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 Oilers » The 2021 Edmonton Oilers' Birthday threadPages (15): [ «  <  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14  15  >  »]
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 September 27 [message #792287 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Mon, 27 September 2021 09:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
Always sad when I tackle a new day in this thread only to find out a player has recently passed away:




Miroslav Frycer
Born: September 27, 1959 in Ostrava Czechoslovakia.
Position: Right Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Detroit for 10th round pick, January 3, 1989.
Oilers Career: 1988-89; 14 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Left to play in Germany in 1989.
Died: April 27, 2021 (age 61) in Koberice, Czech Republic of a blood disorder.

Frycer was a star forward in Czechoslovakia when he defected to Canada in 1981. He was immediately signed by the Nordiques but was traded to the Leafs before the 81-82 season was over. He had his best years in Toronto playing over six seasons and having his career high of 75 points during 85-86. After a very public feud with Leafs coach John Brophy (I actually remember him continuing to talk about how much he hated Brophy even after he left Toronto) he was dealt to the Red Wings in 1988 and would subsequently be traded to the Oilers mid-season in 88-89. He got 10 points in 14 games as an Oiler but chose to go and play in Germany before the playoffs. He would finish out his career in Germany and Italy before retiring in 1992. After retirement he spent 25 years coaching in Europe from 1995 to 2020, mostly in Italy but also with stints in Poland and the Czech Republic. His last job was head coach of Orli Znojmo in the Czech league in 19-20. Tragically he became ill with a blood disorder that lead to his hospitalization and eventual death just 5 months ago in April at the age of 61. RIP Miroslav.

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 September 28 [message #792299 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Tue, 28 September 2021 09:56 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
At least two very familiar names today:




Gene Peacosh
Born: September 28, 1948 (turns 73 today) in Sherridon, MB.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by San Diego for future considerations, August 1976.
Oilers Career: 1976-77; 11 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Indianapolis for Bryan Campbell, November 1976.

Peacosh was a junior and minor league scoring star (four years with the Johnstown Jets from 1968-72) who never played in the NHL but was a star in the WHA playing five years and getting nearly a point a game (330 points in 367 games--top 40 in WHA all time points). After debuting in the league with two seasons in New York, he would play two years in San Diego before being dealt to the Oilers in 1976. His Oiler career was short--just 11 games and 9 points--before he was traded to Indianapolis. He would finish 76-77 with the Racers and retire after the season. Not much I can find after 1977--hope things are good Gene and happy 73rd.


Grant Fuhr
Born: September 28, 1962 (turns 59 today) in Spruce Grove, AB.
Position: Goalie (catches right).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 8th overall, June 10, 1981.
Oilers Career: 1981-82 to 1990-91; 423 games (111 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Toronto (with Glenn Anderson and Craig Berube) for Vincent Damphousse, Peter Ing, Luke Richardson, Scott Thornton, future considerations, and cash, September 19, 1991.

Fuhr was that rare right catching goalie who lead Victoria to the Memorial Cup in 1981, leading to his hometown Oilers picking him in the first round. He would instantly join the team and was outstanding, being runner up for both the Vezina and Calder trophies in 81-82. He would spend the next five years splitting the crease with Andy Moog but getting the bulk of the load in the Oilers' many long playoff drives. After Moog left in 1987, Fuhr would play almost every game in 87-88 (75 of 80 plus all 19 playoff games) winning the Vezina trophy. Things started to go a bit bad for him in 89-90 when he suffered an injury that caused him to miss the entire playoffs and he had to watch from the pressbox as Bill Ranford lead the Oilers to cup number 5. It would get worse in 90-91 when Fuhr was suspended for 59 games due to his drug use. After some rehab, he would return to the Oiler nets and retake his starting job leading another playoff drive in 1991. This would end his Oiler career as the Oilers shipped him off to Toronto as part of their rebuild (and to let Ranford take over the starting job). He would bounce around the league over the next decade playing in Toronto, Buffalo, Los Angeles, St. Louis (where he played a ridiculous 79 games one year), and finally Calgary before he called it a career in 2000. He would turn to being a goaltending coach for a while, first with Calgary and then with Phoenix, but gave all that up in 2009. He was inducted into the HHOF in 2003, and continues to be an avid golfer. Happy 59th Grant.



Dustin Penner
Born: September 28, 1982 (turns 39 today) in Winkler, MB.
Position: Left wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as restricted free agent, August 2, 2007.
Oilers Career: 2007-08 to 2010-11; 304 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Los Angeles for Colten Teubert and 1st and 3rd round picks, February 28, 2011.

Penner was an undrafted winger who played high school and then college hockey before being noticed and signed by the Mighty Ducks in 2004. After lighting up the AHL he made the jump to Anaheim in 2006 and would never see the minors again. After an impressive (and cup winning) season in 06-07, the Oilers signed him to a lucrative RFA offer sheet (causing threats of barn fights between Kevin Lowe and Brian Burke) and he would become one of the Oilers top players over the next four years. After not being traded to Ottawa for Dany Heatley in 2009, he had his best NHL season for the Oilers in 09-10 getting 63 points (easily leading the team) and being one of their lone bright spots in a miserable season. The next season as the Oilers were in the midst of another rebuild, they dealt Penner to the Kings. He would never recapture his Oiler years, but he did win another cup in 2012. He went back to Anaheim in 2013, finished his career with a short stint in Washington and then retired in 2014. Since then it looks like he's been dabbling in DJing (and probably pancakes of course). Whey not have fun--happy 39th Dustin.

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 Re: September 28 [message #792301 is a reply to message #792299 ]
Tue, 28 September 2021 10:14 Go to previous messageGo to next message
CrusaderPi is currently online CrusaderPi
Messages: 7628
Registered: December 2003
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6 Cups
benv wrote on Tue, 28 September 2021 09:56

After not being traded to Ottawa for Dany Heatley in 2009



Soon after the Oilers figured out another way to get the superstar they'd been lusting after. angryfire

Please do not feed the bears. Feeding the bears creates a dependent population unable to survive on their own. Bears.

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 September 29 [message #792349 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Wed, 29 September 2021 09:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
Here is today's quartet of players inducted into the birthday thread:



Joe Hulbig
Born: September 29, 1973 (turns 48 today) in Norwood, Massachussets.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 13th overall, June 20, 1992.
Oilers Career: 1996-97 to 1998-99; 24 games (6 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Boston, July 23, 1999.

Hulbig was a first round pick in 1992 by the Oilers out of Providence College. He joined the Oilers after finishing college in 1996 and spent three years in the system, playing 195 games in Hamilton and just 24 in Edmonton (plus 6 in the playoffs). His performance did not turn enough heads to convince management to re-sign him and he was off to Boston in 1999. It was the same story there, as he would play three years with the Bruins but just 7 games in Boston and the rest in the AHL (a head injury in 2000 derailed his career). He would finish his career in the minors in Albany and then retire in 2004. He returned to his alumnus college (Providence) and worked in education philanthropy (regional director of major gifts--not sure what that is). Happy 48th Joe.


Mark Fraser
Born: September 29, 1986 (turns 35 today) in Ottawa, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Toronto for Cameron Abney and Teemu Hartikainen, January 31, 2014
Oilers Career: 2013-14; 23 games (0 playoff games),.
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by New Jersey, December 18, 2014.

Fraser was a stay-at-home defenseman and 3rd round pick by the Devils out of Kitchener. He joined the Devils in 2005 and played in the AHL slowly working his way to the NHL by 2009. He would split time between AHL and NHL with the Devils and then later the Maple Leafs before the Oiler acquired him mid-season in 13-14. He would play 23 games with the Oilers in a depth role to finish out the season. They did not bring him back and he would eventually return to New Jersey, play a season on Ottawa's farm and then come back to the Oilers to play a year with Bakersfield in 16-17. Three years in Europe followed and then retirement in 2020. Happy 35th Mark.


Benoit Pouliot
Born: September 29, 1986 (turns 35 today) in Alfred, ON.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 1, 2014.
Oilers Career: 2014-15 to 2016-17; 180 games (13 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Buffalo, July 1, 2017.

Pouliot was a top prospect forward out of the OHL (athough based on his numbers, I'm not sure why) and was drafted 4th overall by Minnesota in 2005. Early in his career he bounced between the Wild and their AHL team in Houston until being traded to Montreal in 2009. He would remain in the NHL after that but moved frequently: to Boston, Tampa Bay and the Rangers. After he had his best season in 13-14 (a modest 36 points with the Rangers) the Oilers signed him to a nice five year UFA deal. He had two decent seasons to start his Oiler career but regressed in 16-17 getting only 14 points (and 0 points in 13 playoff games) and the Oilers decided to buy out the last two years of his deal (which they've just got off the books as of this writing). He played one year in Buffalo and then retired in 2018. I assume you are out there enjoying your Oilers' buyout money--happy 35th Benoit.


