Adam Oates
Inducted:
2012
Player Stats
Stats:
5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
190 lb (86 kg; 13 st 8 lb)
Born:
August 27, 1962
Weston, Ontario, Canada
Position:
Centre
College:
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Adam Oates was one of the greatest playmakers the NHL has ever seen. Known for his elite vision, precise passing, and hockey IQ, Oates made every teammate around him better.
Undrafted out of college, he went on to carve out an exceptional 19-season career, finishing with over 1,400 points and ranking among the top assist leaders in NHL history. Oates formed dynamic duos with stars like Brett Hull, Cam Neely, and Peter Bondra, consistently setting them up for goal-scoring success.
He had five 100-point seasons and led the league in assists three times. After retiring, he became a successful coach and skills consultant, further contributing to the game.
Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012, Oates is remembered as one of the most cerebral and selfless players to ever skate in the NHL.
Oates's Awards and Records
- Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame (2012)
- Only player to center three 50-goal scorers (Hull, Neely, Bondra)
- NHL All-Star Second Team (1991, 1993)
- Played in Stanley Cup Finals with Washington (1998)
- Named one of NHL’s 100 Greatest Players (2017)
- Undrafted free agent success story
- Head coach of Washington Capitals (2012–2014)
NHL Records
- 7th all-time in career assists (1,079)
- Led NHL in assists (1993, 1994, 2001)
- 6× All-Star Game participant
- 5× 100+ point seasons
NHL Teams
Detroit Red Wings (1985-89)
St. Louis Blues (1989-92)
Boston Bruins (1991-97)
Washington Capitals (1996-2002)
Philadelphia Flyers (2001-02)
Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (2002-03)
Edmonton Oilers (2003-04)