BREAKING NEWS: Excitements Hit Rogers Place Stadium as former Edmonton Oilers legend Wayne Gretzky, has Returned to his former team as a senior coaching…see more

In what is being hailed as one of the most emotionally charged and inspiring homecomings in hockey history, Wayne Gretzky, “The Great One” himself, is officially returning to the Edmonton Oilers — not as a player, but in a pivotal role that could help shape the next era of Oilers hockey.

The Edmonton Oilers organization announced early Thursday morning that Gretzky, the franchise’s most iconic figure and the NHL’s all-time leading scorer, has accepted the position of Senior Coaching Advisor. The announcement was made at a packed press conference inside Rogers Place, where fans, media, and current players gave Gretzky a standing ovation as he took the podium in a navy blue Oilers blazer.

An Emotional Return for Hockey’s Greatest Icon

“I can’t tell you how much it means to be back in this building, this city, with this team,” Gretzky said, his voice cracking with emotion. “This is home. Edmonton gave me my start. We made magic here. Now I want to help create a new chapter of greatness with this generation of Oilers.”

The new role will see Gretzky work directly with the coaching staff, including Head Coach Kris Knoblauch, offering strategic insights, mentorship, and development guidance for players across the organization. While not a bench coach in the traditional sense, sources close to the team say Gretzky will have “a visible and influential presence” in practices, team meetings, and even during select road trips.

Oilers’ Front Office: “This Is Bigger Than Hockey”

Oilers GM Ken Holland, visibly energized by the announcement, described the hire as “a monumental moment for the franchise.”

“When you talk about culture, identity, leadership — Wayne embodies all of that,” Holland said. “We’ve got one of the most talented rosters in the league. But to go from great to elite, sometimes you need that spark, that voice, that standard-bearer. Nobody sets a higher standard than Wayne Gretzky.”

The decision comes at a critical time for the Oilers, who are coming off a heart-wrenching exit in the 2025 Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars — their second consecutive year falling just short of the Stanley Cup Final. With superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl entering their prime years and a talented supporting cast around them, the organization is clearly making an all-in push for a championship.

Gretzky’s Influence Already Felt

Gretzky, now 64, has spent the last few years as an analyst for TNT’s NHL coverage, where he quickly became a fan favorite for his humility, humor, and deep insight into the modern game. While he’s had previous stints in management, including a run as head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes from 2005 to 2009 and as Vice Chairman of the Oilers from 2016 to 2018, this role is expected to bring him closer to the on-ice product than he’s been in over a decade.

“This is not ceremonial,” Holland emphasized. “Wayne’s going to be in the room, in the film sessions, and on the practice ice. He’s here to win.”

Already, reports from Oilers practice facilities suggest that players were buzzing over the news.

McDavid: “It’s Like a Dream”

Team captain Connor McDavid, who has often been compared to Gretzky for his dazzling skill and record-breaking pace, couldn’t hide his excitement.

“To have the greatest player of all time back with us, sharing his wisdom and passion — it’s like a dream for all of us,” McDavid told reporters. “We’ve had a lot of great voices in the room over the years, but this is different. This is Wayne. You don’t get bigger than that.”

McDavid and Gretzky have maintained a friendly relationship over the years, often seen at NHL events together. But insiders say the connection deepened after the Oilers’ playoff exit this spring, when Gretzky reached out to offer support and advice — a conversation that eventually sparked his interest in returning.

Fans Flood Rogers Place with Support

News of Gretzky’s return spread like wildfire across Edmonton, with fans gathering outside Rogers Place holding homemade signs and wearing vintage #99 jerseys.

“I never thought I’d see the day Wayne came back in this kind of role,” said Oilers season ticket holder Mark Hillier. “We’ve been so close to another Cup. Maybe this is the missing piece — the magic we’ve been needing.”

Social media also erupted with messages of excitement and nostalgia. The Oilers’ official announcement post on X (formerly Twitter) reached over 1 million views in the first hour, with hockey personalities and celebrities chiming in with congratulatory messages.

Former Oilers teammate Mark Messier commented: “Welcome home, 99. Edmonton just got a whole lot smarter.”

A Full-Circle Moment

Wayne Gretzky’s legacy in Edmonton is the stuff of legend. From 1979 to 1988, he led the Oilers to four Stanley Cups, shattered nearly every offensive record in the sport, and helped transform Edmonton from a WHA afterthought into the epicenter of hockey excellence. His 215-point season in 1985–86 remains untouched nearly 40 years later.

When asked how it felt to be back in the city where he became a household name, Gretzky smiled.

“This city raised me. I was a kid when I got here. The people, the fans, they believed in me before I believed in myself. I owe Edmonton everything. Now I want to give back.”

Looking Ahead: Can the Oilers Finally Lift the Cup Again?

With Gretzky now in the mix, expectations for the 2025–2026 Oilers will be sky-high. The team has already retained key pieces during free agency and made a significant trade for veteran defenseman Jakob Chychrun, bolstering their blue line.

But more than talent, it’s belief — and belief is something Gretzky brings in spades.

“This group is ready,” Gretzky said. “Connor, Leon, Nuge, Hyman, Ekholm — they’re warriors. They just need that final push. If I can help in any way, I’m all in.”

Coach Knoblauch echoed the sentiment: “Having Wayne around is going to elevate everyone’s game — players, staff, even myself. There’s no ego here. Just a commitment to winning.”

Final Thoughts: A City Reignited

As the press conference concluded, Gretzky stepped down from the podium and waved to a cheering crowd of fans watching from the concourse monitors. Rogers Place, usually quiet in the summer, felt like Game 7 of the playoffs.

In many ways, this isn’t just a sports story. It’s about legacy, loyalty, and a legend coming full circle. Edmonton gave Wayne Gretzky to the world — and now, in their quest to reclaim hockey’s greatest prize, he’s giving something back.

Let the new era begin.