Kailer Yamamoto
Born: September 29, 1998 (turns 23 today) in Spokane, Washington.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 22nd overall, June 23, 2017.
Oilers Career: 2017-18 to present; 105 games and counting (8 playoff games).

Yamamoto is probably the only player in NHL history with a mix of Japanese, Hawaiian and American blood. An undersized sniper out of Spokane the Oilers liked the cut of his jib and used their first rounder on him in 2017. After getting brief looks to start both the 17-18 and 18-19 seasons he finally cemented his place on the Oilers when he was called up in 19-20 and went on a great run getting 26 points in 27 games playing with Draisaitl and Nugent-Hopkins. He's bee a regular top 6 forward in teh lineup since, but he did cool off a bit last year. Here's to a rebound season in 21-22. Happy 23rd Kailer.

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 September 30 [message #792400 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Thu, 30 September 2021 13:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
We wrap up September with two players with a total of 5 Oiler games between them:



Yan Stastny
Born: September 30, 1982 (turns 39 today) in Quebec City, QU.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Boston for 4th round pick, August 30, 2005.
Oilers Career: 2005-06; 3 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Boston (with Marty Reasoner and 2nd round pick) for Sergei Samsonov, March 9, 2006.

Stastny was the son of the legendary Peter Stastny, born right in Quebec City while dad was a Nordique. Despite his impressive bloodlines (his uncles Anton and Marian and younger brother Paul were all NHL stars) Yan had a tougher road to the NHL. An eighth round pick by the Bruins in 2002, he spent two years at Notre Dame followed by two years playing in Germany before being dealt to the Oilers in 2005. His time with the Oilers was mostly in the AHL (in Iowa since the Oilers lacked their own team at that time) playing just 3 games with the Oilers. He was packaged at the trade deadline back to Boston for Sergei Samsonov and would get in another 38 NHL games with the Bruins. He went to the Blues next in 2007 but he continued to be a bubble NHLer, playing the majority of his games in the AHL (50 games in St. Louis in 3 years). In 2010 he went to Europe and played 8 years, mostly in the top German league, until 2018. While not officially retiring, he hasn't played pro hockey since 2018. Hope you find a good career path Yan and happy 39th.


Colin McDonald
Born: September 30, 1984 (turns 37 today) in Wethersfield, Connecticut.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 51st overall, June 21, 2003.
Oilers Career: 2009-10; 2 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Pittsburgh, July 1, 2011.

The Oilers drafted McDonald in the 2nd round in 2003 out of Providence College. He finished school in 2007 and joined the organization playing 4 years from 2007 to 2011. With the exception of 2 games with the Oilers in 09-10 (where he did score a goal) the entire tenure was in the AHL. He and the Oilers parted ways in 2011 when he signed with Pittsburgh. He would have a bit more success the rest of his career playing stints with the Penguins, Islanders, and Flyers playing a total of 148 NHL games (almost all of them with Islanders from 2012 to 2015) but still being an AHL mainstay with a total of 757 games. His last stint was with Bridgeport in the AHL in 19-20 and he officially retired in February of this year. He's started a new career in cybersecurity. Good luck with that Colin and happy 37th.

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 October 1 [message #792413 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Fri, 01 October 2021 10:07 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
We kick off the month of October with another four players:



Igor Ulanov
Born: October 1, 1969 (turns 52 today) in Krasnokamsk, USSR.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Montreal (with Alain Nasreddine) for Matthieu Descoteaux and Christian Laflamme, March 9, 2000.
Oilers Career: 1999-2000 to 2000-01; 2003-04 to 2005-06: 160 games (11 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by NY Rangers, July 1, 2001.
Reacquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, January 5, 2004.
Left Oilers for good: Left to play in Russia in 2006.

Ulanov was one of the many Russian players who came over to the NHL in the early 90s. He was a rugged d-man who joined the Jets in the 91-92 season. He bounced around the league a lot going to Washington, Chicago, Tampa Bay, and Montreal before the Oilers acquired him in 2000. He would spend a year and a bit with the team as a regular blueliner, and actually had his best season with the Oilers in 2000-01. He parlayed this into a free agent deal with the Rangers. He struggled after leaving Edmonton, playing only a half season in New York before moving to Florida and even spending time in the minors. He returned to Edmonton midway through 03-04 and would be a depth guy for the Oilers for a couple of seasons, but by the end of 05-06 (after the Oilers acquired Spacek and Tarnstrom) he was basically healthy scratched every night (didn't play a single game in the 2006 playoff drive). He would return to Russia after the 05-06 season and play out his career there before retiring in 2009. He's spent the last decade as an assistant coach in the KHL most recently with Kunlun Red Star. Happy 52nd Igor.



Mats Lindgren
Born: October 1, 1974 (turns 47 today) in Skelleftea, Sweden.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Winnipeg (with Boris Mironov and 1st and 4th round picks) for Dave Manson and 6th round pick, March 15, 1994.
Oilers Career: 1996-97 to 1998-99; 199 games (24 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to NY Islanders (with 8th round pick) for Tommy Salo, March 20, 1999.

Lindgren was a skilled forward out of Sweden and 1st round pick by the Jets in 1993. He was traded to the Oilers in 1994 before even arriving in North America. He would spend nearly three years with the Oilers with modest point totals and would be traded to the Islanders in 1999. He suffered injury problems after leaving Edmonton missing many games to injury from 1999 to 2003 with both the Islanders and Canucks. He had back surgery in 2003 and would not play again, officially retiring in 2005. Since retiring he's been an assistant coach in the SEL as well as a skill development coach at the North Shore Winter Club. Happy 47th Mats.


Domenic Pittis
Born: October 1, 1974 (turns 47 today) in Calgary, AB.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 15, 2000.
Oilers Career: 2000-01 to 2001-02; 69 games (3 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Nashville, July 24, 2002.

Pittis was a depth centre with a long road to the NHL after being a third round pick by the Penguins in 1993. He turned pro in 1994 and spent the next six years in the minors, playing just 11 NHL games with Pittsburgh and Buffalo. The Oilers signed him in 2000 and he would manage his first long stay in the NHL playing 69 games with the Oilers over two years in a 3rd/4th line role. He left Edmonton in 2002, signing in Nashville, but he would play just 6 more NHL games in his long career. He went to Switzerland in 2005 and would play another 8 years there before retiring in 2013. Since retiring he's worked in the Flames organization as a skills coach and assistant with the Stockton Heat. Happy 47th Domenic.


Alex Chiasson
Born: October 1, 1990 (turns 31 today) in Montreal, QU.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, October 2, 2018.
Oilers Career: 2018-19 to 2020-21; 183 games (7 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Not re-signed after 20-21 season.

Drafted by Dallas in 2009 out of Boston University, Chiasson started his NHL career in 2013. He bounced around a lot going from Dallas to Ottawa to Calgary to Washington. The Oilers signed him in 2018 and he would have his best season in 18-19 getting 22 goals and being rewarded with a 2 year extension with the Oilers. He regressed a bit in his last two years in Edmonton, but was still a reliable forward who provided some offense and was a good power play guy. The Oilers let him walk after the 20-21 season and as of this writing he is on a PTO with the Canucks. Good luck in getting another contract Alex and happy 31st.

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 Re: October 1 [message #792416 is a reply to message #792413 ]
Fri, 01 October 2021 10:21 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Adam is currently offline Adam
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Location: Edmonton, AB
6 Cups
benv wrote on Fri, 01 October 2021 10:07


Mats Lindgren
Born: October 1, 1974 (turns 47 today) in Skelleftea, Sweden.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Winnipeg (with Boris Mironov and 1st and 4th round picks) for Dave Manson and 6th round pick, March 15, 1994.
Oilers Career: 1996-97 to 1998-99; 199 games (24 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to NY Islanders (with 8th round pick) for Tommy Salo, March 20, 1999.

Lindgren was a skilled forward out of Sweden and 1st round pick by the Jets in 1993. He was traded to the Oilers in 1994 before even arriving in North America. He would spend nearly three years with the Oilers with modest point totals and would be traded to the Islanders in 1999. He suffered injury problems after leaving Edmonton missing many games to injury from 1999 to 2003 with both the Islanders and Canucks. He had back surgery in 2003 and would not play again, officially retiring in 2005. Since retiring he's been an assistant coach in the SEL as well as a skill development coach at the North Shore Winter Club. Happy 47th Mats.



It's funny, I would have assumed Lindgren was older than Ulanov, who was here almost a decade later (although I suppose they both started in Winnipeg about the same time.

