THIS IS THE BEST NEWS WE COULD HOPE FOR: NHL Community are overjoy and also as Edmonton oilers Former Head Coach Craig MacTavish has Returns as Chief Hockey officer In a monumental announcement, Edmonton oilers Head coach Kris Knoblauch family And NHL Community has officially declared that H……. view more

THIS IS THE BEST NEWS WE COULD HOPE FOR: NHL Community Overjoyed as Former Oilers Coach Craig MacTavish Returns as Chief Hockey Officer

In a monumental and emotional announcement that has sent shockwaves of excitement across the hockey world, the Edmonton Oilers have confirmed that Craig MacTavish, a beloved figure in franchise history, is returning — this time as Chief Hockey Officer.

Fans, former players, and NHL insiders are calling it “the best news we could hope for” as the seasoned hockey mind rejoins the organization with a renewed vision and a legacy that already commands respect.

“This is a full-circle moment,” said Oilers Head Coach Kris Knoblauch, who, alongside his family, publicly expressed admiration and support for MacTavish’s return. “Having Craig back means more than experience — it means identity, culture, and accountability.”

A Living Oilers Legend Returns

Craig MacTavish, known as the last NHL player to play without a helmet and one of the most cerebral minds behind the bench, coached the Oilers from 2000 to 2009 and led them to a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2006. His return marks a bridge between eras — honoring tradition while pushing toward a future championship.

“MacT is home,” said former Oilers captain and Hall of Famer Mark Messier in a surprise video tribute released moments after the announcement. “This move shows the Oilers are dead serious about bringing the Cup back to Edmonton.”

The NHL Reacts

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman called the news “a significant moment not just for Edmonton, but for the league,” and social media exploded with support from current stars and hockey personalities.

Even rivals took notice. Calgary Flames GM remarked, “It’s not often you cheer for your opponent, but for a guy like MacTavish, you make an exception.”

What’s Next?

As Chief Hockey Officer, MacTavish will oversee all aspects of player development, team identity, and hockey operations — essentially becoming the soul of the Oilers’ on-ice product.

“This is about finishing what we started,” MacTavish said in his first statement back with the team. “We came close in 2006. Now it’s time to bring it home.”

Fans are already lining up for season tickets, and Edmonton sports stores are reportedly seeing a spike in retro MacTavish jerseys.