In a bold and unexpected statement that has ignited conversation across the hockey world, former Edmonton Oilers head coach and longtime organizational figure Craig MacTavish has sent a striking and emotionally charged message to Oilers ownership, expressing both concern and frustration about the current state of the franchise and the direction in which it is headed.*
MacTavish, a name synonymous with Oilers hockey, served the team as a player, coach, and executive across multiple decades. Known for his intensity, sharp hockey mind, and deep loyalty to the club, he rarely speaks publicly since stepping away from high-level roles. But in a rare and unfiltered interview with a regional sports outlet, MacTavish made it clear he’s been closely watching the team — and he’s not pleased with everything he sees.
“My love for this franchise runs deep,” MacTavish began. “But I can’t sit silently anymore. There are decisions being made at the top that don’t reflect the standards and traditions of what Oilers hockey is supposed to be.”
Though he stopped short of naming specific individuals, MacTavish’s comments were clearly directed at team ownership and executive leadership. His concerns focused on a perceived disconnect between upper management and the culture that once defined the Oilers’ identity — a culture of accountability, unity, and pride built by the dynasty teams of the 1980s and carried on by generations of players.
“We were once the gold standard,” he continued. “Not just because of the rings and the banners, but because we *knew who we were*. We had grit, we had integrity, and we had a brotherhood. That identity is fading — and I believe it’s because the people calling the shots have drifted away from what made this team great.”
MacTavish, who coached the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final in 2006 and served in various front office roles in the years following, emphasized that his critique is not rooted in bitterness, but in deep care for the franchise and its loyal fan base.
“This isn’t about me. It’s about the millions of fans who show up in snowstorms, who wear the orange and blue through thick and thin. They deserve more than front-office politics and short-term fixes. They deserve vision. They deserve leaders who live and breathe this team — not just manage it from behind glass walls.”
The statement stunned many within the organization, particularly given MacTavish’s longstanding relationship with Oilers ownership and the respect he commands in hockey circles. While team owner Daryl Katz has not issued a formal response, insiders confirm that the message has reached ownership and has sparked internal discussion.
One team source described the message as “a wake-up call,” adding, “When someone like MacT speaks, people in this building listen. He’s not a guy who chases headlines. He speaks when it matters.”
MacTavish also addressed the current roster, expressing admiration for the talent level but concern over the leadership structure and locker room culture.
“We have two of the best players in the world wearing our sweater,” he said, referring to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. “But we can’t expect them to carry the emotional and cultural weight of the franchise on their own. That’s on leadership. That’s on ownership. Build around them with purpose — not just names and numbers.”
Reaction across the NHL has been swift. Former players have expressed support, with some calling MacTavish’s remarks “brave” and “long overdue.” Fans, meanwhile, have taken to social media, many echoing his sentiments and calling for more transparency and accountability from the Oilers’ front office.
MacTavish concluded with a hopeful but firm tone: “I’m not here to tear down. I’m here to remind. Remind the people in charge of what this franchise means — to this city, to its past, and to its future. I’ll always believe in the Oilers. But belief without standards is just blind hope. It’s time to remember who we are.”
As the Oilers prepare for a pivotal season and face key roster decisions in the months ahead, MacTavish’s powerful words now hang in the air — a veteran’s cry to protect the soul of the franchise he helped build, and a challenge to those who now hold its fate in their hands.