Always remember Lindgren as the guy who took the huge hit to give Buchberger room for the OT winner against Dallas in the come-from-behind game in 1997. Also, he's one of the only players I've ever heard tell the media that the team made a really good trade in sending him away. He knew Salo and suspected the Oilers had done well there. Salo was the team MVP for the next 5 or 6 seasons, so he was right...

"Thinking that a bad team's best players are the reason the team is bad is the "Tambellini re-signing Lennart Petrell" of sports opinions." @Woodguy55
#FireLowe #FireBobbyNicks #FireKenHolland #FireKeithGretzky

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 October 2 [message #792461 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sat, 02 October 2021 10:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
Two birthdays today, including another hall of famer:



Doug Barrie
Born: October 2, 1946 (turns 75 today) in Edmonton, AB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Selected in general WHA player draft, February 12, 1972.
Oilers Career: 1972-73 to 1976-77; 350 games (13 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1977.

Just like now, back in the 70s the Oilers also had a right shot d-man named Barrie. Doug was a tough blueliner out of Edmonton who fought his way up through the minors in the late 60s and finally got his first taste of NHL action in 68-69 playing 8 games with Pittsburgh. He would finally become a regular NHLer in 1970 playing two full seasons with Buffalo and Los Angeles. When the WHA formed in 1972 he jumped at the chance to come home and play for the Oilers. It was a great success as he would play 5 seasons and 350 games in the WHA with the Oilers. He was consistently one of their top blueliners of the time (having his best season in 74-75 with 45 points). He would retire in 1977 and I cannot seem to find any online trace of him since. I hope you are well Doug and happy 75th.



Glenn Anderson
Born: October 2, 1960 (turns 61 today) in Vancouver, BC.
Position: Right Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 69th overall, August 9, 1979.
Oilers Career: 1980-81 to 1990-91; 1995-96: 845 games (164 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Toronto (with Craig Berube and Grant Fuhr) for Vincent Damphousse, Peter Ing, Luke Richardson, Scott Thronton, future considerations and cash, September 19, 1991.
Re-acquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers from Vancouver, January 25, 1996.
Left Oilers for good: Claimed on waivers by St. Louis, March 12, 1996.

Anderson was a scoring star in the BCJHL and University of Denver when the Oilers used a 4th round pick on him in 1979 (undoubtedly their best ever use of one). After playing for team Canada during 79-80 (including the Olympics in Lake Placid) he joined the Oilers in 1980 and almost immediately established himself as a star, getting 53 points in 58 games in 80-81. By the next season he was racking up 100 point seasons and soon after that a 50 goal season. He was regularly paired with Messier as the Gretzky/Kurri Messier/Anderson look was much feared in the NHL throughout the 80s. Anderson was known for his reckless abandon in attacking the opposition net. He would continue to be a star with team, being a big part of all 5 cups, and racking up 906 points. After a decade he was sent in a blockbuster to Toronto as the Oilers retooled in 1991. He had a couple of decent seasons with the Leafs and would move on to the Rangers (where he won cup number 6) and the Blues. He left the NHL in 1995 and played for team Canada for a while. In 1996 he wanted to come back to the NHL to play for the Canucks (being from Vancouver), but the Oilers ruined his plans claiming him on re-entry waivers. Despite being annoyed by this, Anderson did come back to Edmonton and would play another 17 games as an Oiler. After finishing the season in St. Louis he played a season in Europe and then retired in 1997. Since retiring, Anderson has settled in New York where he is an investor (whatever that means), runs fantasy hockey camps, and does occasional commentary for the New York Rangers. Happy 61st Glenn.

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 October 3 [message #792484 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sun, 03 October 2021 12:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
On the agenda today: an old WHA player you probably don't remember and a coach you most certainly do (unless you're still in elementary school).



Ted Scharf
Born: October 3, 1951 (turns 70 today) in Sudbury, ON.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right)
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent December 1976.
Oilers Career: 1976-77; 5 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1977.

Scharf was a winger who played junior in Kitchener. Though drafted by the Flyers in 1971, he never played in the NHL, going the WHA route. He would play a total of 238 games in the WHA with New York, New Jersey, San Diego, and Indianapolis before coming to the Oilers in 1976. He was never a point producer; more on the depth/checking forward level. He would play just 5 games for the Oilers before being demoted to the minors and then he would retire after the season in 1977. After retiring he returned to Kitchener and made himself a career in real estate. In 1988 he purchased a piece of the Kitchener Rangers and became a member of the board of directors, a position he continues to this day. Happy 70th Ted.


Todd McLellan
Born: October 3, 1967 (turns 54 today) in Melville, SK.
Oilers Coaching Career: 2015-16 to 2018-19; 266 games (13 playoff games).

McLellan was a decent junior player out of Saskatoon who managed to make the NHL, playing 5 games with the Islanders in 87-88, but injuries soon derailed his career and he was forced to retire in 1989 when he was just 21. He turned to coaching, starting in the SJHL (1 year) and quickly moving up to the WHL (6 years as head coach in Saskatoon from 1995 to 2000). He continued his upward climb with four years coaching in the AHL (Houston) followed by two as an assistant in the NHL with Detroit. In 2008 he was hired as head coach of the San Jose Sharks and he would keep that job for seven years until being let go in 2015 (he had lots of regular season success but could never get anywhere in the playoffs). This finally brought him to the Oilers who hired him almost immediately to help groom their brand new superstar McDavid. McLellan would spend just over three years as Edmonton's head man; while he had some success, leading the Oilers to their first playoff birth in 11 years in 2017, his results following that were not good. He was fired 20 games into the 18-19 season and would be picked up by the Kings to start the 19-20 season. He continues his role as the Kings head coach, trying to turn that franchise around. Happy 54th Todd.

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 October 4 [message #792501 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Mon, 04 October 2021 09:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
Just a lone Russian with a single Oiler game played today:



Bogdan Yakimov
Born: October 4, 1994 (turns 27 today) in Nizhnekamsk, Russia.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 83rd overall, June 30, 2013.
Oilers Career: 2014-15; 1 game (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Returned to play in Russia in 2016.

Yakimov was a hulking Russian centre targeted by the Oilers in the 2013 draft. He came to Oilers training camp in 2014 and surprisingly made the team to start the season and got in an early game with the Oilers in October of 2014. He was soon demoted to the AHL and would play the rest of 14-15 and the start of 15-16 with OKC/Bakersfield. He decided to return to Russia in 2016 and has stayed there ever since, playing in the KHL (his point totals both in the KHL and AHL don't seem that great). The Oilers actually hung on to his NHL rights until I believe just this year (at least he no longer appears on their "in the system" list) so it seems unlikely he will ever try a return to North America. He continues his career in the KHL playing most recently with St. Petersburg. Happy 27th Bogdan.

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 October 5 [message #792556 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Tue, 05 October 2021 09:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
A Swedish defenseman, a Finnish forward, and a Canadian goalie walk into a bar:




Gary Edwards
Born: October 5, 1947 (turns 74 today) in Toronto, ON.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Minnesota for 3rd round pick, February 2, 1981.
Oilers Career: 1980-81; 15 games (1 playoff game).
Left Oilers: Claimed on waivers by St. Louis, October 8, 1981.

Edwards was a goalie out of Toronto who worked his way up through the minors to become a full time NHL goalie starting in the 71-72 season with Los Angeles. He would spend five and a half years with the Kings (mostly backing up Rogie Vachon), one and a half with Cleveland, and two with Minnesota (mostly backing up Gilles Meloche in both teams). The Oilers acquired him late in the 1981 season when their goalies (Mio and Low) were struggling. Edwards took over the starting role for a brief time, but would be supplanted very late in the season by a young upstart Andy Moog. Edwards was quoted as telling Sather he was making a big mistake when Slats opted to start Moog in the playoffs that year (Edwards was wrong obviously--Moog was great). All in all Edwards played just 15 games as an Oilers and would be off again the next year. He played a bit with both the Penguins and Blues in 81-82 and then retired after the season. Since retiring he moved to California, became an insurance agent and owns his own wood finishing business. Happy 74th Gary.


Fredrik Olausson
Born: October 5, 1966 (turns 55 today) in Nybro, Sweden.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Winnipeg (with 7th round pick) for 3rd round pick, December 6, 1993.
Oilers Career: 1993-94 to 1995-96; 108 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed on waivers by Anaheim, January 16, 1996.

