Sports History

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Paul Coffey's name is synonymous with offensive brilliance. With a smooth skating stride and a booming slap shot, he carved a unique path through NHL history, leaving a trail of highlight-reel goals and shattered records.

Coffey's journey began when he was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in 1980. He joined a young team brimming with talent, with Wayne Gretzky at the helm. Their offensive partnership became legendary, Coffey acting as the perfect complement to "The Great One's" playmaking ability. Coffey's offensive prowess was immediate. He won the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year in 1981, showcasing his exceptional offensive skills.

Throughout the 1980s, Coffey and Gretzky rewrote the NHL record books. Coffey became the first defenseman to score 100 points in a season (twice), a feat that wouldn't be replicated for over two decades. He won the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman three times, an impressive accomplishment for a player known primarily for his offensive contributions. His ability to join the rush and contribute offensively while maintaining a strong defensive presence made him a truly unique talent.

Beyond the Oilers, Coffey's career was marked by adaptability and continued offensive production. He played for eight different teams throughout his 21-season career, consistently putting up impressive point totals. He holds the record for most points by a defenseman (1,398) and remains the only defenseman to win the Art Ross Trophy for leading the league in scoring (1989-1990).

Coffey's impact transcended statistics. His electrifying style of play, with his powerful slap shot and end-to-end rushes, captivated fans. He was a four-time Stanley Cup champion, winning with the Edmonton Oilers (1984, 1985) and the Pittsburgh Penguins (1990, 1992).

Born June 1, 1961, in Weston, Ontario, was Hockey Hall of Fame Defenseman, Paul Coffey. The left-handed defender was takne as the 6th overall selection in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers. Beside Edmonton he played in the NHL wearing the colors of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Hartford Whalers, Philadelphia Flyers, Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, and Boston Bruins. A total of 21 years of NHL skating! Coffey is a four-time Stanley Cup champion (3 with the Oilers and 1 with Pittsburgh). He was an eight-time All-Star and the three-time Norris Award winner. His 1531 points ranks him second all-time for a defenseman in NHL history.

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HookedonHockey.com shares: 1996 - Coffey scored twice to become the highest goal-scoring defenseman;1984 - Oilers become 1st WHA merged team to win Cup. These posts and more are celebrated by Hooked on Hockey

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The top events on the ice for the date of May 18 are shared such as the Habs with their 17th Cup, a final hat collection for the Great One, the Canadiens streak is snapped, and more.