Paul Coffey (born June 1, 1961) is a Canadian player legend who is one of the greatest defencemen ever. The three-time James Norris Memorial Trophy winner played over 20 years career in NHL and scored over 100 regular season points five times, which is an outstanding achievement for a defender. Coffey played in nine different teams during his lengthy NHL career. He is known for his good skating, excellent puck control and great shot. Coffey won four Stanley Cups during his career.

Sometimes it is too easy to forget, how important player Coffey was for Edmonton Oilers, but looking at his statistics tell the story: his impact in building the Oilers dynasty was huge and he was one of the most important players in the Oilers for years.

Early career

Paul Coffey started his NHL career in Edmonton Oilers, which drafted the prominent defenceman in 1980. For seven seasons he was a part of the Oilers franchise, which developed to be the dynasty of the NHL during the decade. He won three Stanley Cups with the Oilers and broke many records during his time in Edmonton: most goals, assists and points for a defenceman during play-offs and most goals for a defenceman during regular season. Coffey was traded to Pittsburgh Penguins after winning season of 1986-87.

Coffey played in Pittsburgh until 1992, when he was traded to Los Angeles Kings in the middle of the season. In Pittsburgh, Coffey recorded his 1000th regular season point in 1990. Moreover, he won his fourth Stanley Cup with the team in 1991. In Los Angeles, Coffey teamed again with Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri, the legendary duo during Edmonton Oilers heyday.

Later career

From LA Kings, Coffey was traded to Detroit Red Wings already during 1992-93 season. He had moderate success with the team and spent three and half season in the franchise. During his time in Detroit, Coffey was awarded his third Norris Trophy.

Coffey’s later career is known for some quick moves. He was traded to Hartford Whalers in 1996, but during 1996-97 season, another trade took place and for next one and a half season, Coffey was playing for Philadelphia Flyers. In 1997, Flyers made their way to the Stanley Cup finals, but they lost to Detroit Red Wings. However, Coffey’s play-offs were cut short because of concussion.

Coffey started his 1997-98 season in Chicago Blackhawks, but after only ten games with the team, the defenceman was traded to Carolina Hurricanes. Coffey played his last play-offs after 1998-99 season in Carolina. His final season in NHL was in 2000-01, which he spent with Boston Bruins. His NHL career consists of 1409 games, in which he scored phenomenal 1532 regular season points.

International career

Paul Coffey represented Canadian national team, which won Canada Cups in years 1984, 1987 and 1991. In 1984 Canada Cup, he was named in the all-star team of the tournament. Moreover, Coffey was in a team that won silver in 1996 World Cup. Coffey played a total of 43 games in national team.

Other interesting stuff

Paul Coffey played fourteen times in NHL All-star game. He is still 12th in NHL career points. Coffey was inducted in Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004.

Paul Coffey is a co-owner of the junior A team Pickering Panthers.