Olausson was a Swedish offensive d-man drafted by the Jets in 1985. He hopped over the pond in 1986 and immediately joined the Jets as one of their premier blueliners, playing seven and a half seasons in Winnipeg consistently getting 50 and 60 point seasons. He was traded to the Oilers early in the 93-94 season (for just a draft pick--seems awfully cheap for a defenseman of his stature, although he was admittedly in decline). He would play parts of three seasons with the Oilers; the first one was decent (28 points in 55 games) but production fell off after that and the Oilers waived him to the Ducks in 1996. He still had a long career after this; Anaheim to Pittsburgh, back to Anaheim, a year in Switzerland, a year in Detroit (where he won a cup with the Wings in 2002) back again to Anaheim and then finishing his career in Sweden where he played four years before retiring in 2007 (this was forced by liver problems--he actually had to have a transplant). He went into coaching, and worked as an assistant in the Swedish Elite league from 2009 to 2017. Happy 55th Fredrik.


Jesse Joensuu
Born: October 5, 1987 (turns 34 today) in Pori, Finland.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 5, 2013.
Oilers Career: 2013-14 to 2014-15; 62 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Loaned to SC Bern, December 12, 2014.

Joensuu was a 2nd round pick by the Islanders in 2006. He spent six years in the Islanders organization (2007 to 2013) playing mostly in the AHL and getting in 67 games in New York. When they dropped him after the 12-13 season, the Oilers took a flyer on him and he would play the 13-14 and part of the 14-15 seasons with the Oilers. His time in Edmonton was mostly unremarkable (9 points in 62 games) as he was an energy guy not playing every game and getting fourth line duty when he did play. The two sides parted ways early in 14-15 when the Oilers agreed to let him go finish the season in Switzerland. Since 15-16 he's been in the KHL with Jokerit where he has had more success and continues his career to this day. Happy 34th Jesse.

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 October 6 [message #792588 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Wed, 06 October 2021 10:08 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
Four players blowing out candles today including one who's been in the headlines lately for the wrong reasons:



Eldon "Pokey" Reddick
Born: October 6, 1964 (turns 57 today) in Halifax, NS.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Winnipeg for future considerations, September 28, 1989.
Oilers Career: 1989-90 to 1990-91; 13 games (1 playoff game).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Florida, July 12, 1993.

Reddick was an undrafted goalie who came up through the WHL and eventually managed to sign with the Jets in 1986 despite being undrafted. He would immediately become Winnipeg's number one goalie, playing 48 games for them in 86-87. Unfortunately this would turn out to be his career peak, he would split duties in Winnipeg the next two years and then was acquired by the Oilers at the start of the 89-90 season. He played in Cape Breton to start his Oiler career but was brought up later in the season to back up Ranford after an injury to Fuhr; he did this right up to the Stanley Cup and got himself a ring. He would spend the next three years in the minors (minus two games in Edmonton in 90-91) and then signed with expansion Florida in 1993. He played just 2 games with the Panthers and was unable to get back to the NHL, playing in the IHL until 1999. He ended his career with three years in Germany and retired in 2002. Since retirement he's been living in Las Vegas, acting as tournament director for the Las Vegas Ice Center and coaching at various levels (USHL and high school). Happy 57th Pokey.



Tyler Ennis
Born: October 6, 1989 (turns 32 today) in Edmonton, AB.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Ottawa for 5th round pick, February 24, 2020.
Oilers Career: 2019-20 to 2020-21; 39 games (5 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Not re-signed after 20-21 season.

A 2008 2nd rounder by Buffalo in 2008, Ennis graduated from Medicine Hat to the NHL by 2010. He spent seven years in Buffalo and could be consistently relied on for 40-50 points every year. After all that stability in Buffalo, he suddenly found himself bouncing around a bit after his scoring dried up. He spent one year each in Minnesota, Toronto, and Ottawa before being a deadline acquisition by the Oilers in 2020. He found some moderate success to finish 19-20, getting himself an extra year in Edmonton. He would be only an occasional player in 20-21 (just 30 games) and the Oilers decided not to bring him back for this season. As I write this he is still without a contract for 21-22; good luck with the future Tyler and happy 32nd.



Josh Archibald
Born: October 6, 1992 (turns 29 today) in Regina, SK.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 16, 2019.
Oilers Career: 2019-20 to present; 114 games and counting (7 playoff games).


Archibald was Regina born but Minnesota raised. He managed to find some NHL success despite being a sixth round pick in 2011. After toiling six years through college, and the AHL he finally cracked the Penguins lineup in 2016. He played just 14 games in Pittsburgh in five years, but finally became a full time NHLer after being traded to the Coyotes. He played a full season in Arizona in 18-19 and attracted the Oilers enough to sign him in 2019. He was a good third/fourth line forward with the Oilers in both 19-20 and 20-21 impressing enough to stay in the lineup. As he we know he was poised to start his third season in Edmonton when the vaccine fubar happened. And now we've just learned he's likely out for the season with myocarditis. Get better Josh (and get your damn vaccine!). Happy 29th.



Nail Yakupov
Born: October 6, 1993 (turns 28 today) in Nizhnekamsk, Russia.
Position: Right Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 1st overall, June 22, 2012.
Oilers Career: 2012-13 to 2015-16; 252 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to St. Louis for Zach Pochino and 3rd round pick, October 7, 2016.

Yakupov was a scoring star out of Russia, who came over to play in the OHL as a 16 year old to help accelerate his NHL dream. He was the top prospect in the 2012 draft (on most but not all lists) and the Oilers used their fortunate lottery win to draft him. Things looked good to start his career as he played all 48 games for the Oilers as a 19 year old in the 12-13 shortened season. He lead all rookies in goals with 17 (but for some reason didn't get any consideration for the Calder). Things went downhill from there as he would play three more seasons in Edmonton getting 80 points in 204 games--maybe not terrible but disappointing to what is normally expected from a 1st overall. There were of course plenty of rumours that he was bit odd and didn't get along with his teammates; I remember fan opinion being a bit polarized--some loved his enthusiasm (everyone remembers his ice slide after scoring an important GTG and his kissing his Oiler logo after goals) but of course many criticized his lack of production. The Oilers pulled the plug in 2016 and sent him to St. Louis for scraps. Things would actually get worse as he played one year in St. Louis and another in Colorado with even lower point totals. In 2018 he returned to Russia and has spent the last three years in the KHL; he's currently with Avangard Omsk. Wonder if he will ever take another stab at the NHL (or if anyone will give him a shot)? I'd be curious to see it; in the meantime happy 28th Nail.


No October 7 birthdays so we'll be back on Friday.

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 October 8 [message #792675 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Fri, 08 October 2021 10:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
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Three players today, the last of which may stir some memories:



Craig Topolinsky
Born: October 8, 1957 (turns 64 today)
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, September 1977.
Oilers Career: 1977-78; 10 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Left for Germany in 1979.

Topolinsky was a local d-man who signed with the Oilers in 1977 and spent two years in the system. He would play just 10 games in Edmonton and spend the rest of his time in the minors with Spokane. After the 78-79 season he headed for Germany and would play a whopping 17 years there before retiring in 1996. He coached in Germany for a couple of years after retiring, but he goes off the grid after that; wherever you are Craig (Germany maybe?) happy 64th.


John Blum
Born: October 8, 1959 (turns 62 today) in Detroit, Michigan.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, May 5, 1981.
Oilers Career: 1982-83 to 1983-84; 9 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Boston for Larry Melnyk, March 6, 1984.

Blum was a bruising, offensive d-man out of the University of Michigan. He went undrafted but the Oilers signed him in 1981. He would spend nearly three years in the organization but played all but 9 games of it in the minors (Wichita and Cape Breton), despite putting up pretty good point totals from the backend. The Oilers traded him to Boston late in 83-84 and he would have more success there (where he had three different stints--he also played for the Capitals and Red Wings). All in all Blum would end his career playing 250 NHL games and 429 in the AHL before retiring in 1995. Post retirement he would be an assistant coach in several minor leagues (IHL, UHL, ECHL) and would also work at a high school and is part of the Detroit Red Wings alumni team. Happy 62nd John.


Raffi Torres
Born: October 8, 1981 (turns 40 today) in Toronto, ON.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by NY Islanders (with Brad Isbister) for Janne Niinimaa and 2nd round pick, March 11, 2003.
Oilers Career: 2003-04 to 2007-08; 276 games (22 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Columbus for Gilbert Brule, July 1, 2008.

