In a stunning and emotional twist that has sent shockwaves through the hockey world, Wayne Gretzky—often referred to simply as “The Great One”—has officially returned to the Edmonton Oilers organization, this time not as a player, but as a Senior Coaching Advisor.
The announcement was made during a press conference at Rogers Place earlier today, with fans, media, and former players in attendance. The moment was electric, as the news reverberated through the arena and the broader NHL community.
“Today, we welcome home the greatest to ever play the game,” said Oilers general manager Ken Holland. “Wayne Gretzky is not just a legend of the Oilers—he is a living embodiment of hockey excellence. His return to this organization marks the beginning of a new era for our team.”
A Roaring Welcome at Rogers Place
Even before the press conference began, the atmosphere at Rogers Place felt more like a playoff night than a mid-summer announcement. Hundreds of fans lined up outside the arena as early as 6 a.m., many wearing vintage Oilers jerseys with Gretzky’s iconic No. 99 stitched across the back. Chants of “Wayne! Wayne! Wayne!” echoed through the building as the news spread.
The Oilers’ official social media channels added to the buzz with a cryptic teaser post just hours earlier, showing an old Oilers jersey hanging in a locker with the caption: “He’s coming home.”
When Gretzky finally walked onto the stage wearing a navy blue Oilers jacket and a beaming smile, the audience erupted in applause. Some fans were visibly emotional.
“This is where my heart has always been,” Gretzky said. “The Oilers are family, Edmonton is home, and the fans have always held a special place in my life. I’m honored and excited to help guide this incredible group of young men toward something great.”
A Legendary Career Comes Full Circle
Gretzky, now 64, played the first ten seasons of his NHL career with the Edmonton Oilers, from 1979 to 1988. During that time, he led the team to four Stanley Cup championships (1984, 1985, 1987, and 1988), won an astounding eight Hart Trophies as the league’s MVP, and set countless records—many of which still stand today.
While he later played for the Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers, his identity has always been most closely tied to Edmonton, where he elevated the Oilers from a WHA expansion team to one of the NHL’s greatest dynasties.
After retiring in 1999, Gretzky remained active in the hockey world, including a stint as head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes and serving as Vice Chairman of the Oilers’ parent company in the early 2020s. He also worked as a broadcaster for TNT, earning praise for his insight and calm demeanor.
But today’s announcement marks his most hands-on return to the bench since stepping away from coaching over a decade ago.
The Role: What Does ‘Senior Coaching Advisor’ Mean?
According to Oilers GM Ken Holland, Gretzky’s new role will be a hybrid between mentorship, strategic oversight, and on-ice collaboration. He will work directly with head coach Kris Knoblauch, as well as the assistant coaching staff, to provide insight on offensive strategy, player development, and leadership cultivation.
“He won’t be behind the bench every game, but he’ll be in the locker room, at practices, on the phone—deeply involved,” said Holland. “We’re building something special here, and having Wayne’s voice guiding the process is like adding rocket fuel to the engine.”
Gretzky clarified his role, noting that he’s not interested in replacing anyone or altering team chemistry.
“I’m here to help, to mentor, to support,” he said. “These young players are incredibly talented. My job is to help them unlock their full potential—both mentally and physically.”
Player Reactions: “It’s a Dream Come True”
The Oilers locker room, already stacked with star power in the form of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and rising talents like Dylan Holloway and Evan Bouchard, was abuzz following the announcement.
Connor McDavid, who has often been compared to Gretzky for his speed and playmaking abilities, was nearly speechless.
“Wayne Gretzky is the reason a lot of us picked up a hockey stick in the first place,” McDavid said. “To have him here, in the room, on the ice—it’s surreal. You couldn’t ask for a better mentor.”
Leon Draisaitl echoed the sentiment: “This is not just huge for us as a team, it’s huge for the city. The respect we all have for him is immeasurable.”
Fan Frenzy: Tickets, Merch, and Nostalgia
Within minutes of the announcement, the Oilers’ website experienced a traffic surge that briefly crashed the ticketing portal. Sales for the upcoming preseason and regular-season games spiked dramatically, with particular demand for the home opener, which many believe will include a special ceremony for Gretzky.
Merchandise sales have also skyrocketed. The team launched a limited-edition “Gretzky Returns” collection featuring retro-themed apparel, and by midday, most items were sold out both online and at the arena store.
“I’ve been an Oilers fan since I was 6,” said 42-year-old Edmonton native Dana McAllister, holding a brand-new Gretzky bobblehead. “This is like reliving the magic of the ’80s, but in 2025. I never thought I’d see this day.”
A Boost of Confidence for a Team on the Brink
The Oilers are coming off a strong 2024–25 campaign that saw them reach the Western Conference Finals, only to fall short in a tightly contested seven-game series against the Colorado Avalanche. With McDavid and Draisaitl still in their prime, and the supporting cast growing stronger, many analysts believe the team is on the cusp of a Stanley Cup run.
Adding Gretzky to the brain trust might just be the spark needed to push them over the top.
“Having Wayne around, especially during the pressure-filled parts of the season, will be an invaluable asset,” said head coach Kris Knoblauch. “He knows what it takes to win. That kind of experience is impossible to replicate.”
Looking Ahead: Could This Be the Year?
Only time will tell whether Gretzky’s return will yield immediate on-ice success. But one thing is clear: the spirit of the Oilers’ dynasty years has been reignited.
As fans filed out of Rogers Place today, many were smiling, hugging, and snapping selfies with Gretzky murals. For a franchise steeped in history and longing for its next banner, this moment represents more than nostalgia—it represents hope.
“People talk about dynasties, about the golden age of hockey,” said longtime fan Mike LaCroix, standing near the famous Gretzky statue outside the arena. “But who says the golden age is over? May
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