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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Sports Desk • Hockey

Paul Coffey

Paul Coffey is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman known for his speed, offensive production, and puck-moving ability.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Paul Coffey is a Canadian former NHL defenceman whose speed and offensive skill changed how defencemen play the game. He ranks second all-time among NHL defencemen in career points.

What it is

Paul Coffey played 21 NHL seasons from 1980 to 2000, suiting up for nine teams. He was drafted sixth overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 1980 and quickly became one of the most dynamic defencemen of his era.

Why it matters

Coffey's skating and puck-moving ability redefined the role of a defenceman. He won the Norris Trophy three times and holds the single-season record for goals by a defenceman (48 in 1985–86). His four Stanley Cups and 1,531 career points cemented his legacy.

Key details

Coffey scored 396 goals and 1,135 assists in 1,409 regular-season games. He won three of his four Cups with Edmonton and one with Pittsburgh. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004 in his first year of eligibility.

In short

  • Second all-time among NHL defencemen in points, behind Ray Bourque.
  • Only defenceman to score 48 goals in a season.
  • Won four Stanley Cups and three Norris Trophies.
  • Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004.
Canadian angle

Coffey was born in Ontario and played for Team Canada in international competition, including Canada Cup gold medals in 1984, 1987, and 1991.

Quick questions

Who is Paul Coffey?
Paul Coffey is a Canadian former NHL defenceman known for his offensive production, skating ability, and four Stanley Cup championships.
How many points did Paul Coffey score in the NHL?
He finished his NHL career with 1,531 points, including 396 goals and 1,135 assists.
What records is Paul Coffey known for?
He holds the NHL record for most goals by a defenceman in a single season, with 48 in 1985–86.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Coffey
    Supports: Basic biography, NHL career span, teams, career totals, and Stanley Cup wins.
  2. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/oilers/team/paul-coffey
    Supports: Career achievements, records, awards, Hall of Fame induction, and current role with the Edmonton Oilers.
  3. Hockey Hall of Fame — https://www.hhof.com/induction_archives/ind04coffeyx.shtml
    Supports: Birthplace, draft history, career totals, and Hall of Fame induction.
  4. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/news/paul-coffey-100-greatest-nhl-players-285170776
    Supports: Career statistics and record for goals by a defenceman.
  5. Elite Prospects — https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/21321/paul-coffey
    Supports: Position, birthplace, draft position, and career summary.