Torres was a top prospect winger out of the OHL who was picked 5th overall by the Islanders in 2000. He could never seem to get on track with the Islanders and was soon dealt to the Oilers where his career would turn around. He played five years in Edmonton (including the 04-05 lockout when he played for the Roadrunners), having his best year in 05-06 where he contributed in both offense and toughness. His huge hit on on Milan Michalek is often credited with turning the Oilers fortunes around in their second round series against the Sharks. With the Oilers rebuilding, Torres was dealt to Columbus in 2008. He would spend the next eight years bouncing around the NHL (Columbus, Buffalo, Vancouver, Phoenix, and San Jose). He got in a lot of trouble as the NHL started cracking down on hits to the head and Torres was suspended many times for such hits (including one on his former Oiler linemate Jarret Stoll in the 2013 playoffs). He was suspended an NHL record 41 games for a pre-season hit on Jakob Silverberg in 2015. He never played in the NHL again and would retire in 2016 after a few games in the AHL. He seems to be keeping a low profile these last five years, as I can't seem to find anything on his activities--just that he's living in Stoufville, ON. Happy 40th Raffi.

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 October 9 [message #792703 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sat, 09 October 2021 11:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Location: Edmonton
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Today's two birthday alumni are a legendary coach and two stint Oiler:



Clare Drake
Born: October 9, 1928 in Yorkton, SK.
Oilers Coaching Career: 1975-76; 48 games (0 playoff games).
Died: May 13, 2018 (age 89) in Edmonton, AB in his sleep (specific cause unknown).

Drake is of course legendary in Edmonton for his longtime coaching of the University of Alberta, but it's easy to forget he actually did coach the Oilers for a short time. Drake played hockey in the early 50s while going to University at UBC, the UofA, as well as University of Washington. After one year of playing hockey in West Germany (54-55) he came back to Edmonton to teach at Strathcona High School. During this time he assisted with the UofA Golden Bears and then took over as the head coach in 1958. For the next 31 years (until 1989) Drake would be the head coach of the Golden Bears leading them to 17 western championships and six Canadian championships. In the middle of that we get the reason for his inclusion here: during the 75-76 season Drake stepped away from the UofA to accept a job as the new head coach of the Oilers. It was short lived as he coached them to a 18-28-2 record and was then dismissed by Bill Hunter and Drake was back to the UofA (Hunter took over for Drake for the rest of the season--the third time in four years he did that to his coach). Back to Drake--after leaving the UofA in 1989 (to commermerate his services the University renamed thier Varsity Arena "Clare Drake Arena" in his honour) he spent two years as an assistant coach with the Winnipeg Jets but retired to Edmonton after that. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder in 2017, one year prior to his death in 2018 at the age of 89. RIP Clare.



Rem Murray
Born: October 9, 1972 (turns 49 today) in Stratford, ON.
Position: Centre/LW (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, September 19, 1995.
Oilers Career: 1996-97 to 2001-02; 2005-06: 425 games (62 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to NY Rangers (with Tom Poti) for Mike York and 4th round pick, March 19, 2002.
Reacquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, March 5, 2006.
Left Oilers for good: Went to play in Finland in 2006.

Murray cut his teeth at Michigan State in the early 90s. A 7th round pick by the Kings in 1992, he never signed with LA and the Oilers gave him a deal in 1995. He spent 95-96 in Cape Breton (90 points in 79 games) and earned himself a permanent spot on the Oilers starting in 96-97. While a scorer in college and the AHL, he acted more as a third/fourth line forward who contributed a point every other game. He spent nearly six years with the Oilers and was dealt to the Rangers at the deadline in 2002. After a bit of time with the Rangers and Predators, Murray was diagnosed with Cervical dystonia (a neurological movement disorder) in 2004. He sat out 04-05 and spent most of the 05-06 year in the AHL with Houston. In March 2006, the Oilers chose to rescue him and give him another shot with the team for the stretch drive. He would play just nine games in the regular season, but dressed for all 24 in the Cup run that year as their regular fourth line centre. This would be the last of his NHL time as he would go to Europe in 2006 where he played another six years before retiring in 2012. He has since settled in Michigan and is a rec league hockey champion. Happy 49th Rem.

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 October 10 [message #792722 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sun, 10 October 2021 10:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
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A couple of defensemen today: I bet you remember at least one of them:


Chris Pronger
Born: October 10, 1974 (turns 47 today) in Dryden, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by St. Louis for Eric Brewer, Doug Lynch, and Jeff Woywitka, August 2, 2005.
Oilers Career: 2005-06; 80 games (24 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Anaheim for Joffrey Lupul, Ladislav Smid, 2 1st round picks and 2nd round pick, July 3, 2006.

Pronger was a top defenseman in the OHL drafted 2nd overall by the Whalers in 1993. He jumped immediately to the NHL in 1993, but struggled a bit playing with the bottom feeding Whalers, and they gave up on him early trading him to the Blues in 1995. Pronger would blossom in St. Louis, playing nine years there as an all star d-man, winning the Norris and Hart trophies in 2000 with his 62 points season. The guy was a machine who could play half the game and never seemed to be out of position. Oilerdome was over the moon after the 04-05 lockout when the Blues dealt Pronger to Edmonton for three younger defenseman (St. Louis felt they couldn't fit him under the new cap). Pronger immediately signed a five year deal with the Oilers and it looked like the top defenseman problems in Edmonton would be solved for the foreseeable future. This seemed even more evident as Pronger proceeded to have a terrific season in Edmonton, playing 80 games, getting 56 points and providing that steady presence they needed. He was even better in the playoffs, leading them in scoring in their trip to the finals where they fell one game short. But then of course Pronger gave all Oiler fans a swift kick in the gonads three days after the finals when he demanded a trade just one year into his contract (I won't go into details--I'm sure you know them) going from having the keys to the city to public enemy number one. A few weeks later he was in Anaheim and the Oilers would start a decade of regular season futility. Pronger meanwhile won the cup with the Ducks in 2007. After three good years in Anaheim he went to Philadelphia in 2009 but soon ran into injury problems with his knee that would end his career. He never played again after 11-12. Pronger is currently working for the Panthers as senior advisor of hockey operations. Happy 47th Chris (I still kind of hate you though).



Johan Motin
Born: October 10, 1989 (turns 32 today) in Karlskoga, Sweden.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 103rd overall, June 21, 2008.
Oilers Career: 2009-10; 1 game (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Returned to play in Sweden in 2011.

Motin was drafted by the Oilers in 2008 out of the Swedish elite league where he was a stay at home d-man. He came over to North America in 2009 and spent 09-10 in Springfield, but was called up to the big team on an emergency basis for a one game appearance (I actually remember the game--the Oilers had just traded Visnovsky and Grebeshkov and needed a body to dress six d-men for a game against Chicago). This would be his only NHL appearance. He spent the entire 10-11 season in the AHL and ECHL and then started 11-12 with OKC, but early in the season the Oilers allowed him to return to Sweden. He spent five years playing in the SEL and then switched to the Finnish league in 2017 where he continues to play for Helsinki to this day. Happy 32nd Johan.

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 Re: October 10 [message #792723 is a reply to message #792722 ]
Sun, 10 October 2021 12:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
NetBOG is currently online NetBOG
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benv wrote on Sun, 10 October 2021 10:59

.... and they gave up on him early trading him to the Blues in 1995.



Well, I wouldn't say "gave up", more like got really good return. Brendan Shanahan was an ok player.

Pronger -> Shanahan -> Primeau and Coffey -> Brind'amour and 2 1st rounders.

Rutherford did an amazing job considering Shanahan, Coffey and Primeau all acted like petulant toddlers and demanded a trade / held out.

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 Re: October 10 [message #792737 is a reply to message #792723 ]
Mon, 11 October 2021 08:26 Go to previous messageGo to next message
oilfan94 is currently offline oilfan94
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NetBOG wrote on Sun, 10 October 2021 14:34

benv wrote on Sun, 10 October 2021 10:59

.... and they gave up on him early trading him to the Blues in 1995.



Well, I wouldn't say "gave up", more like got really good return. Brendan Shanahan was an ok player.

Pronger -> Shanahan -> Primeau and Coffey -> Brind'amour and 2 1st rounders.

Rutherford did an amazing job considering Shanahan, Coffey and Primeau all acted like petulant toddlers and demanded a trade / held out.


Considering what Brind'Amour has done for the franchise (and is still doing), trading away Pronger turned out to be the best move for them. However without a little luck for the Hurricanes, Pronger could have taken that cup away...

Still, this is an amazing trade tree, it is too bad that when you trade away a star player these days you can never get a star player in return.

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 Re: October 10 [message #792739 is a reply to message #792723 ]
Mon, 11 October 2021 11:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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NetBOG wrote on Sun, 10 October 2021 12:34

benv wrote on Sun, 10 October 2021 10:59

.... and they gave up on him early trading him to the Blues in 1995.



Well, I wouldn't say "gave up", more like got really good return. Brendan Shanahan was an ok player.

Pronger -> Shanahan -> Primeau and Coffey -> Brind'amour and 2 1st rounders.

Rutherford did an amazing job considering Shanahan, Coffey and Primeau all acted like petulant toddlers and demanded a trade / held out.



