🏒 BREAKING NEWS: Wayne Gretzky Returns to Edmonton Oilers as Co-Owner in Monumental Franchise Moment
In a stunning and emotional development that is sending shockwaves across the hockey world, the Edmonton Oilers have officially announced that Wayne Gretzky, the legendary NHL center and the face of the franchise, is returning to the organization as a co-owner in 2025.
The announcement was made by the Katz family, longtime owners of the Oilers, who described the move as a “full-circle moment” for one of the greatest players in the history of hockey and the team that defined his legacy.
🔁 The Great One Comes Home
Wayne Gretzky, often referred to simply as “The Great One,” spent the most iconic years of his career with the Edmonton Oilers. He led the team to four Stanley Cup championships in the 1980s and remains the NHL’s all-time leader in goals, assists, and points—a record that still stands decades later.
Gretzky’s return in an ownership role is more than symbolic; it marks the reunion of the Oilers’ golden past with their ambitious future.
🧊 Katz Family Statement
“Wayne is more than a hockey legend—he is the soul of the Edmonton Oilers. His return as co-owner brings an unmatched hockey IQ, generational leadership, and an eternal bond with the fans who still chant his name,” said Daryl Katz.
💬 Gretzky Reacts
“The Oilers gave me everything. My career, my family, my identity. It feels right to come home—not to play this time, but to help build the next chapter,” said Gretzky during a joint press conference.
📈 What This Means for the Franchise
Gretzky’s involvement is expected to:
-
Inspire a new era of leadership and culture within the team.
-
Attract elite-level talent and executives to Edmonton.
-
Bridge generations of fans who witnessed his greatness and those who only heard the legend.
Gretzky has remained closely tied to the NHL in recent years, serving in executive roles, as a commentator, and through his foundation and charitable initiatives. His return to the Oilers now puts him in a key decision-making role at a time when the team is aiming to build around its current superstar, Connor McDavid, and pursue another Stanley Cup.