympics, the Oilers had a short training camp to help players get used to the new defensive plans.

Coach Knoblauch stated that every player, except for McDavid and Draisaitl, now knows the new defense strategies.

I think it was a productive week. We had some key points to improve on.

 

“I thought they were really focused, I thought they worked really hard.”

Coach Knoblauch recaps the #Oilers practice week as they prepare to return to game action.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/vlLfGL8Dss

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) February 22, 2026

We made some changes to how our defense operates. I want to praise the players for their focus and hard work. Our practices were longer, and I found them very useful.

– Coach Knoblauch

 

Saturday at the DCA 💪 #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/vnJExrq86J

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) February 21, 2026

The Oilers really needed to change their defense since their performance has declined a lot since January 1st this year. They are currently among the bottom 10 teams in the NHL for goals allowed and penalty kills.

The second big change should help them apply these new defensive strategies better and improve results from the defense – Coach Paul Coffey is back in practice.
With a few adjustments in staff and game plans, the Oilers’ defense is expected to perform better after the Olympic break. Making a trade before the deadline in the coming week might also boost their defense, and the Oilers should be back in the running for the championship again this season.