Breaking: Remembering Glen Sather, Edmonton Oilers’ Dynasty-Builder, Who Has Retired from Hockey
In a move that marks the end of a legendary era in professional hockey, Glen Sather — the architect of the Edmonton Oilers dynasty and one of the most influential figures in NHL history — has officially retired from the game. While his departure may not come with the same pomp and circumstance as the superstars he mentored, Sather’s legacy is monumental, etched permanently into the fabric of not just the Oilers, but the sport itself.
Sather, 81, steps away after more than five decades of service to hockey as a player, coach, general manager, and executive. His storied career — defined by innovation, risk-taking, and unmatched success — will be remembered for transforming a small-market Canadian team into one of the most dominant franchises in hockey history.
The Builder of a Dynasty
When Glen Sather joined the Edmonton Oilers in the World Hockey Association (WHA) as a player-coach in the late 1970s, few could have predicted the seismic impact he would have on the sport. After transitioning fully to coaching and later taking over as general manager, Sather’s vision shaped the Oilers into a powerhouse that would come to define the NHL in the 1980s.
His greatest stroke of genius? Trusting and building around a young phenom named Wayne Gretzky.
Sather saw what few others did — that Gretzky’s finesse, vision, and intelligence would usher in a new era of hockey. He built a roster around him that included future Hall of Famers such as Mark Messier, Jari Kurri, Paul Coffey, Grant Fuhr, and Glenn Anderson. Under Sather’s leadership, the Oilers played an electrifying brand of hockey that combined speed, skill, and offensive creativity — shattering records and redefining what a championship team could look like.
Between 1984 and 1990, the Oilers captured five Stanley Cups, with Sather serving as either head coach or general manager for all of them. His teams weren’t just successful — they were legendary.
The Philosopher-Coach
What set Sather apart from many of his peers wasn’t just his hockey IQ — it was his philosophy. He believed in empowering his players, encouraging them to express themselves on the ice. He wasn’t a disciplinarian in the traditional sense. Instead, he fostered a locker room of mutual respect, freedom, and accountability.
Sather once said, “Let the players play — they know the game.” It was this trust in his roster that helped unlock the brilliance of players like Gretzky and Messier, and it’s a model many coaches still study today.
Life Beyond Edmonton
Though his most iconic years were spent with the Oilers, Sather’s career continued to flourish in the decades that followed. In 2000, he was hired as the President and General Manager of the New York Rangers, tasked with rebuilding one of the NHL’s most high-profile franchises.
While he didn’t achieve the same championship success in New York, Sather did guide the team through several playoff runs, including a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2014. He remained a trusted advisor and influential figure in the Rangers’ front office until announcing his full retirement in 2025.
Over the years, Sather became known as a “GM’s GM” — respected for his intuition, bold trades, and ability to build long-term contenders. His decisions, even when risky, often bore fruit. Whether it was acquiring Gretzky or holding faith in young talents others overlooked, Sather always had a plan.
A Lasting Legacy
In 1997, Glen Sather was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder — a well-deserved honor that only partially captures the scope of his contributions. He is also a member of the Order of Hockey in Canada, and his name adorns banners and plaques across arenas in Edmonton and beyond.
In Edmonton, he’s more than a figure in the rafters. He is part of the city’s identity. The Oilers’ championship history is tied directly to his decisions and vision. Without Glen Sather, there is no dynasty.
Oilers legend Wayne Gretzky has often credited Sather as one of the most important figures in his career. “He believed in me when others didn’t,” Gretzky once said. “He gave us the freedom to create, to be ourselves, and to win. Glen was the mastermind.”
Reactions from the Hockey World
As news of his retirement spread, tributes poured in from across the hockey landscape. Players, coaches, executives, and fans have all taken time to reflect on what Sather has meant to the game.
Mark Messier, another one of Sather’s protégé, said:
> “Glen didn’t just build teams. He built men. He believed in character, in leadership, and in loyalty. He taught us to win with class and to lose with dignity.”
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also issued a statement, calling Sather “a pioneer and legend whose contributions to our league are immeasurable.”
The End of an Era
Glen Sather’s retirement may mark the official end of his active presence in hockey, but his influence will remain eternal. The players he mentored, the championships he won, and the style of play he championed have all left an indelible mark on the game.
As Edmonton — and the entire hockey world — pauses to remember his extraordinary legacy, one thing is clear: Glen Sather didn’t just change the fortunes of the Oilers. He changed the game of hockey forever.
Farewell, Glen Sather. Thank you for the dynasty. Thank you for the memories.