Legends of Hockey

The Hockey Legacy of Paul Coffey

Born in Weston, Ontario, Paul Coffey's journey to hockey stardom began on the frozen ponds of his hometown, where his natural skating ability set him apart from his peers. His early years were marked by a relentless work ethic, often staying on the ice long after practices ended to refine his craft. Scouts quickly took notice of his rare combination of speed and hockey IQ, leading to his selection by the Edmonton Oilers in the 1980 NHL Draft. Little did they know, they were drafting a player who would redefine the role of a defenseman.

Coffey's career peaked during his time with the Oilers, where he formed an unstoppable trio with Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri. His 48-goal season in 1985-86 remains a record for defensemen, a testament to his offensive genius. One of his most iconic moments came in the 1985 Stanley Cup Finals, where his end-to-end rush and goal against the Philadelphia Flyers left the crowd breathless. Teammates often joked that trying to keep up with Coffey in practice was like chasing a ghost, his strides so smooth and effortless.

After leaving Edmonton, Coffey continued to excel with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings, adding two more Stanley Cups to his resume. His later years saw him mentor young players, sharing the wisdom he'd gained from years at the top. Even in retirement, Coffey's influence persists, as modern defensemen emulate his style of play. His number 77 hangs in the rafters in Edmonton, a permanent reminder of his impact on the game.

Paul Coffey