History of Edmonton Oilers in Timeline

The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team in the NHL, based in Edmonton and playing in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. Their home arena is Rogers Place. Kris Knoblauch is the head coach (since November 11, 2023), and Stan Bowman is the general manager (since July 24, 2024). The Oilers share a provincial rivalry with the Calgary Flames, known as the "Battle of Alberta".

1919: Birth of Dr. Charles A. "Chuck" Allard

Dr. Charles A. "Chuck" Allard, one of the original owners of the Oilers, was born in 1919.

1920: Birth of "Wild Bill" Hunter

"Wild Bill" Hunter, one of the original owners of the Oilers, was born in 1920.

1967: NHL Expansion

Since the NHL's expansion in 1967, only the Montreal Canadiens have won the Stanley Cup more times than the Edmonton Oilers.

1970: Bobby Orr scores 139 points

In the 1985-86 season, Paul Coffey just missed setting a new record for points by a defenceman with 138 (Bobby Orr scored 139 in 1970–71).

November 1, 1971: Edmonton Oilers become founding WHA franchise

On November 1, 1971, the Edmonton Oilers were established as one of the 12 founding franchises of the World Hockey Association (WHA).

1971: Edmonton Oilers founded

In 1971, the Edmonton Oilers were founded by W. D. "Wild Bill" Hunter and Dr. Chuck Allard.

1972: Original Oilers Logo and Uniform Design

In 1972, the original Edmonton Oilers logo was designed by James Harvey, featuring blue and orange colors, with orange being the dominant color. For the first few games of the 1972 season, player names were not displayed on the uniform; rather the word "ALBERTA" was written in that space.

1972: Team to be known as "Edmonton Oil Kings"

In early 1972, it was announced that the team would be known as the "Edmonton Oil Kings", but this was changed to "Oilers".

1972: Oilers' first season in WHA

In the 1972-73 season, the Oilers played their first season as part of the World Hockey Association (WHA), initially named the Alberta Oilers.

1974: Hunter serves as head coach

In the 1974-75 season, Hunter served as head coach.

1974: Jersey Change to Blue Base with Orange Trim

In the 1974–75 season, the Edmonton Oilers jersey was changed to a blue base with orange trim. The logo featured a white oil drop on the home jersey and an orange-printed logo with a blue oil drop on the away jersey.

1975: Hunter serves as head coach

In the 1975-76 season, Hunter served as head coach.

1976: Glen Sather acquired by the Oilers

In 1976, Glen Sather was acquired by the Oilers and was named player-coach late in the season, and then full-time after the season.

1976: Hunter and Allard sell the franchise

In 1976, Hunter and Allard sold the Oilers franchise to Nelson Skalbania, who later sold his shares to Peter Pocklington the following year.

1978: Pocklington acquires Wayne Gretzky

In 1978, Peter Pocklington acquired Wayne Gretzky, Eddie Mio, and Peter Driscoll from the Indianapolis Racers.

1978: Oilers lost players in reclamation draft

In 1978, the Oilers lost most of their players when the NHL held a reclamation draft of players.

1978: Gretzky's first season in the WHA

In the 1978-79 season, Wayne Gretzky had his first and only season in the WHA.

1979: Pocklington signs Gretzky to personal services contract

In 1979, Peter Pocklington signed Wayne Gretzky to a 21-year personal services contract, allowing the Oilers to keep Gretzky upon joining the NHL.

1979: Oilers join the NHL

In 1979, the Edmonton Oilers joined the NHL along with the Hartford Whalers, Quebec Nordiques, and Winnipeg Jets as part of a merger agreement between the NHL and WHA.

1979: NHL Jersey Design

In 1979, when the Edmonton Oilers joined the NHL, the alternate logos were discarded, giving the jersey its most famous form.

1979: Oilers finish first in WHA standings

In the 1978-79 season, the Oilers finished first in the WHA standings with a 48-30-2 record. Dave Semenko scored the last goal in WHA history in the final game, which they lost 7-3 to the Winnipeg Jets.

1980: Oilers in the Campbell Conference's Smythe Division

In 1980, upon joining the NHL, the Oilers were placed in the Campbell Conference's Smythe Division. Gretzky set new NHL records for assists (109) and points (164) in the 1980-81 season.

