Established
1972
City
Alberta - Edmonton
League History
1980 – Present / National Hockey League
1972 – 1979 / World Hockey Association
Team History
1973 – Present / Edmonton Oilers
1972 / Alberta Oilers
Nickname
Oilers – The Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League have a long and storied history, dating back to their inception in 1972. As one of the original teams in the NHL's expansion from six teams to twelve, they quickly became one of hockey's most successful franchises. But many people don't know that their nickname also has an interesting origin story!
The team was originally owned by Bill Hunter and his son Daryl, both avid hunters. They wanted a name for their new franchise reflecting this passion, so when it came time to pick a nickname, they decided on "Oilers." This was because oil rigs are often used during hunting trips and because Alberta is known for its rich oil reserves - thus making it fittingly appropriate for an NHL team located there!
In addition to being named after these two activities associated with hunting, another reason why "Oilers" stuck as the chosen moniker can be attributed to former player Dave Semenko who suggested it due to his experience working at an oil rig before joining professional hockey. He felt that this name would give them some local flavor while drawing attention from fans across Canada (and beyond) thanks to its unique twist on traditional characters like Bears or Bulldogs, which other teams in various sports leagues around North America had already taken.
Over four decades later, we still see how much impact those early decisions have had; not only do Edmonton Oilers games draw large crowds, but merchandise featuring their logo continues to fly off shelves everywhere you look! So next time you're watching your favorite NHL squad take on opponents wearing blue-and-orange jerseys, make sure you remember just how far back those iconic colors go – all thanks to Mr. Hunter & Co.'s decision way about when deciding upon ‘Oilers’ as the official title of choice.
Championship
Stanley Cup 5
1990, 1988, 1987, 1985, 1984
Avco Cup 0
Arena
2016 – Present / Rogers Place
2003 – 2016 / Rexall Place
1998 – 2003 / Skyreach Centre
1995 – 1998 / Edmonton Coliseum
1974 – 1995 / Northlands Coliseum
1972 – 1974 / Edmonton Gardens
Owner
2008 – Present / Daryl Katz
1998 – 2008 / Edmonton Investors Group Limited Partnership
1979 – 1998 / Peter Pocklington
1972 – 1979 / Bill Hunter
- 1972
- 1980
- 1978
- 1984
- 1985
- 1987
- 1988
- 1988
- 1990
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Edmonton Oilers
After the newly founded Calgary Broncos folded prior to the commencement of the inaugural WHA season, the Oilers have renamed the Alberta Oilers as it was planned to split their home games between Edmonton and Calgary. Possibly for financial reasons or to allow for a less complicated return of the WHA to Calgary, though, the team ultimately played all of ... -
Joining the NHL
The Oilers joined the National Hockey League for 1979 – 1980, along with fellow WHA teams Hartford Whalers, Quebec Nordiques, and the Jets following a merger agreement between the two leagues. Of these four teams, only Edmonton has avoided relocation and renaming; the Nordiques became the Colorado Avalanche in 1995, the Jets became the Phoenix Coyotes in 1996, and the ... -
Wayne Gretzky
Gretzky break his own assists record three more times (125 in 1982–83, 135 in 1984–85, and 163 in 1985–86); he also bettered that mark (120 assists) in 1986–87 with 121 and 1990–91 with 122, and his point record one more time (215, in 1985–86). By the time he finished playing in Edmonton, he held or shared 49 NHL records, which ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 1984
The 1984 Stanley Cup playoffs, the championship of the National Hockey League (NHL) began on April 4, after the conclusion of the 1983 – 1984 NHL season. The playoffs concluded on May 19 with the champion Edmonton Oilers defeating the New York Islanders 5–2 to win the Final series four games to one and win the Stanley Cup, the franchise’s ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 1985
The 1984 – 1985 NHL season was the 68th season of the National Hockey League. The Edmonton Oilers won their second straight Stanley Cup by beating the Philadelphia Flyers four games to one in the final series. -
Stanley Cup Winner 1987
The 1987 Stanley Cup playoffs, the championship of the National Hockey League (NHL) began on April 8, after the conclusion of the 1986 – 1987 NHL season. It concluded on May 31, with the Edmonton Oilers defeating the Philadelphia Flyers to win the Stanley Cup. In an attempt to reduce the number of first-round upsets, the NHL expanded the best-of-five ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 1988
The 1988 Stanley Cup playoffs, the championship of the National Hockey League (NHL), began on April 6, after the conclusion of the 1987 – 1988 NHL season. It concluded on May 26, with the defending champion Edmonton Oilers defeating the Boston Bruins to win their second straight Stanley Cup and fourth in five years. -
Trading Gretzky
In a surprising and shocking trade, Gretzky, along with enforcer Marty McSorley and center Mike Krushelnyski, were traded to the Los Angeles Kings on August 9, 1988. In exchange, the Oilers received $15 million US cash, young star Jimmy Carson, 1988 first round draft choice Martin Gelinas, and the Kings’ first-round draft picks in 1989, 1991, and 1993. The trade ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 1990
The 1990 Stanley Cup Playoffs for the National Hockey League (NHL) championship began on April 5, 1990, following the 1989 – 1990 regular season. The sixteen teams that qualified, from the top four teams of the four divisions, played best-of-seven series with re-seeding after the division finals. The Conference Champions played a best-of-seven series for the Stanley Cup.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are one of the most storied franchises in NHL history. The team was founded in 1972 as part of the World Hockey Association and joined the National Hockey League in 1979. Since then, they have been a perennial powerhouse and one of hockey’s most successful teams. The Oilers had a notable rivalry with the Alberta Oilers, which added excitement to their matchups.
The Oilers had an incredible run during their first decade with five Stanley Cup championships between 1984-1990, led by Hall Of Fame players like Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier, along with other stars such as Jari Kurri, Grant Fuhr, Paul Coffey, and Glenn Anderson. This era is often called “the Dynasty Years” due to the unprecedented success that few teams ever achieve.
Despite not winning a championship since 1990, the Edmonton Oilers remain competitive year after year thanks to their talented core group of players, including Connor McDavid, who won his second Hart Trophy for league MVP this past season (2020). With continued strong play from McDavid alongside Leon Draisaitl, plus some additional roster moves this off-season, look for them to be contenders again next season!
Sports Fan Products
Edmonton Oilers Insider Reveals the Shocking Mount Rushmore Truth
In this eye-opening video, an Edmonton Oilers insider unveils the shocking truth behind the franchise's Mount Rushmore, challenging conventional wisdom about the team's legendary figures. Delving deep into the history of the Oilers, this insider reveals surprising selections and controversial omissions that will leave fans re-evaluating their lists of the team's all-time greats.
Retired Number
3 / Al Hamilton
7 / Paul Coffey
9 / Glenn Anderson
11 / Mark Messier
17 / Jari Kurri
31 / Grant Fuhr
99 / Wayne Gretzky
*Blue is this team’s history