Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta. Competing in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference, the Oilers are defined by a legacy of unparalleled offensive dominance. They also boast a collection of the greatest individual talents to ever play the game.

Originally founded in 1972 as one of the flagship franchises of the World Hockey Association (WHA), the team joined the NHL in 1979. They quickly established the most prolific dynasty of the 1980s.

Today, the Oilers remain at the epicenter of the hockey world, blending a rich championship history with a modern era headlined by generational superstars.

Where Do the Edmonton Oilers Play?

The Edmonton Oilers play their home games at Rogers Place, a state-of-the-art multi-use indoor arena located in downtown Edmonton. Opened in 2016, Rogers Place is the centerpiece of the "Ice District," one of the largest mixed-use sports and entertainment districts in North America.

With a capacity of 18,347 for hockey, the arena is renowned for its advanced technology, including one of the largest high-definition scoreboards in the NHL. The atmosphere inside is legendary, fueled by a fan base that has cheered the team through back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2024 and 2025. 

The arena also features "Ford Hall," a massive public atrium that serves as a vibrant gathering place for fans before and after games.

History of the Team

The Oilers' journey began in the WHA, but their true ascent started upon entering the NHL in 1979. Within just five years of joining the league, the Oilers transformed into a juggernaut. 

Led by a young core of Hall of Famers, they broke nearly every offensive record in existence, including scoring an NHL-record 446 goals in a single season (1983-84).

The team captured five Stanley Cups in seven years (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1990). Their first four championships came during the "Great One" era. Meanwhile, the fifth championship proved the team's depth under the leadership of Mark Messier. 

After a period of rebuilding through the 2010s, the franchise entered its second "Golden Age" with the arrival of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Since then, the Oilers consistently contend for championships and reach the Finals in consecutive years during the mid-2020s.

Interesting Facts & Team Milestones

• The Gretzky Trade: On August 9, 1988, the hockey world was stunned when Wayne Gretzky was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in a move simply known as "The Trade."
• Expansion Success: The Oilers hold the record for the most Stanley Cups won by a team that joined the NHL during the 1979 WHA merger.
• The 2024-25 Campaign: The Oilers won the Western Conference Championship in consecutive seasons (2024 and 2025). This feat was not seen in the city since the dynasty years.
• 1,000 Game Milestone: In January 2026, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins became the first player in franchise history to play 1,000 career games exclusively with the Edmonton Oilers.

Notable Players

Wayne Gretzky

"The Great One" is widely considered the greatest hockey player of all time. During his nine seasons in Edmonton, he won eight consecutive Hart Trophies and led the team to four Stanley Cups. 

Gretzky remains the only player in NHL history to record over 200 points in a single season. He achieved this feat four times as an Oiler.

Mark Messier

Known as "The Moose," Messier provided the grit and leadership that complemented the team's high-flying skill. He was a vital part of all five championship teams and captained the 1990 squad to a title after Gretzky's departure. 

This cemented his status as one of the greatest leaders in sports history.

Connor McDavid

The modern face of the franchise, McDavid is a multiple-time Hart and Art Ross Trophy winner. Known for his unprecedented speed and puck-handling, he led the Oilers back to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2024 and 2025. 

In 2025, he became only the second player ever to win the Hart Trophy unanimously twice.

Grant Fuhr

The backbone of the 1980s dynasty, Fuhr was a revolutionary goaltender known for his incredible reflexes. Fuhr's ability to make "the big save" in high-scoring games is also his calling card. 

He backstopped the team to all five of their Stanley Cup victories and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003.

Leon Draisaitl

A powerhouse forward from Germany, Draisaitl has become one of the league's most elite scorers. Alongside McDavid, he has formed the most lethal offensive duo of the 21st century. 

Draisaitl won the Hart Trophy in 2020 and consistently ranked among the top playoff performers in the world.

Notable Coaches

Glen Sather (1980-1989, 1993-1994)

Sather is the architect of the Oilers' dynasty. As both head coach and general manager, he led the team to four Stanley Cups. Notably, Sather instilled a "fire-wagon" style of play that prioritized speed and skill. 

He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder in 1997.

John Muckler (1989-1991)

Muckler took the reins after Sather stepped away from the bench and successfully guided the Oilers to their fifth Stanley Cup in 1990. 

A brilliant tactician, he proved that the Oilers' system could remain championship-caliber even after the departure of star players.

Kris Knoblauch (2023-Present)

Appointed in November 2023, Knoblauch orchestrated one of the most successful eras in modern franchise history. He led the team to consecutive Western Conference Championships in 2024 and 2025. 

Knoblauch maintained the highest regular-season winning percentage of any coach in Oilers history.

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