Edmonton Oilers Legend Kevin Lowe Returns as Co-Owner In surprising announcement, OEG Inc. has officially declared that Kevin Lowe, the legendary defenseman and long-time franchise icon, will return to the organization in 2025 as a co-owner..
In a stunning development that has sent waves of excitement through the hockey world and across Oil Country, OEG Inc. (Oilers Entertainment Group) has officially announced that franchise icon Kevin Lowe will return to the Edmonton Oilers organization in 2025—this time, as a co-owner. The announcement, made early Saturday morning, marks a profound new chapter in the legendary defenseman’s storied relationship with the team.
Lowe, whose ties to the franchise span more than four decades, becomes the first former player from the team’s dynastic 1980s era to ascend to an ownership position. The move has been hailed as both symbolic and strategic—a bridge between the franchise’s golden past and its ambitious future.
### A Lifelong Oiler Returns
Kevin Lowe was the first-ever draft pick of the Edmonton Oilers in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft. He made history on October 10 of that year by scoring the franchise’s first NHL goal. Over a career that spanned 19 seasons—14 of them with Edmonton—Lowe built a reputation as a rugged, dependable blueliner and a consummate team player. He won five Stanley Cups with the Oilers during their 1980s dynasty and a sixth with the New York Rangers in 1994.
After retiring as a player in 1998, Lowe transitioned into executive roles with the Oilers, serving as head coach, general manager, and later as president of hockey operations. His contributions extended beyond the ice and front office; he was a mentor, ambassador, and living connection to the franchise’s winning heritage. In 2021, Lowe was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, solidifying his place among the game’s greats.
### The Co-Ownership Deal
Details surrounding the co-ownership arrangement have not been fully disclosed, but sources within the organization confirm that Lowe has purchased a minority stake in the team through a special partnership agreement with OEG Inc. Daryl Katz, the principal owner of the Oilers since 2008, expressed enthusiasm about the move in a prepared statement:
> “Kevin Lowe is more than just a legend—he is the beating heart of Oilers history. His leadership, insight, and passion for the game have shaped this franchise for over four decades. Welcoming him back as a co-owner is not only a celebration of his legacy, but a powerful investment in our future.”
Lowe himself appeared visibly emotional during the press conference, where he addressed media, former teammates, and a crowd of cheering fans at Rogers Place.
> “This is a full-circle moment for me,” said Lowe. “To have worn the jersey, built teams from the front office, and now to help steer the direction of the franchise as an owner—it’s beyond anything I could have imagined when I was drafted all those years ago. I love this city, I love this team, and I’m committed to bringing more championships to Edmonton.”
### A Renewed Vision for the Future
Lowe’s return comes at a pivotal time for the Oilers. With a core built around superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the team has been a perennial contender in recent seasons. Yet despite deep playoff runs, the Stanley Cup has remained elusive in the McDavid era.
Bringing in a voice like Lowe’s—someone who knows what it takes to win and has done so as a player and executive—may provide a crucial edge. Insiders suggest that while Lowe won’t be involved in day-to-day hockey operations, his influence on major strategic decisions and team culture will be substantial.
The Oilers also hinted that Lowe will play an active role in community outreach, alumni engagement, and the ongoing development of the team’s brand and legacy projects. With Edmonton celebrating its 50th anniversary as an NHL franchise in the coming years, his presence adds depth to the team’s historical narrative and public image.
### Fan Reaction and Legacy
The announcement has ignited a wave of nostalgia and pride among fans. Social media platforms were flooded with images of Lowe hoisting the Cup, delivering crushing checks, and standing stoically behind the bench. For a generation of Oilers faithful, his return symbolizes a reconnection with the club’s most glorious era.
Longtime fan and season ticket holder Marie Foster said, “Kevin Lowe *is* the Oilers. This feels like a homecoming, not just for him, but for all of us who remember those incredible 1980s nights at the Coliseum.”
With the 2025-2026 season approaching, and the team poised for another championship run, Lowe’s presence adds a deeper layer of motivation and purpose. As the Oilers aim to turn promise into silverware, the return of a champion may be just what they need to push over the edge.
Kevin Lowe’s legacy is now not only immortalized in the rafters of Rogers Place but in the boardroom as well. For Oilers fans, past and present, one message rings loud and clear:
Once an Oiler, always an Oiler.