Fair point about Shanahan, but I still say if you trade a top prospect d-man like Pronger for a skilled forward who is 6 years older you are either in win now mode (which the Whalers certainly were not in 1995), there are personal issues (this may have been the case, but I don't believe so), or you don't believe that Pronger is going to be as good as his draft position.

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 Re: October 10 [message #792726 is a reply to message #792722 ]
Sun, 10 October 2021 12:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
welcometotheOC is currently offline welcometotheOC
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benv wrote on Sun, 10 October 2021 10:59

A couple of defensemen today: I bet you remember at least one of them:


Chris Pronger
Born: October 10, 1974 (turns 47 today) in Dryden, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by St. Louis for Eric Brewer, Doug Lynch, and Jeff Woywitka, August 2, 2005.
Oilers Career: 2005-06; 80 games (24 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Anaheim for Joffrey Lupul, Ladislav Smid, 2 1st round picks and 2nd round pick, July 3, 2006.

Pronger was a top defenseman in the OHL drafted 2nd overall by the Whalers in 1993. He jumped immediately to the NHL in 1993, but struggled a bit playing with the bottom feeding Whalers, and they gave up on him early trading him to the Blues in 1995. Pronger would blossom in St. Louis, playing nine years there as an all star d-man, winning the Norris and Hart trophies in 2000 with his 62 points season. The guy was a machine who could play half the game and never seemed to be out of position. Oilerdome was over the moon after the 04-05 lockout when the Blues dealt Pronger to Edmonton for three younger defenseman (St. Louis felt they couldn't fit him under the new cap). Pronger immediately signed a five year deal with the Oilers and it looked like the top defenseman problems in Edmonton would be solved for the foreseeable future. This seemed even more evident as Pronger proceeded to have a terrific season in Edmonton, playing 80 games, getting 56 points and providing that steady presence they needed. He was even better in the playoffs, leading them in scoring in their trip to the finals where they fell one game short. But then of course Pronger gave all Oiler fans a swift kick in the gonads three days after the finals when he demanded a trade just one year into his contract (I won't go into details--I'm sure you know them) going from having the keys to the city to public enemy number one. A few weeks later he was in Anaheim and the Oilers would start a decade of regular season futility. Pronger meanwhile won the cup with the Ducks in 2007. After three good years in Anaheim he went to Philadelphia in 2009 but soon ran into injury problems with his knee that would end his career. He never played again after 11-12. Pronger is currently working for the Panthers as senior advisor of hockey operations. Happy 47th Chris (I still kind of hate you though).



Johan Motin
Born: October 10, 1989 (turns 32 today) in Karlskoga, Sweden.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 103rd overall, June 21, 2008.
Oilers Career: 2009-10; 1 game (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Returned to play in Sweden in 2011.

Motin was drafted by the Oilers in 2008 out of the Swedish elite league where he was a stay at home d-man. He came over to North America in 2009 and spent 09-10 in Springfield, but was called up to the big team on an emergency basis for a one game appearance (I actually remember the game--the Oilers had just traded Visnovsky and Grebeshkov and needed a body to dress six d-men for a game against Chicago). This would be his only NHL appearance. He spent the entire 10-11 season in the AHL and ECHL and then started 11-12 with OKC, but early in the season the Oilers allowed him to return to Sweden. He spent five years playing in the SEL and then switched to the Finnish league in 2017 where he continues to play for Helsinki to this day. Happy 32nd Johan.




Yeah, I remember Motin, he was a decent player. I thought he’d have a better career.
That other guy, never heard of him.

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 October 11 [message #792740 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Mon, 11 October 2021 11:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Location: Edmonton
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Here are today's birthday alumni. Coincidentally I just mentioned one of them in yesterday's post:



Jason Arnott
Born: October 11, 1974 (turns 47 today) in Collingwood, ON.
Position: Centre (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 7th overall, June 26, 1993.
Oilers Career: 1993-94 to 1997-98; 286 games (12 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to New Jersey (with Bryan Muir) for Bill Guerin and Valeri Zelepukin, January 4, 1998.

Arnott was a hulking offensive centre out of Oshawa. The Oilers nabbed him in the first round of the 1993 draft and he broke their long stretch of first round draft pick busts, having a superb rookie season with the Oilers in 93-94 getting 68 points and finishing second in Calder voting (he lost to Martin Brodeur). Arnott would continue with the Oilers being a big contributor in turning the franchise around and getting them back to the playoffs in 1997. by 97-98 he started to lose a bit of favour with the fans (some off-ice stuff didn't help) and he would be dealt to New Jersey mid-season. He would spend three years with the Devils, scoring the OT cup winning goal in 2000, before moving on to Dallas where he would have his best seasons (topping 70 points twice). After three years with the Stars, another four in Nashville, Arnott would wrap up his career with short stints in New Jersey (again), Washington, and St. Louis before retiring in 2013. Since then he worked briefly as a part time scout for the Blues. Happy 47th Jason.



Denis Grebeshkov
Born: October 11, 1983 (turns 38 today) in Yaroslavl, USSR.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by NY Islanders for Marc-Andre Bergeron and 3rd round pick, February 18, 2007.
Oilers Career: 2007-08 to 2009-10; 2013-14: 197 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Nashville for 2nd round pick, March 1, 2010.
Reacquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 18, 2013.
Left Oilers for good: Returned to Russia in 2014.

Grebeshkov was considered a top prospect blueliner out of Russia in 2002 when the Kings chose him in the first round. He came over to North America in 2003, but struggled to stay in the NHL playing just a handful of games with the Kings and Islanders. He returned to Russia in 2006 and the Oilers acquired his rights and convinced him to come back. He would stick with the Oilers playing two and a half years as one of their top six (sometimes even top four) blueliners and certainly had his best NHL success at this time. When the Oilers were in full rebuild at the 2010 trade deadline they shipped him off to Nashville. After just 4 games with the Preds, he took a puck to the jewels that made him miss the rest of the season. He returned to Russia after the season and would play the next three years in the KHL. In 2013 the Oilers decided to give him another shot (one of MacT's ideas that caused some head scratching) and he played 13-14 with the Oilers. It was not a success as he would appear in just 7 games in Edmonton, playing the rest in OKC--thus ended the experiment. He would play one more year in the KHL and then retire in 2015. He is currently an assistant coach with Loko Yaroslavl in the MHL. Happy 38th Denis.

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 October 12 [message #792753 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Tue, 12 October 2021 09:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Sit back after your Thanksgiving feast and take in today's alumni celebrants:



Dave Brown
Born: October 12, 1962 (turns 59 today) in Saskatoon, SK.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Philadelphia for Keith Acton and 6th round pick, February 7, 1989.
Oilers Career: 1988-89 to 1990-91; 140 games (26 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Philadelphia (with Corey Foster and Jari Kurri) for Craig Berube, Craig Fisher, and Scott Mellanby, May 30, 1991.

Brown was one of the toughest NHL players of his era and carved himself a long NHL career based on this toughness. He had spent five years as the Flyers' enforcer (where he is remembered for having the longest suspension of the time (15 games) for a vicious cross-check on Tomas Sandstrom) when the Oilers acquired him late in the 88-89 season to give themselves a new nuclear deterrent. He would play two and a half years with the team and he certainly showcased his brutality (I was at the game in Calgary when he put Stu Grimson in the hospital with a fight). He would be dealt back to the Flyers in 1991 and play another five years in the league (the last with San Jose) before retiring in 1996 having played 729 games in the NHL (most enforcers don't get that many). Since retiring he has worked steadily with the Flyers and Rangers in various positions including assistant coach, scout, director of player personal, and director of scouting. He's currently going into his ninth season as director of professional scouting with Philadelphia. Happy 59th Dave.


Dwayne Roloson
Born: October 12, 1969 (turns 52 today) in Simcoe, ON.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Minnesota for 1st and 3rd round picks, March 8, 2006.
Oilers Career: 2005-06 to 2008-09; 193 games (18 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by NY Islanders, July 1, 2009.

Roloson was an undrafted goalie who spent four years at UMass followed by two full seasons in the AHL before making his NHL debut in 1996 when he was 27. After two years in Calgary he went to Buffalo for a couple more and then was back to the AHL for a season. He finally found his game in Minnesota in 2001-02 when he became the Wild's starting goalie. He spent four years in Minnesota either as their number one or sharing the crease with Manny Fernandez when the Oilers pegged him as their goaltending saviour at the 2006 deadline. Roloson took a bit of time to get warmed up in Edmonton while playing every game down the stretch, just squeaking Edmonton into the playoffs. He turned it up in the playoffs though, where he was spectacular in leading the Oilers to the finals. He got injured in game one of the finals and would miss the rest of the series (very possibly costing Edmonton the cup). He would sign a three year extension in the offseason and would start the majority of Oiler games over the next three years, and though he played well, the team was diminished and couldn't get back to the playoffs. He left in 2009 and would split three more years between the Islanders and Lightning before retiring in 2012. Following retirement he worked for three years as a goaltending coach with Anaheim and is currently a skills coach with the Victoria Royals (WHL). Happy 52nd Dwayne.



