SHOCKING STATEMENT: Edmonton Oiler Co-owner Daryl Katz. Announce that……

SHOCKING STATEMENT: Edmonton Oilers Co-owner Daryl Katz Announces Franchise-Altering Decision That Leaves NHL Fans Stunned

In a jaw-dropping announcement that has sent shockwaves through the NHL community, Edmonton Oilers co-owner Daryl Katz made a stunning declaration Thursday morning that has fans reeling and hockey insiders scrambling to assess the implications.

Standing at a podium inside Rogers Place, flanked by team executives, Katz took a long pause before delivering the bombshell:

“Effective at the end of this season, the Edmonton Oilers will be relocating to Houston, Texas.”

Wait—What?

Yes. You read that correctly. After nearly half a century as one of the NHL’s most iconic Canadian franchises—and following a thrilling run to the Stanley Cup Final—Katz says the team will be moved south due to what he called “long-term viability concerns and strategic market opportunities.”

“This is not a decision we made lightly,” Katz said. “I understand the passion in Edmonton. But for the sustainability and future of this organization, a new chapter must begin.”

A City in Shock

The city of Edmonton—known for its deep hockey roots, die-hard fans, and the legacy of Wayne Gretzky—is in collective disbelief. Just weeks ago, the Oilers were the toast of Canada, with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading them to a thrilling postseason run.

Now, those same fans are facing the unimaginable: losing their team.

“This is betrayal, plain and simple,” said one fan outside the arena. “We filled that building every night. We lived and breathed this team. How could he do this?”

Why Houston?

According to Katz, Houston offers a “top-tier media market, world-class facilities, and the corporate infrastructure to support a modern NHL powerhouse.” Rumors of NHL expansion or relocation to Houston have circulated for years, but no one expected the Oilers to be the team heading there—especially not after one of their most successful seasons in decades.

Insiders say NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman was informed prior to the announcement and is expected to address the issue within the next 48 hours.

Legal and League Ramifications

Relocation of a Canadian NHL team—particularly one as historically significant as Edmonton—will not come without fierce resistance. City officials, provincial leaders, and even members of Parliament have reportedly begun drafting legal challenges to block the move.

“This is not just about hockey. This is about national identity,” one Alberta lawmaker stated.

What’s Next?

Katz said the team will finish the upcoming season in Edmonton, with final home games at Rogers Place becoming likely sellouts as fans say goodbye.

“We want to honor the fans who have stood by us all these years. Edmonton will always be part of our history,” Katz said.

Legacy Shattered?

Once seen as a visionary owner who revitalized the Oilers brand and brought back a winning culture, Daryl Katz may now go down in history as the man who took the Oilers away from Canada.

Whether this move becomes reality—or is stopped in its tracks by a legal and political firestorm—remains to be seen.

But one thing is certain: the hockey world will never be the same.