1981: Oilers win first Division Title

From the 1981-82 season, the Edmonton Oilers won six straight division titles, through the 1986-87 season.

1981: Oilers improve, Gretzky sets records

In the 1981-82 season, the Oilers improved significantly, finishing second overall in the NHL. Gretzky set the single-season record for goals with 92 and became the first player in NHL history to score 200 points, with 212.

1981: McDavid's Hart Trophy Win

In the 2020-21 season, Connor McDavid's 105-point season earned him a unanimous second Hart Trophy win as the most valuable player in the NHL, becoming the second unanimous winner in league history (along with Wayne Gretzky in 1981–82).

1982: Nike provides sweaters

From 1982 to 1989, Nike provided the Oilers' sweaters.

1982: First Round Playoff Elimination

In 1982, the Edmonton Oilers were eliminated from the playoffs in the first round.

1982: Oilers finish third overall, reach Stanley Cup Final

In the 1982-83 season, the Oilers finished third overall in the NHL and advanced to the Stanley Cup Final, where they were swept by the New York Islanders.

1983: Oilers win first Stanley Cup

In the 1983-84 season, the Edmonton Oilers won their first Stanley Cup.

1983: Oilers finish first overall, win Stanley Cup

In the 1983-84 season, the Oilers finished first overall in the NHL with a record of 57 wins and won their first Stanley Cup, defeating the New York Islanders. Mark Messier won the Conn Smythe Trophy.

1984: Oilers win second Stanley Cup

In the 1984-85 season, the Edmonton Oilers secured their second consecutive Stanley Cup victory.

1984: Oilers finish second overall, win Stanley Cup

In the 1984-85 season, the Oilers finished second overall in the NHL and won their second consecutive Stanley Cup, defeating the Philadelphia Flyers. Gretzky became the youngest player to score 1,000 points and won the Conn Smythe Trophy.

1985: Oilers win Presidents' Trophy, Gretzky sets records

In the 1985-86 season, the Oilers won the inaugural Presidents' Trophy. Gretzky set records for assists (163) and points (215).

1985: Rematch with Philadelphia Flyers

In the 1986-87 season, the Edmonton Oilers returned to the Stanley Cup Final and faced the same opponent as they had in 1985, the Philadelphia Flyers.

1986: Oilers win second straight Presidents' Trophy, win Stanley Cup

In the 1986-87 season, the Edmonton Oilers captured their second straight Presidents' Trophy and won the Stanley Cup against the Philadelphia Flyers. Ron Hextall won the Conn Smythe Trophy.

1986: Oilers win third Stanley Cup

In the 1986-87 season, the Edmonton Oilers won their third Stanley Cup.

1986: First 50-Win Season Since 1986-87

In the 2022-23 season, the Edmonton Oilers finished with a 50–23–9 record, marking their first 50-win season since the 1986–87 season.

1987: The Boys on the Bus documentary

In 1987, the team was the subject of Bob McKeown's documentary film "The Boys on the Bus".

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1987: Oilers win fourth Stanley Cup

In the 1987-88 season, the Edmonton Oilers won their fourth Stanley Cup.

1987: Talbot surpasses Fuhr's Record

In the 2016-17 season, Cam Talbot set a new franchise record with 42 games won by a goaltender, surpassing the 40 games won by Grant Fuhr during the 1987–88 season.

August 9, 1988: Gretzky Traded to Los Angeles Kings

On August 9, 1988, Wayne Gretzky, along with Marty McSorley and Mike Krushelnyski, were traded to the Los Angeles Kings for US$15 million, Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, and first-round draft picks in 1989, 1991, and 1993. This trade was met with dismay and even calls for government intervention.

1988: Oilers lose key players, sweep Bruins in Stanley Cup Final

In 1988, the Edmonton Oilers experienced changes as Paul Coffey was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins and Andy Moog was traded to the Boston Bruins. Despite these changes, the Oilers finished third overall in the NHL and went on to sweep the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Final, winning their fourth Stanley Cup.

1988: Oilers Rematch Stanley Cup Final with Boston

In 1988, the Oilers earned a rematch of the Stanley Cup Final with Boston. The series is remembered for game 1, still the longest Stanley Cup Final game played in the modern NHL. The Oilers defeated the Bruins in five games and won their first Cup without Gretzky.

