The Best Edmonton Oilers Trades of All Time
The Edmonton Oilers are a legendary team in the National Hockey League, with a storied history of success and achievements. Over the years, the Oilers have made some incredible trades that have helped them become one of the most successful teams in the league. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best Edmonton Oilers trades of all time.
Wayne Gretzky to the LA Kings
In 1988, the Oilers made one of the most controversial trades in NHL history, when they traded the Great One, Wayne Gretzky, to the Los Angeles Kings. The trade shocked the hockey world and was met with outrage from Oilers fans. However, the trade ultimately turned out to be a good move for both teams. The Oilers received a package of players, including Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, three first-round draft picks, which helped them rebuild their team and $15 million. Meanwhile, Gretzky went on to have a successful career with the Kings, leading them to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1993.
Paul Coffey to the Pittsburgh Penguins
In 1987, the Oilers traded defenseman Paul Coffey to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The trade was a tough pill to swallow for Oilers fans, as Coffey was one of the team’s best players. However, the trade turned out to be a good move for the Oilers, as they received a package of players, including Craig Simpson and Dave Hannan, who helped them win their third Stanley Cup in 1988. Meanwhile, Coffey went on to have a successful career with the Penguins, helping them win two Stanley Cups in 1991 and 1992.
Chris Pronger to the Anaheim Ducks
In 2006, the Oilers traded defenseman, Chris Pronger to the Anaheim Ducks. The trade was another tough one for Oilers fans, as Pronger was a key player on the team. However, the trade turned out to be a good move for the Oilers, as they received a package of players, including Joffrey Lupul, Ladislav Smid, and two first-round draft picks. Meanwhile, Pronger went on to have a successful career with the Ducks, helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2007.
Ryan Smyth to the New York Islanders
In 2007, the Oilers traded forward Ryan Smyth to the New York Islanders. The trade was a tough one for Oilers fans, as Smyth was a fan favourite and a key player on the team. However, the trade turned out to be a good move for the Oilers, as they received a package of players, including Robert Nilsson, Ryan O’Marra, and a first-round draft pick.
Taylor Hall to the New Jersey Devils
In 2016, the Oilers traded forward Taylor Hall to the New Jersey Devils. The trade was a tough one for Oilers fans, as Hall was a key player on the team. However, the trade turned out to be a good move for the Oilers, as they received defenseman Adam Larsson in return, who helped solidify their blue line.
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In conclusion, the Edmonton Oilers have made some amazing trades over the years that have helped them become one of the most successful teams in the NHL. While some of these trades may have been tough for Oilers fans to swallow at the time, they ultimately helped the team succeed in the long run.