BLOG: Calmness & communication key traits among new Oilers coaches

Montréal, AB – The players who will gain the most from the experiences, ideas, and individual approaches of the Edmonton Oilers’ two newest coaches will recognize similarities in their coaching styles even though they arrived in Oil Country via different paths.

With Coffey in charge of the team’s defense, Head Coach Kris Knoblauch and Assistant Coach Paul Coffey conducted their first full practice at the Downtown Community Arena on Tuesday afternoon. With Coffey leading the charge, they started setting the groundwork for how they hope to see the Oilers play.

Montréal, AB – The players who will gain the most from the experiences, ideas, and individual approaches of the Edmonton Oilers’ two newest coaches will recognize similarities in their coaching styles even though they arrived in Oil Country via different paths.

With Coffey in charge of the team’s defense, Head Coach Kris Knoblauch and Assistant Coach Paul Coffey conducted their first full practice at the Downtown Community Arena on Tuesday afternoon. With Coffey leading the charge, they started setting the groundwork for how they hope to see the Oilers play.

Foegele remarked, “I think what stands out is just how calm he is and his approach to handling players.” It’s a breeze to talk to him. Everyone is aware of their part. An exceptionally intelligent man. Sure, it will take some time, but I believe we’ll be okay.

“He exudes such serenity. He can communicate very well. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to play with him in Erie, so I’ve seen his abilities firsthand. Guys will probably get used to him quickly because I’ve had success with him in the past.

Brown mentioned Knoblauch’s composure and experience as a head coach from his two seasons as the bench boss in Erie, highlighting the fact that the two qualities taken together can help him thrive in an NHL market such as Edmonton and bring out the best in the Oilers players.

Calm and intelligent, I’d say. He’s strategic. He doesn’t take any actions driven by fear. Everything is well-planned and detailed, according to Brown.

He’s just such a people person that, with his composure and general demeanor, he helps you deal with what is an extremely emotional game. Being here, competing in this market, and trying to be a Stanley Cup contender will benefit me much, in my opinion, but that kind of presence will be

A four-time Cup winner, three-time Norris Trophy winner, Hall of Famer, and one of the greatest defensemen of all time, Coffey discussed his love for the Oilers defensemen during Sunday’s press conference. However, he also mentioned the need for them to play more consistently.

In order to improve his blueline’s efficiency, the assistant coach of the Oilers keeps a constant line of communication open with his players during practices and games. Having spent many years with the team, he already knows a great deal about each defenseman.

“He was really talkative. He was really direct and as soon as he saw something, he was vocal about it,” Ekholm said of Coffey’s first game on the bench on Monday.

Coffey’s communication can come in different ways depending on the player, and that’s a benefit for him and his defencemen as he continues to understand which methods will be best depending on the player.

“I think he sees it right away and he communicates right away, which is a great thing,” Ekholm said. “We talked about it this morning. It’s like he learns from us how we react and how we want [feedback].

“It’s always a feel-out process, and I feel like when you have former players, they know that process and they can see in you if you want – that direct style or if you want to kind of hang on to it and talk tomorrow. I’m sure he’ll handle every guy differently and as we go.”