Edmonton Oilers are entering a historic era
For the first time since in history, the Edmonton Oilers are managing to keep their superstars long-term.
This new era of the Oilers isn't like the team you watched in the 90's and early 2000's. For the longest time, Edmonton Oilers fans suffered through years of playoff droughts and elite players walking away from the team. But now, the tide has shifted, and Edmonton has emerged as the hot spot destination in the NHL.
As per Jason Gregor, he Edmonton Oilers have never had a superstar player commit long-term to the franchise during the peak of their career. Wayne Gretzky signed a 21-year personal services contract with Peter Pocklington and the Oilers in January of 1979, but the Oilers were still in the WHA, and Gretzky was traded 9.5 years later when he was 27.
Paul Coffey was 25 when he was traded to Pittsburgh. Grant Fuhr was 28 when he was dealt to Toronto. Mark Messier was moved when he was 30. Jari Kurri was also 30 when he played his final game with Edmonton. Glenn Anderson was traded when he was 30, but he returned to play 17 games for the Oilers when he was 36.
Fast forward all the way to 2024, the Oilers have locked in one of the most prolific hockey players for the next decade regarding Leon Draisaitl. With Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard set to sign in 2005-26, the Oilers will be a formidable team for the foreseeable suture. Players want to be in Edmonton, and thats awesome to see.
source: Oilers Nation
The Oilers are a different team than the one I fell in love with, and that's a good thing
| POLL | ||
If you were in the NHL, would you want to play in Edmonton? | ||
| Yes | 107 | 94.7 % |
| No | 6 | 5.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
