In its storied franchise history, the Edmonton Oilers hockey club has had some of the greatest and most potent offenses the National Hockey League has ever seen. The names are well known, from each era. Wayne Gretzky, Doug Weight, and Connor McDavid. But the Oilers have had some incredible defensemen as well. Let's take a look at five of the best to ever don the orange and blue.
No. 5: Darnell Nurse
Darnell Nurse has moved on from the Oilers franchise after twelve seasons and 798 games. But he left an indelible mark on the organization. Currently he is the second highest goal scorer amongst defenders in Oilers history with 88 tallies. He's also played the second most games by a defenseman in franchise history.
He played in all scenarios, spending time on the powerplay, penalty kill, and plenty of 5-on-5 minutes against tough opposition. Excepting the Oilers' short postseason in 2025-26, Nurse produced playoff points throughout his Oilers career. Best of luck in San Jose Darnell.
Number 4: Charlie Huddy
A steady presence throughout the 1980s dynasty who later appeared as an assistant coach for the club as well, Charlie Huddy did a little bit of everything. Owning the second highest career plus/minus of any Oiler in history at +245, Huddy was more than a stay-at-home type of blueliner.
His 81 career Oilers goals stood up as the second most in club history until the past season when Nurse overtook him. And while Evan Bouchard is sure to push Huddy further down the list, this five time Stanley Cup winner can't be forgotten and should one day find himself in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Number 3: Evan Bouchard
The elite defender from the Oilers' current era is only going to move up these all-time lists as time goes by. He posted an incredible 95-point season total last year, producing strong metrics across the board in an overall down year from the Oilers as a whole. Bouchard has a very reasonable shot at moving into second all-time in total points by an Oilers defenseman as well in 2026-27.
We hope he'll get more appreciation in the Norris Trophy votes if he's able to reproduce the sort of all-star season he had last year, and if the Oilers do find themselves in a better place in the standings, Bouchard should be recognized for his role in that improvement.
Number 2: Chris Pronger
Surely a lightning rod, and possibly not the nicest guy whose ever played for the Oilers, but there can be little doubt about Chris Pronger's effect on virtually any franchise he suited up for. The 2006 Stanley Cup Playoff run, where the middling Oilers had no business coming anywhere close to a Stanley Cup Final, can be almost solely attributed to Pronger's presence on the blueline.
He was a minute-munching force, playing almost half of any given game. He scored on a penalty shot, and ultimately dragged his team to within inches of a Cup win. While he left under inauspicious circumstances, every minute Chris Pronger played in an Oiler uniform was historic. His absence was an unfillabe void, and ultimately led to the Decade of Darkness that longtime Oiler fans recall from the pre-McDavid era.
Number 1: Paul Coffey
Paul Coffey's incredible statlines from the 1980's dynasty are unlikely to fall in the next forty years, he was that good. Certainly he played on one of the greatest rosters ever assembled, but Coffey produced offensive numbers that many forward from that era would have been jealous of. Coffey's total Oilers points, 669, are good enough for 8th all-time, in any position, in Oilers history. Plus, Coffey only suited up for seven seasons as an Oiler.
He won four Stanley Cups, three Norris Trophies, and ended up with more than 1500 total points by the time his career was over. He also produced at over a point-per-game rate in the postseason, managing 103 points in 94 Oilers playoff appearances. Coffey's #7 is hung in the rafters and it's certainly well deserved.
Of course there are other notable names in franchise history that haven't made this list. Many would consider #4 eligible as well, but I just don't think Kris Russell is worthy of the list, given that many of his prime years were played elsewhere.
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