BREAKING NEWS: Excitments Hit Great Rogers Place stadium as former Head coach Edmonton Oilers legend Glen Sather has Returned to former team as a senior coaching…see more
BREAKING NEWS: Excitement Hits Rogers Place as Glen Sather Returns to the Edmonton Oilers as Senior Coaching Advisor
In a stunning and emotional turn of events that has sent shockwaves throughout the NHL and lit a fire under the Edmonton Oilers fanbase, legendary coach and executive Glen Sather is returning to the organization where he made hockey history. The Edmonton Oilers have announced that Sather, the architect of their 1980s dynasty, is rejoining the team in a senior coaching advisory role — a move many are already calling a game-changer ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season.
Sather, 81, is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential figures in NHL history. His return to the Oilers signals both a nod to the franchise’s storied past and a bold step toward building a championship-caliber future. The announcement was made during a surprise press conference at Rogers Place, where fans and media members alike rose to their feet in a standing ovation as Sather, wearing an Oilers lapel pin, took to the podium with his trademark confidence and charisma.
A Historic Reunion
Glen Sather’s association with the Oilers stretches back to the team’s WHA days in the late 1970s. As head coach and later general manager, Sather constructed one of the most dominant teams in hockey history. Under his leadership, the Oilers won five Stanley Cups between 1984 and 1990, thanks in part to the development of Hall of Fame talent such as Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Jari Kurri, Paul Coffey, and Grant Fuhr.
His legacy in Edmonton is cemented not just by the banners hanging in the rafters, but by the culture of excellence he instilled — one that defined a golden era of Oilers hockey.
Now, more than three decades later, Sather is back — not to relive past glories, but to help shape the team’s modern era under a new vision.
Role and Responsibilities
According to Oilers GM Ken Holland, Sather will serve as a Senior Coaching Advisor, a newly created position designed to bridge executive leadership and the coaching staff. While he won’t be behind the bench, his influence will be felt throughout the locker room, on the practice ice, and during critical game preparations.
“He’ll be working closely with the coaching staff, offering insights, mentorship, and a unique strategic perspective,” Holland said. “His experience is second to none, and bringing him into the fold at this moment gives us a massive boost.”
Head coach Kris Knoblauch, entering his second full season with the Oilers, welcomed the news with open arms. “Having someone like Glen Sather around is like having a living hockey encyclopedia,” Knoblauch remarked. “His presence alone demands excellence, and we’re all going to benefit from his wisdom.”
Fan and Player Reactions
Within minutes of the announcement, social media lit up with reactions from Oilers fans, alumni, and current players. Wayne Gretzky posted a photo of himself and Sather with the caption, “Full circle. The legend is back where he belongs.” Current Oilers captain Connor McDavid shared his excitement as well, saying, “It’s an honor to have Mr. Sather back. What he’s done for this team and this city speaks for itself.”
Outside Rogers Place, dozens of fans gathered wearing vintage Oilers jerseys, many with Sather’s name stitched on the back. Chants of “Welcome back, Slats!” echoed through the streets of Edmonton.
What This Means for the Oilers’ Future
Sather’s return comes at a critical juncture for the Oilers. Despite boasting one of the league’s most talented rosters, led by McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the team has fallen short of hoisting the Stanley Cup in recent years. After a heartbreaking playoff exit last season, the front office is under pressure to capitalize on the prime years of its core stars.
Bringing in Glen Sather