Mike Green
Born: October 12, 1985 (turns 36 today) in Calgary, AB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Detroit for Kyle Brodziak and 4th round pick, February 24, 2020.
Oilers Career: 2019-20; 2 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 2020.

Green was an offensive d-man out of the Saskatoon Blades, drafted in the 1st round by the Capitals in 2004. He made his debut in Washington in 2006, and after a 12 point season in 06-07, he exploded for 56 points in 07-08 and then followed up with seasons of 73 and 76 points establishing himself as an elite offensive blueliner. He spent ten seasons in Washington followed by five more in Detroit. At the 2020 deadline he was in the twilight of his career and the Oilers acquired him to give their backend a boost for the upcoming playoffs. Unfortunately things didn't work out; Green played just two games and then got injured in the second game. Then COVID shut things down and by the time things got going again, Green opted to retire rather than return to play in the uncertain environment. Hope you are well Mike and happy 36th.

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 October 13 [message #792811 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Wed, 13 October 2021 10:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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I'm sure you remember today's alumnus for his infamous inopportune shove:


Marc-Andre Bergeron
Born: October 13, 1980 (turns 41 today) in Saint-Louis-de-France QU.
Position: Defenceman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, May 29, 2001.
Oilers Career: 2002-03 to 2006-07; 189 games (19 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to NY Islanders (with 3rd round pick) for Denis Grebeshkov, February 18, 2007.

Bergeron was an undrafted blueliner who played with Shawinigan in the QMJHL. He signed with the Oilers in 2001 and slowly worked his way to become a regular on the bottom pairing, where his blistering shot was effectively used on power plays, although his own-zone work was often scrutinzed. Bergeron is perhaps best remembered for two separate playoff incidents; in his only playoff game in 2003 he sent Brendan Morrow into next week with a beautiful clean hip check and in game 1 of the 2006 finals he pushed Andrew Ladd into Roloson, causing him to miss the rest of the finals (didn't we just talk about this yesterday?). After nearly six years with the franchise, the Oilers shipped him off to the Islanders late in 06-07 and he would be passed around the league from there: Ducks to Wild to Canadiens to Lightning and finally to the Hurricanes. In 2013 he went to Switzerland and played three years with ZSC. He tried a comeback to North America in 2016 but it lasted just 22 AHL games before he decided to retire in 2017. He's kept busy since then taking a job with Shawinigan (QMJHL) as director of player development and he is currently GM of the Trois-Rivieres Lions (ECHL). Happy 41st Marc-Andre.

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 Re: October 13 [message #792817 is a reply to message #792811 ]
Wed, 13 October 2021 11:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
oilfan94 is currently offline oilfan94
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benv wrote on Wed, 13 October 2021 12:25

I'm sure you remember today's alumnus for his infamous inopportune shove:


Marc-Andre Bergeron
Born: October 13, 1980 (turns 41 today) in Saint-Louis-de-France QU.
Position: Defenceman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, May 29, 2001.
Oilers Career: 2002-03 to 2006-07; 189 games (19 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to NY Islanders (with 3rd round pick) for Denis Grebeshkov, February 18, 2007.

Bergeron was an undrafted blueliner who played with Shawinigan in the QMJHL. He signed with the Oilers in 2001 and slowly worked his way to become a regular on the bottom pairing, where his blistering shot was effectively used on power plays, although his own-zone work was often scrutinzed. Bergeron is perhaps best remembered for two separate playoff incidents; in his only playoff game in 2003 he sent Brendan Morrow into next week with a beautiful clean hip check and in game 1 of the 2006 finals he pushed Andrew Ladd into Roloson, causing him to miss the rest of the finals (didn't we just talk about this yesterday?). After nearly six years with the franchise, the Oilers shipped him off to the Islanders late in 06-07 and he would be passed around the league from there: Ducks to Wild to Canadiens to Lightning and finally to the Hurricanes. In 2013 he went to Switzerland and played three years with ZSC. He tried a comeback to North America in 2016 but it lasted just 22 AHL games before he decided to retire in 2017. He's kept busy since then taking a job with Shawinigan (QMJHL) as director of player development and he is currently GM of the Trois-Rivieres Lions (ECHL). Happy 41st Marc-Andre.



Just want to point out that Grebeshkov gets his 3rd mention in 4 days. What an impact he had.

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 Re: October 13 [message #792824 is a reply to message #792817 ]
Wed, 13 October 2021 12:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
CrudeRemarks is currently offline CrudeRemarks
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oilfan94 wrote on Wed, 13 October 2021 11:42

benv wrote on Wed, 13 October 2021 12:25

I'm sure you remember today's alumnus for his infamous inopportune shove:


Marc-Andre Bergeron
Born: October 13, 1980 (turns 41 today) in Saint-Louis-de-France QU.
Position: Defenceman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, May 29, 2001.
Oilers Career: 2002-03 to 2006-07; 189 games (19 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to NY Islanders (with 3rd round pick) for Denis Grebeshkov, February 18, 2007.

Bergeron was an undrafted blueliner who played with Shawinigan in the QMJHL. He signed with the Oilers in 2001 and slowly worked his way to become a regular on the bottom pairing, where his blistering shot was effectively used on power plays, although his own-zone work was often scrutinzed. Bergeron is perhaps best remembered for two separate playoff incidents; in his only playoff game in 2003 he sent Brendan Morrow into next week with a beautiful clean hip check and in game 1 of the 2006 finals he pushed Andrew Ladd into Roloson, causing him to miss the rest of the finals (didn't we just talk about this yesterday?). After nearly six years with the franchise, the Oilers shipped him off to the Islanders late in 06-07 and he would be passed around the league from there: Ducks to Wild to Canadiens to Lightning and finally to the Hurricanes. In 2013 he went to Switzerland and played three years with ZSC. He tried a comeback to North America in 2016 but it lasted just 22 AHL games before he decided to retire in 2017. He's kept busy since then taking a job with Shawinigan (QMJHL) as director of player development and he is currently GM of the Trois-Rivieres Lions (ECHL). Happy 41st Marc-Andre.



Just want to point out that Grebeshkov gets his 3rd mention in 4 days. What an impact he had.

Jersey retirement? We could do it on Nov. 5th.

You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find, you can get a lottery pick.


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 Re: October 13 [message #792967 is a reply to message #792824 ]
Thu, 14 October 2021 14:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dragon_Matt is currently offline Dragon_Matt
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Bergeron also caved in a goalie mask with that shot... I think it was one of Anaheim's goalies.

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 October 14 [message #792958 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Thu, 14 October 2021 09:40 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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After a nice opening day win we can look back at these two alumni:



Skip Krake
Born: October 14, 1943 (turns 78 today) in Rabbit Lake, SK.
Position: Centre (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Cleveland for Ray McKay, August 1975.
Oilers Career: 1975-76; 41 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1976.

Krake was a centre who came up in the early 60s with the Bruins, playing mostly in the minors and getting just a few NHL games here and there. As it did for many, the 1967 expansion gave him a chance for full time NHL duty, as he played from 1967 to 1971 with Boston, Los Angeles, and Buffalo. After spending 71-72 in the minors he joined the Cleveland Crusaders in the new WHA in 1972. He would play three season in Cleveland and was traded to the Oilers in the 1975 offseason. He would play 41 games and get 16 points (a big drop from his Cleveland numbers) and would retire before the end of the season, ending his career as an Oiler. Can't find much on what he's been up to since retirement. I know he's still alive, as I found some podcast appearances as recently as 2019. Happy 78th Skip.



Daniel Tjarnqvist
Born: October 14, 1976 (turns 45 today) in Umea, Sweden.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 6, 2006.
Oilers Career: 2006-07; 37 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Left to play in Russia in 2007.

Tjarnqvist was a Swedish blueliner, drafted in the fourth round of 1995, but he stayed in Sweden for a while and finally came over to the NHL in 2001 and signed with the Thrashers. He proved a solid NHL rearguard and spent three years in Atlanta and then one in Minnesota. He signed with the Oilers in 2006. He had an injury plagued single season in Edmonton, playing just 37 games in a miserable year for the team, but his play was good when he was in the lineup (15 points). He was not re-signed after the year, and spent 07-08 playing in Russia. He returned to the NHL for a year with the Avalanche, but then was back in Russia in 2009. After two years in the KHL, one in the SEL, and three more playing in Germany, he retired in 2015. Since then he's been a developmental coach, working briefly with the Blue Jackets (18-19). He is currently a developmental coach with Djugardens in the Swedish league. Happy 45th Daniel.


