Paul Coffey's powerful message to Darnell Nurse about his contract
Photo credit: Edmonton Journal
After a few weeks of volatility, the Edmonton Oilers are finally starting to resemble the team that went to game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Darnell Nurse, who's a polarizing figure on the team, has been a leading contributor to this epic turnaround.
Paul Coffey's hiring as an assistant coach for the Edmonton Oilers sparked some mixed reviews.
Some Oilers enthusiasts though it was a great move, while others believed it was just another way to keep the "old boys club" relevant.
Fast forward to now, Paul Coffey's impact on the team's defensive core has been substantial -- particularly with Darnell Nurse.
Paul Coffey had a big message for Darnell Nurse when they first met
"I promised to deliver him a leadership role on the ice," Coffey said to Ryan Rishaug in an interview for the TSN journalist's Got Yer Back podcast. "But it came with a cost. You want the ice time? You've got to play good."
-Paul Coffey
-Paul Coffey
And Darnell Nurse obviously took that message to heart.
Paul Coffey's conviction in Darnell Nurse actually dates back to before he was even considered for a coaching position.
"The first thing I said to him three or four years ago," Coffey revealed, "I didn't even have the position as coach I said, 'do you know why you're making nine and a quarter? Cause you deserve it. You've earned it, so don't worry about it.
-Paul Coffey
-Paul Coffey
"There's nothing offensively you can do on the ice to earn that nine and a quarter," Coffey explained. "But if you keep playing as an all-around defenseman, you are going to surpass that three or four times over.
"And he's done that."
-Paul Coffey
"And he's done that."
-Paul Coffey
Paul Coffey's belief in Darnell Nurse's ability speaks to the kind of person and coach he is.
According to the Hockey News, this is incredibly high praise from one of the best defenders to ever play in the NHL. Coffey has records that still stand today. He's experienced his own ridicule and pressure from media and fans alike.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 18 | 333 ANSWERS Paul Coffey's powerful message to Darnell Nurse about his contract Do you think Paul Coffey is the best defence coach in the NHL | ||
| Yes | 262 | 78.7 % |
| No | 71 | 21.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
MUST READ
TRENDING NOW
