Chiarelli: Coffey brings defensive expertise to Oilers

Paul Coffey's resume speaks for itself - at least as far as Peter Chiarelli is concerned.

The former Edmonton Oilers blue-liner was hired by the club Sunday to be its new skills development coach, and while he doesn't have any experience in such a role, it's his knowledge of the game that attracted the Oilers.

"If your question is should a candidate have needed more coaching experience, I think Paul is an exception," Oilers general manager Chiarelli told reporters Sunday. "I think the way he looks at the game and he views the game is a real asset."

A key cog of the Gretzky-era Oilers, Coffey was a dynamic puck-mover who played seven seasons in Edmonton. While his career with the Oilers was relatively short, it was decorated, with three Stanley Cups and two Norris Trophies.

As skills development coach, Coffey will be tasked with working alongside the Oilers' up-and-coming players, particularly the bevy of talent on the back end.

That includes the likes of AHLers Caleb Jones and Ethan Bear, plus 2017 draft selection Dmitri Samorukov, among others.

Critics may suggest the organization is simply hiring another familiar name - ex-Oilers Wayne Gretzky, Craig MacTavish, and Kevin Lowe all have roles with the team - but Chiarelli insisted Coffey was chosen based on merit.

"I know prior to me coming in here there was talk of all of the old Oilers, but for me, this is a collaborative decision by myself and (coach) Todd (McLellan). We're not old Oilers," Chiarelli added.

"There are a lot of nuances to playing D and it's no accident that it takes D longer to mature ... I feel (Coffey) brings a level of expertise and insight into the game that will help our D and how our D play collectively."

Coffey has coached at the midget AAA and junior A levels in the Greater Toronto Hockey League and the Ontario Junior Hockey League, respectively.