ACCEPTED DEAL: Kris Knoblauch, Current head coach of Edmonton Oilers, received a communication from former head coach Kevin Lowe who officially retired from his front office role with the Edmonton Oilers in August 2022, has makes a surprising Announcement that….. view more

In a surprising development in the world of the Edmonton Oilers, head coach Kris Knoblauch has reportedly received a direct communication from Kevin Lowe – the longtime franchise icon who retired from his front-office role in August 2022.

Background

Kevin Lowe, the Oilers’ first-ever draft pick (1979), a five-time Stanley Cup winner as a player with the team, and later a coach, general manager, vice-chair and alternate governor, officially stepped away from his executive roles on August 2, 2022, to transition into an ambassador role with the club.
Kris Knoblauch was appointed head coach for the Oilers later, guiding the club into back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances and securing a multi-year extension through the 2028-29 season.

The Unexpected Announcement

Sources reveal that Lowe reached out personally to Knoblauch in recent days, delivering an unexpected message: he will be returning to take on an advisory role with the organization — specifically to support the coaching staff and on-ice performance group. The move, though unofficially framed as “behind the scenes”, is being interpreted by many as a major shift in the Oilers’ internal structure.

What it Means for the Oilers

1. A vote of confidence in Knoblauch. Despite their change in leadership, Lowe’s involvement signals institutional support for Knoblauch’s tenure.
2. Deep experience returns. Lowe’s decades of knowledge and connection to the franchise could provide strategic advantages, especially in playoffs and culture-building.
3. Potential for tension or synergy. While Lowe will not displace Knoblauch, his presence may raise questions around clarity of roles, lines of authority, or may alternatively be a masterstroke in bringing together club tradition and modern coaching.
4. Signal of “go-for-it” mode for Edmonton. Leveraging a legend’s experience suggests the Oilers are doubling down on winning now, not just building for future seasons.

What to Watch

• Will the Oilers formally announce Lowe’s advisory role and outline his responsibilities?
• How will Knoblauch respond publicly to the move — will he welcome the help or clarify that he remains the decision-maker?
• What impact (if any) will this have on player relationships, especially with key stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and on the coaching staff structure?
• Can the addition of a franchise hockey-mind like Lowe accelerate the Oilers’ push to capture the Cup?

Concluding Thought

This development marks a fascinating intersection of franchise history and the present day. Kevin Lowe’s return to some advisory capacity — at least according to internal communications to Knoblauch — could be the missing piece the Oilers believe they need. For Knoblauch, it offers support but also a chance to reaffirm his position as head coach in charge. For fans and observers, it’s a sign that