A Legacy Of Leadership And Success

Edmonton Oilers' Captaincy: A Rich History

A Legacy of Leadership and Success

From the iconic Wayne Gretzky to the electrifying Connor McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers have a long and proud tradition of naming exceptional leaders as their team captains. Over the years, these players have not only showcased their extraordinary skills on the ice but have also embodied the values of both the team and the city of Edmonton.

From Gretzky to McDavid

In 1983, Wayne Gretzky became the youngest captain in NHL history at the age of 21. His leadership and unparalleled scoring prowess led the Oilers to four Stanley Cup victories in five years, cementing his place as one of the greatest players of all time.

In 2016, Connor McDavid, then just 19 years old, was named the 15th captain of the Oilers. A generational talent with exceptional speed and skill, McDavid has led the team to several playoff appearances and won the Hart Trophy as the league's Most Valuable Player in 2021.

The Legendary Captains Between

Between Gretzky and McDavid, the Oilers have had a succession of notable captains who have left their mark on the franchise:

• Mark Messier: Led the Oilers to their first Stanley Cup in 1984 and captained the team for 12 seasons.
• Kevin Lowe: A long-time defenseman who served as captain for eight seasons.
• Chris Pronger: A dynamic defenseman who captained the Oilers for three seasons.
• Andrew Cogliano: A veteran forward who captained the team for two seasons.