Top 5 Non-Active Edmonton Oilers Players Of All-time
The Edmonton Oilers are one of the most successful franchises in NHL history, with a rich tradition of top-tier players who have donned the blue and orange jerseys over the years. There have been many great Oilers players who have made significant contributions to the team, but only a select few can be considered the cream of the crop. In this article, we will take a look at the top 5 Edmonton Oilers of all time, that are not currently still playing.
1. Wayne Gretzky
It goes without saying that Wayne Gretzky is the greatest Oiler of all time. In his nine seasons with the team, Gretzky racked up an astonishing 583 goals and 1,086 assists for a total of 1,669 regular season points. He won four Stanley Cups with the Oilers and was named the league’s Most Valuable Player eight times. Gretzky’s dominance on the ice was unparalleled, and he changed the way the game was played forever.
2. Mark Messier
Mark Messier is the only other player who can come close to matching Gretzky’s greatness as an Oiler. Messier was a dominant force on both ends of the ice, and his leadership skills helped guide the Oilers to five Stanley Cup championships. In his 12 seasons with the team, Messier scored 392 goals and added 642 assists for a total of 1,034 points. He was named the league’s Most Valuable Player in 1992 and was a five-time All-Star.
3. Jari Kurri
Jari Kurri was one of Gretzky’s most prolific linemates, and he was a key contributor to the Oilers’ success during the 1980s. Kurri was a sharpshooter who could score from anywhere on the ice, and his chemistry with Gretzky was a sight to behold. In his 10 seasons with the team, Kurri scored 474 goals and added 569 assists for a total of 1,043 points. He won five Stanley Cups with the Oilers and was a five-time All-Star.
4. Glenn Anderson
Glenn Anderson was another key member of the Oilers’ dynasty during the 1980s, and his speed and scoring ability made him a fan favourite. Anderson scored 417 goals and added 489 assists in his 12 seasons with the team, and he won five Stanley Cups. He was also known for his clutch performances in big games.
5. Grant Fuhr
Grant Fuhr was the backbone of the Oilers’ defence during their championship runs, and his acrobatic saves kept the team in games when they needed it most. Fuhr played 10 seasons with the Oilers and won five Stanley Cups. He was a two-time All-Star and was named the league’s best goaltender in 1988.
The Edmonton Oilers Have Been Very Lucky
In conclusion, these five players represent the best of the best in not only Edmonton Oilers history but NHL history. Each player brought a unique skill set to the ice and helped lead the team to greatness. While there have been many other great Oilers players over the years, these five stand head and shoulders above the rest. They will forever be remembered as legends in Edmonton and in the NHL as a whole.