Edmonton Oilers Team Captains Over Time

A Historic Legacy

The Edmonton Oilers are one of the most successful teams in NHL history, having won five Stanley Cups and making the playoffs 44 times in their 52 seasons of existence. A key part of the Oilers' success has been their strong leadership, and a big part of that leadership has come from their team captains.

The Early Years

The Oilers' first captain was George Parsons, who led the team from 1972 to 1975. Parsons was a solid defenseman who helped the Oilers reach the playoffs in each of his three seasons as captain. After Parsons, the Oilers had a series of short-term captains, including Blair MacDonald, Al Hamilton, and Dave Semenko. It wasn't until Wayne Gretzky arrived in Edmonton in 1980 that the Oilers finally found a long-term leader.

The Gretzky Era

Gretzky was the captain of the Oilers for 11 seasons, from 1980 to 1991. During that time, he led the Oilers to four Stanley Cups and nine division titles. Gretzky is widely considered to be the greatest hockey player of all time, and his leadership was a major factor in the Oilers' success during the 1980s.

The Post-Gretzky Era

After Gretzky was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in 1991, the Oilers went through a period of decline. They missed the playoffs in four of the next five seasons. In 1996, the Oilers named Doug Weight as their captain. Weight was a skilled centerman who helped the Oilers return to the playoffs in 1997. He remained the captain until he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in 2001.

The Modern Era

Since Weight's departure, the Oilers have had several different captains, including Steve Staios, Ethan Moreau, and Andrew Ference. In 2015, the Oilers named Connor McDavid as their captain. McDavid is one of the most exciting young players in the NHL, and he is expected to lead the Oilers to success in the years to come.

Conclusion

The Edmonton Oilers have a long and proud tradition of strong leadership. Their captains have played a key role in the team's success over the years. As the Oilers continue to build for the future, they will look to their captain to lead them to more Stanley Cups.