1988: Impact of Gretzky Trade

In 1988, the departure of Wayne Gretzky had an immediate impact on the Oilers, who finished third in their division. Mark Messier succeeded Gretzky as captain.

1989: Nike provides sweaters

From 1982 to 1989, Nike provided the Oilers' sweaters.

1989: Coaching and Roster Changes for the Oilers

In 1989, John Muckler replaced Glen Sather as head coach of the Oilers. Grant Fuhr suffered a severe case of appendicitis and later a shoulder injury, leading to Bill Ranford's emergence. Jimmy Carson was traded to Detroit for Petr Klima, Adam Graves, Joe Murphy, and Jeff Sharples.

1989: Oilers receive Kings' first-round draft pick.

In 1989, as part of the Gretzky trade from August 9, 1988, the Oilers received the Los Angeles Kings' first-round draft pick.

1989: Oilers win fifth Stanley Cup

In the 1989-90 season, the Edmonton Oilers won their fifth Stanley Cup.

1990: Kurri Leaves, Fuhr Suspended

Before the 1990-91 season, Jari Kurri chose to play with Devils Milano and Grant Fuhr was suspended for 60 games due to drug abuse.

1990: Oilers comparable season

In 1990, the Oilers produced a comparable season, finishing third in their division with 36 wins. In the first round of the playoffs, the Oilers again met the Los Angeles Kings. Again, for the third time since the Gretzky trade, the Oilers defeated the Kings.

1990: McDavid records 100 assists

In the 2023-24 season, Connor McDavid became the fourth player since 1990–91 to record 100 assists in a single NHL season, joining former Oilers captain Wayne Gretzky and Hockey Hall of Famers, Mario Lemieux and Bobby Orr.

1991: Oilers lose key players and coach

Before the 1991-92 season, Grant Fuhr, Glenn Anderson, Steve Smith, and Jari Kurri were traded, Charlie Huddy was claimed in the expansion draft, and Mark Messier was traded after the season began. Head coach John Muckler also left, replaced by Ted Green.

1991: Death of Dr. Charles A. "Chuck" Allard

Dr. Charles A. "Chuck" Allard, one of the original owners of the Oilers, passed away in 1991.

1991: Oilers receive Kings' first-round draft pick.

In 1991, as part of the Gretzky trade from August 9, 1988, the Oilers received the Los Angeles Kings' first-round draft pick.

1991: First Series against the Flames since 1991

In the 2021-22 season, the Edmonton Oilers faced their provincial rival, the Calgary Flames for the first time since 1991. The Oilers triumphed over the Flames in five games.

1992: Oilers' System Deficiencies Exposed

In 1992, deficiencies in the Oilers' player development system became apparent. They did a poor job drafting during the dynasty years and younger players didn't have enough time to develop before the core players left.

1993: Oilers receive Kings' first-round draft pick.

In 1993, as part of the Gretzky trade from August 9, 1988, the Oilers received the Los Angeles Kings' first-round draft pick.

1993: Oilers Miss Playoffs

In 1993, the Edmonton Oilers missed the playoffs for the first time as an NHL team. In the 1993-94 season, the Oilers were placed in the Western Conference's Pacific Division.

1994: Oilers Reach Conference Final

In 1994, the Oilers became the first eighth-seeded team to reach a conference final since the NHL changed the playoff format in 1994. There, the Oilers beat the sixth-seeded Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in five games.

1995: Nordiques become the Avalanche

In 1995, the Quebec Nordiques relocated and became the Colorado Avalanche.

1995: Quebec Nordiques relocate to Denver

In 1995, the Quebec Nordiques relocated to Denver, becoming the Colorado Avalanche.

1995: First Time Since 1995-96 Season Three Players Score 100 Points

In the 2022-23 season, the milestone from the trio of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, marks the first NHL season since 1995–96, when one team had three players score 100 points.

1996: Oilers Make Playoffs After Five Years

In 1996, the Edmonton Oilers made the playoffs for the first time in five years, thanks to Curtis Joseph's goaltending.

1996: Color and Jersey Changes

In 1996, the Edmonton Oilers team colors were changed to midnight blue and copper with red trim. The shoulder bar and cuffs were removed from the away jersey, and the "Rigger" alternate logo was added to the jersey's shoulders.

1996: Jets become the Coyotes

In 1996, the Winnipeg Jets relocated and became the Phoenix Coyotes.

