Can Evan Bouchard continue to grow without Paul Coffey on the Oilers bench? – Hockey Writer – Edmonton Oiler

Last season, the Edmonton Oilers’ defense not only played stably, but also helped with the offense. From the offensive game of Evan Bouchard to the steady production of veterans like Darnell Nurse and Mattias Ekholm, the Blue Line fired on all cylinders.

But this fall, there is a big change: Paul Coffey is no longer behind the bench. He is still part of the organization, but he went upstairs to take on a consulting role. No more hands-on coaching. There is no longer any chat in the game, which raises a big problem entering 2025-26.

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Can their defensive abilities, especially Bouchard, continue to push the pace without Coffey’s voice?

Paul Coffey actually changed the Oilers

When Coffey joined the coaching staff in the 2023-24 season, many people wondered what he would do. Of course, he is in the Hall of Fame, but he hasn’t coached at this level. He did not bring a detailed script.

It turns out that he doesn’t need one. Coffey’s focus has reduced structure and focused more on instinct, but rather on allowing his defenders to play rather than just survive in the transition. He encouraged them to jump into a hurry, carry the puck with confidence, and trust their skills. It works.

Here’s the proof: Bouchard exploded into one of the most productive Blue Line stores in the league. Ekholm and the nurses play more aggressive hockey. Even players like Brett Kulak and Ty Emberson look clearer and more confident.

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Coffey even made some small cultural changes – noticing that he sat all the defenders in the locker room for communication: subtle moves, influential leadership. By the end of the season, the Oilers’ defense is one of the most active and dangerous groups in the NHL. This is no coincidence. This has a lot to do with Cofi’s coach.

Bouchard and the Oiler’s Numbers tell the story

Here are some tangible results: Bouchard in 2024-25 put in 14 goals, 53 assists and 67 points (game scored in the 82-point 2023-24 season). Additionally, he added 23 points in 22 playoff games (after 32 points in the 2024 playoffs).

Aside from a lot of time, these numbers back up what Oilers fans already know: Bouchard is not only good, but a differentiated person. And he didn’t slow down. Edmonton locked him in a four-year, $42 million contract this summer. He is the host of the Oil Man defense for the foreseeable future.

So…what is the plan of the Oil Man now?

Coffey is not in daily situations. Mark Stuart replaced him and took over the defense team. Stuart has been working on the crew last season and works closely with Coffey, so there is some built-in continuity. Paul McFarland (known for his powerful work) and Conor Allen (player development and skills) joined him.

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It’s a different combination – perhaps more traditional, and the effect of this transformation will be important. Will Stuart and Company retain the creative edges that Coffey brings? Or will things tighten?

The oiler’s blue line can be used in three ways

The blue line of the Oil Man can be carried out in three ways. First, they took another step forward. Maybe new employees can be built on the basis of Coffey’s start. Stuart keeps the green lights, McFarland fine-tunes the power game, and Bouchard is taking the lead again. If a defensive player like Emberson or Jake Walman is surprised, this is probably the top five defense.

Second, the Oilers’ defensive legion may remain stable. There is no dramatic change, but the tone remains loose but smart. Bouchard plays his own game, the veterinarians will work, and the Oilers get a strong year from the back end. Not flashy, but enough to win.

Finally, the oiler’s blue line can take a step back. Here’s the question of concern: without Coffey’s constant push to “make a game”, the defense could be delinquent on safer, more passive hockey. This may be edited, especially from the lower half of the lineup. Bouchard may still shine, but the overall impact may decrease.

Why did the Oilers’ Blue Line successfully return to Boushad

The Oilers know what they have in second place. He is reliable – played every game last season, missing only two in the past four years. He is very effective. He moved the hockey like everyone else. He can shoot, during. Finally, Bouchard is trusted and excelled in every situation. He is an elite.

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Busard is the Oilers’ best defender – even their most important skater, and there is no name for Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. If he keeps improving, the entire blue line should follow his lead.

The last question: Without Kofi, is the spark still there?

Coffey helped unlock something in his group: freedom of creation, confidence in trusting instincts, that defense doesn’t have to mean the idea of ​​hitting on the heels. Now, the oiler must prove that Spark is not a fast flash, but the beginning of lasting identity. If the new coaching staff respects effective methods and keeps the room on the toes, there is no reason defense can’t continue to be high. But if the situation is conservative – if the risk is hesitantly replaced, the offense from the back end may disappear quickly.

So no, it’s not just “missing Coffey”. This is about whether this oilman’s blue line breakout has endurance. The answer to this crucial question is that fans of the Oilers will soon find out.