CONGRATULATIONS: Edmonton Oilers Owners Officially Announce Wayne Gretzky’s Triumphant Return as General Manager in 2025, Teaming Up with Head Coach Kris Knoblauch for a Bold New Era
Edmonton, Alberta – July 8, 2025
In a stunning move that’s set the entire hockey world ablaze, the Edmonton Oilers ownership group has officially confirmed the return of the “Great One,” Wayne Gretzky, to the organization—this time as General Manager. The announcement, made this morning in a packed press conference at Rogers Place, marks a historic and emotional reunion between the NHL legend and the franchise where he etched his name into hockey immortality.
Gretzky, who last held an executive role with the Oilers as a partner and alternate governor in the early 2000s, will now assume full control of the team’s hockey operations. He will be working side by side with head coach Kris Knoblauch, a longtime confidant and respected tactician who led the Oilers to the 2024 Stanley Cup Final in a dramatic turnaround season.
“This is more than just coming home,” Gretzky told reporters. “It’s about finishing what we started. I love this team, I love this city, and I believe the best is yet to come.”
A Legendary Return
Wayne Gretzky’s name is synonymous with the Edmonton Oilers. From 1979 to 1988, he revolutionized the game of hockey and brought the city of Edmonton four Stanley Cup championships. His vision, grace, and leadership on the ice built the foundation of the Oilers dynasty and earned him a place as one of the greatest athletes in the history of sport.
Since retiring in 1999, Gretzky has remained involved in hockey in various capacities, including a stint as head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes and an executive role with the Oilers, as well as his work as a studio analyst. But his return to Edmonton in a GM capacity comes at a crucial and exciting moment for the franchise.
“We’re not just bringing back a legend,” said Oilers chairman Daryl Katz. “We’re bringing back a visionary. Someone who understands the DNA of this team and this city. Someone who knows what it takes to win.”
A Dynamic Partnership
Gretzky’s arrival signals a new era of synergy between the front office and coaching staff. Head coach Kris Knoblauch, who took over midseason in 2023-24 and led the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final, praised the move as “game-changing.”
“Wayne’s insight, experience, and winning mentality are going to push us to the next level,” Knoblauch said. “We’ve already started talking strategy, player development, and the kind of culture we want to build here. We’re on the same page.”
The Gretzky-Knoblauch duo blends generational hockey wisdom with modern coaching innovation. Together, they’re expected to focus on cultivating young talent, fortifying the team’s depth, and maximizing the prime years of superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Bold Moves Ahead
Sources close to the organization have indicated that Gretzky will waste no time making bold roster decisions. Already, he’s been in discussions with key scouts and player development staff. One priority: strengthening the team’s defense and finding the right veteran presence in the locker room to complement Edmonton’s explosive offense.
“There’s a lot of potential here,” Gretzky said. “But potential doesn’t win Cups—execution does. We’ve got to get hungry, stay humble, and build a team that’s relentless.”
Fans are already buzzing about the possibility of Gretzky luring big-name free agents or engineering blockbuster trades to reshape the Oilers’ roster into a true championship powerhouse.
A City Reignited
The reaction across Edmonton has been electric. Within minutes of the announcement, social media exploded with excitement, and Rogers Place has already seen a spike in 2025-26 season ticket inquiries.
“He’s the heart and soul of Edmonton hockey,” said longtime fan Tara Nichols. “It feels like destiny.”
Downtown businesses are even planning a “Welcome Back, Wayne” festival in the Ice District, complete with murals, memorabilia exhibits, and public appearances.
“Wayne Gretzky is more than a hockey player—he’s a symbol of pride for this city,” Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said. “This moment will inspire not just hockey fans, but generations of Edmontonians.”
A Legacy in Motion
While expectations are sky-high, Gretzky isn’t one to shy away from pressure. His legacy as a player is untouchable, but he’s now writing a new chapter—one that could prove just as impactful in the front office.
“Every great story deserves a bold second act,” he said. “And this one’s just beginning.”
The Edmonton Oilers begin training camp this September under the guidance of one of the greatest minds in sports history. With Wayne Gretzky in the GM’s chair and Kris Knoblauch on the bench, the message is clear: the Oilers are all-in on chasing greatness—again.
One city. One team. One Great One.
Let the new era begin.