1996: Winnipeg Jets relocate to Phoenix

In 1996, the Winnipeg Jets relocated to Phoenix, becoming the Phoenix Coyotes.

1997: Oilers Upset Dallas Stars in Playoffs

In 1997, the Edmonton Oilers upset the Dallas Stars in the first round of the playoffs, winning game seven in overtime. However, their run ended in the next round against the Colorado Avalanche.

1997: Whalers become the Hurricanes

In 1997, the Hartford Whalers relocated and became the Carolina Hurricanes.

1997: Hartford Whalers relocate to Raleigh

In 1997, the Hartford Whalers relocated to Raleigh, becoming the Carolina Hurricanes.

March 14, 1998: Edmonton Investors Group agrees to pay $70 million to buy the club

On March 14, 1998, hours before the deadline to keep the team in Edmonton, the Edmonton Investors Group agreed to pay $70 million to buy the Edmonton Oilers. Cal Nichols spearheaded the EIG, who committed to retaining NHL hockey in Edmonton.

1998: First Playoff Series Win Since 1998

In 1998, the Oilers pulled off a six-game upset against the Detroit Red Wings for their first playoff series win since 1998.

2001: Introduction of Alternate Third Sweater

In 2001, the Edmonton Oilers introduced their first alternate third sweater, designed by Todd McFarlane, featuring a flying set of gears with an oil drop as the primary logo.

2002: Death of "Wild Bill" Hunter

"Wild Bill" Hunter, one of the original owners of the Oilers, passed away in 2002.

November 22, 2003: Oilers Host 2003 Heritage Classic

On November 22, 2003, the Edmonton Oilers hosted the 2003 Heritage Classic, the first regular season outdoor hockey game in NHL history, at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. The Oilers were defeated by the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 in front of over 55,000 fans.

2003: Heritage Classic Uniform

During the 2003 Heritage Classic, the Edmonton Oilers donned their 1980s white uniform, paired with the then-current navy pants.

2004: Oilers Small-Market Status

In 2004, the Oilers struggled with their small-market status, but a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the NHL owners and players aided them by including a league-wide salary cap.

2005: Oilers Aided by Collective Bargaining Agreement

In 2005, after the wiped-out 2004-05 season, the Oilers were aided by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the NHL owners and players. This included a league-wide salary cap that essentially forced all teams to conform to a budget.

2006: Oilers come up short in Stanley Cup Final

In 2006, the Edmonton Oilers fell short in the Stanley Cup Final, after which they missed the playoffs for the subsequent 10 seasons.

2006: Playoff Drought

In 2006, the Edmonton Oilers had not made the playoffs since this year, prompting changes to the team's roster and management in subsequent years.

2006: Conference Finals Appearance

In the 2021-22 season, the Edmonton Oilers advanced to the conference finals for the first time since 2006, where they were swept by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche.

2006: First Playoff Series Win Since 2006

In the first round of the playoffs, the Edmonton Oilers eliminated the San Jose Sharks, securing their first playoff series win since 2006.

2007: Start of First-Round Draft Selections

From 2007 to 2019, the Edmonton Oilers made 16 first-round selections in the NHL entry draft.

2007: Jersey Design Stable Until 2007

The Edmonton Oilers' sweater design remained stable from 1997 until 2007, with no major changes during this period.

July 30, 2008: Oilers Announce Hockey Operations Restructuring

On July 30, 2008, the Oilers announced a restructuring of their hockey operations, which included Kevin Lowe being promoted to president of hockey operations, and Steve Tambellini replacing him.

December 3, 2013: Rogers Communications Naming Rights for New Arena

On December 3, 2013, Rogers Communications announced they had secured the naming rights to the new 18,641-seat arena in Edmonton's downtown core, which would be called Rogers Place.

March 5, 2014: Ales Hemsky Traded to Ottawa Senators

On March 5, 2014, Ales Hemsky was traded to the Ottawa Senators, marking the departure of another member of the Oilers' 2006 Stanley Cup finalists.

December 15, 2014: Dallas Eakins Terminated as Head Coach

On December 15, 2014, after 31 games of the 2014–15 season, Dallas Eakins was terminated as head coach and Craig MacTavish assumed the role of interim coach.

