Edmonton Oilers is one of the most celebrated ice hockey teams in the National Hockey League, and the club has had some of the best captains ever to grace the sport. Choosing the top three captains in the club’s history is daunting, but here is my list of the most influential leaders who have captained the Oilers.
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The Top Edmonton Oilers Captains
1. Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Gretzky, also known as “The Great One,” is undoubtedly the most popular and influential captain in Edmonton Oilers’ history. Gretzky led the Oilers to four Stanley Cup championships in five years between 1984 and 1988, and he was the heart and soul of the team. He was an exceptional player, and his leadership skills were second to none. Gretzky was an inspiration to his teammates, and he made everyone around him better. He was named the captain of the Oilers in 1983, and he held the position until he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988. Gretzky’s legacy as a player and a captain will always be remembered in Edmonton.
2. Mark Messier
Mark Messier is another legendary captain who led the Oilers to five Stanley Cup championships. Messier was a fierce competitor, and he was known for his physical play and leadership skills. He was named the captain of the Oilers in 1988 after Gretzky was traded, and he took the team to new heights. Messier’s leadership was instrumental in the Oilers’ 1990 championship run, and he was named the Conn Smythe trophy winner as the most valuable player in the playoffs. Messier left the Oilers in 1991 to join the New York Rangers, but his legacy in Edmonton is still celebrated today.
3. Connor McDavid
Connor McDavid is the current captain of the Oilers, and he has already established himself as one of the best players in the league. McDavid was named the captain of the Oilers in 2016, becoming the youngest captain in NHL history. McDavid’s leadership skills have been evident since he joined the Oilers, and he has led the team to the playoffs in two of the last three seasons. McDavid’s exceptional skills on the ice and his leadership off the ice have made him a fan favourite in Edmonton, and he is poised to lead the Oilers to future success.
In conclusion, the Edmonton Oilers have had some of the best captains in NHL history, and choosing the top three was difficult. Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Connor McDavid are three of the most influential captains in the club’s history, and their legacies will always be remembered in Edmonton.