January 29, 2015: Oilers Relocate AHL Franchise to Bakersfield

On January 29, 2015, the Oilers relocated their AHL franchise from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Bakersfield, California, as part of the AHL's new Pacific Division.

April 20, 2015: Todd McLellan Parted Ways with San Jose Sharks

On April 20, 2015, Todd McLellan and his former team, the San Jose Sharks, mutually agreed to part ways after the Sharks failed to qualify for the 2015 playoffs.

February 27, 2016: Justin Schultz Traded to Pittsburgh Penguins

On February 27, 2016, with the Oilers mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, Justin Schultz was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a third-round pick in the 2016 NHL entry draft.

2016: Expectations Following Successful 2016-17 Season

Coming into the 2017-18 season, after a successful 2016-17 season, there were high expectations for the Edmonton Oilers. However, the team regressed and missed the playoffs.

2016: Rogers Place opens

In 2016, Rogers Place, the current home arena for the Edmonton Oilers, officially opened.

2016: Successful 2016-17 Season

In 2016, the Edmonton Oilers began a successful 2016-17 season, finishing with a 47–26–9 record and thanks largely to a 100-point season from McDavid. McDavid earned the Art Ross Trophy and Hart Memorial Trophy.

March 28, 2017: Oilers Qualify for 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs

On March 28, 2017, the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Los Angeles Kings 2–1, qualifying for the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs and ending an 11-year playoff drought.

2017: 1984-85 Oilers voted greatest NHL team of all-time

In 2017, during the league's centennial celebrations, the 1984-85 Edmonton Oilers were voted as the greatest NHL team of all-time.

2017: Oilers Off-Season Moves in 2017

In 2017, the Edmonton Oilers traded Jordan Eberle and signed Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to long-term contracts.

2017: First 40-Win Season Since 2017

In the 2021-22 season, the Edmonton Oilers finished with a 49–27–6 record, marking their first 40-win season since 2017.

January 22, 2019: Chiarelli Fired

On January 22, 2019, the Edmonton Oilers terminated Peter Chiarelli's employment as president and general manager.

May 7, 2019: Ken Holland Appointed General Manager

On May 7, 2019, Ken Holland was announced as the new general manager for the Edmonton Oilers.

2019: End of First-Round Draft Selections

From 2007 to 2019, the Edmonton Oilers made 16 first-round selections in the NHL entry draft.

March 12, 2020: 2019-20 Season Suspension

On March 12, 2020, the Edmonton Oilers had a 37–25–9 record when the COVID-19 pandemic suspended the season.

2020: 2020-21 Season Performance

In the 2020–21 season, the Edmonton Oilers finished second in the North Division with a 35–19–2 record, with Connor McDavid reaching 105 points and winning the Hart Trophy.

2021: 2021-22 Oilers Season

In 2021, the Edmonton Oilers had a 49–27–6 record. McDavid had a career-high 123 points, and the team clinched second place in the Pacific Division.

2022: Oilers Playoff Run in 2022

In 2022, the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Los Angeles Kings in the first round and the Calgary Flames in the second round of the playoffs, before being swept by the Colorado Avalanche in the conference finals.

2022: Three 100-Point Scorers

In the 2022–23 season, three Edmonton Oilers players, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, each reached the 100-point milestone.

November 11, 2023: Kris Knoblauch becomes head coach

On November 11, 2023, Kris Knoblauch became the head coach of the Edmonton Oilers.

November 12, 2023: Dismissal of Coaches

On November 12, 2023, the Edmonton Oilers dismissed head coach Jay Woodcroft and assistant coach Dave Manson due to a disappointing start to the 2023–24 season.

December 21, 2023: Oilers start 16-game win streak

On December 21, 2023, the Edmonton Oilers started a 16-game win streak against the New Jersey Devils.

2023: Playoffs

In the 2024-25 season, the Edmonton Oilers eliminated the Vegas Golden Knights in five games avenging their 2023 second round elimination.

February 6, 2024: Oilers end 16-game win streak

On February 6, 2024, the Edmonton Oilers' 16-game win streak ended against the Vegas Golden Knights.

June 27, 2024: Holland Parts Ways with Oilers

On June 27, 2024, three days after the Oilers' loss in the Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers and general manager Ken Holland mutually decided to part ways, with Jeff Jackson assuming the role of interim general manager.