With no birthdays tomorrow I will be back on Saturday with more.

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 /October 16 [message #793017 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sat, 16 October 2021 12:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Location: Edmonton
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Three players with birthdays today--I had no idea until doing this research that Joe Murphy has had such a difficult post retirement.




Norm Ferguson
Born: October 16, 1945 (turns 76 today) in Sydney, NS.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, May 1977.
Oilers Career: 1977-78; 71 games (5 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1978.

Ferguson was a decent winger out of Nova Scotia who jumped up to the NHL in 1968 and played four full seasons with the Oakland/California (Golden) Seals. He switched to the WHA in 1972 and played two years in New York followed by three in San Diego (where he had his best seasons topping out at 74 points in 75-76). The Oilers signed him in 1977 and he would play the full 77-78 season in Edmonton getting 47 points in 71 games. He retired after the season. Ferguson would coach the Oil Kings in 78-79 and then later return to the Oilers' organization as an assistant with Cape Breton for seven years (1989 to 1996) including a Calder Cup win in 1993. Not sure what he's up to now, but happy 76th Norm.



Reg Kerr
Born: October 16, 1957 (turns 64 today) in Oxbow, SK.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, November 9, 1983
Oilers Career: 1983-84; 3 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1984.

Kerr was a depth forward who played with Kamloops in the late 70s. He was drafted by Cleveland in the NHL, but soon found himself in Chicago. He was able to carve himself four full seasons in the NHL from 78-79 to 81-82 with the Hawks, but then spent the entire 82-83 season in the minors. The Oilers signed him in 1983 and he would play the whole 83-84 season with their AHL team in Moncton, getting just 3 games with the very strong Oilers of that year. He retired once the season was over. Since then he founded his own furniture company (RJ Kerr Inc.) and is vice president of the Blackhawk alumni association. Happy 64th Reg.



Joe Murphy
Born: October 16, 1967 (turns 54 today) in London, ON.
Position: Right Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Detroit (with Adam Graves, Petr Klima, and Jeff Sharples) for Jimmy Carson, Kevin McClelland and 5th round pick, November 2, 1989.
Oilers Career: 1989-90 to 1991-92; 222 games (53 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Chicago for Igor Kravchuk and Dean McAmmond, February 24, 1993.

Murphy was a top flight prospect winger out of Michigan State University. After being drafted 1st overall by the Wings in 1986, he immediately turned pro, but had a bit of a slow development with Detroit, playing more in the AHL than in the NHL. He was packaged to the Oilers in the Jimmy Carson deal early in 89-90 (the player who went 2nd overall in the same draft, but was way ahead of Murphy development wise). He had success in Edmonton playing on a "kid line" with Martin Gelinas and Adam Graves that was instrumental in helping the Oilers to the Cup that year. He exploded in 90-91 with 62 points and then had his best NHL season in 91-92 (82 points) playing with Vincent Damphousse and Bernie Nicholls. He would hold out in 92-93 while Sather played hardball on his new contract; he would never play for the Oilers again and was dealt to Chicago late in 92-93 (after missing the entire first two-thirds of the season in the contract dispute). His production would slowly dip over the rest of his career (his Oiler days were definitely the hilight of his career) where after three plus years in Chicago he went to St. Louis, San Jose, Boston, and Washington before retiring in 2001. Murphy has had a difficult post retirement; he spent one year as a GM/coach in the GMHL, but later become destitute and homeless in Kenora Ontario and was the subject of a Sportscentre feature called "Finding Murph". At last report (summer 2020) he was living on the streets of Regina. Hope you can turn your life around Joe; happy 54th.

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 October 17 [message #793073 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sun, 17 October 2021 12:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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A single WHA alumnus today--sad to hear he passed away just recently:




Ed "Rusty" Patenaude
Born: October 17, 1949 in Williams Lake, BC.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right)
Acquired by Oilers: Selected in general WHA player draft, February 12, 1972.
Oilers Career: 1972-73 to 1976-77; 355 games (11 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to New England with Kevin Devine, Claude St. Sauveur, and Barry Wilkins) for Dave Inkpen, Blair MacDonald, and Mike Zuke, September 9, 1977.
Died: July 24, 2021 (age 71) of Guillain Barre Syndrome in Williams Lake, BC.

Patenaude was a skilled winger out of Calgary in the WCHL. Despite being drafted by the Penguins, he would never play in the NHL. After a couple of years in the minors, he was selected by the Oilers in the WHA general player draft and would spend 5 full season with the team. He managed 248 points in 355 games and is 2nd only to Al Hamilton in WHA games played for the Oilers. He was involved in a blockbuster trade to the Whalers in 1977 and would play the 77-78 season in New England and then retire after the season. Not much on his post hockey life. He raised a family in his hometown of Williams Lake and died just three months ago there at the age of 71--he suffered from Guillain Barre syndrome. RIP Rusty.

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 October 18 [message #793098 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Mon, 18 October 2021 09:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Location: Edmonton
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An interesting quartet of Oilers today, three of them very short term:



Mike Antonovich
Born: October 18, 1951 (turns 70 today) in Calumet, Minnesota.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Minnesota (with Bill Butters, Jack Carlson, Steve Carlson, Dave Keon, Louis Levasseur, and John McKenzie) for cash, January 1977.
Oilers Career: 1976-77; 7 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to New England (with Bill Butters) for Ron Busniuk and Brett Callighen, February 5, 1977.

Antonovich was a centre out of UMinn. After finishing school in 1972 he stuck close to home, signing in the WHA with the Minnesota Fighting Saints. He played four and half seasons in Minnesota, and was sold to the Oilers during 76-77 when the Fighting Saints franchise was in financial trouble. He would play just 7 games with the Oilers before they flipped him to the Whalers a month later. He was in New England until the WHA folded in 1979 (having his best pro season with 67 points in 77-78) and then would spend 1979 to 1984 jumping between the minors and various NHL teams (Hartford, Minnesota, and New Jersey) before retiring in 1984. After coaching in the minors for a bit, Antonovich became an NHL amateur scout working eighteen years for the Blues from 1997 to 2015 and since then for the Blue Jackets. At the age of 70 today he's still going, starting his sixth year as a scout with Columbus. Happy birthday Mike.



Normand Lacombe
Born: October 18, 1964 (turns 57 today) in Pierrefonds, QU.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Buffalo (with Wayne Van Dorp and 4th round pick) for Lee Fogolin, Mark Napier, and 4th round pick, March 6, 1987.
Oilers Career: 1986-87 to 1989-90; 133 games (26 playoff games)
Left Oilers: Traded to Philadelphia for 4th round pick, January 5, 1990.

Lacombe was a top prospect winger, being drafted 10th overall by the Sabres in 1983 out of the University of New Hampshire. He turned pro immediately and spent his time with the Sabres bouncing between Buffalo and Rochester until they decided to deal him to the Oilers in 1987. He found a bit more success in Edmonton as a 3rd/4th line energy winger, managing to stick with the team and avoid the AHL for the most part (even got himself a Stanley Cup ring in 1988). They would deal him to the Flyers in 1990 and he would play one and a half full seasons in Philadelphia, and then a few games for the Canadian international team before retiring in 1992. Since retiring, Lacombe has settled in the Edmonton area and has coached in the AJHL and NWJHL as well as working as a strength and conditioning coach. Happy 57th Normand.



German Titov
Born: October 18, 1965 (turns 56 today) in Borovsk, USSR
Position: Left Wing (shoots left)
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Pittsburgh for Joseph Beranek, March 14, 2000.
Oilers Career: 1999-2000; 7 games (5 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Anaheim, July 1, 2000.

Titov was a Soviet winger who played six years in the Russian league and came over to the NHL in 1993 when he was 28. He played five years with the Flames, having his best year in 95-96 with 67 points. He was traded to Pittsburgh and at the end of his second year as a Penguin he was acquired by the Oilers as a deadline rental. He would play just 7 regular season games plus 5 playoff games with the Oilers (his presence wasn't enough to help them overcome the Dallas problem) and then signed in the off season with Anaheim. Two years in Anaheim were followed by a return to Russia and then retirement in 2005. For the last eight years he's been coaching in the KHL and is currently an assistant with Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. Happy 56th German.



Alex Henry
Born: October 18, 1979 (turns 42 today) in Elliot Lake, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 67th overall, June 27, 1998.
Oilers Career: 2002-03; 3 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed on waivers by Washington, October 24, 2002.

Henry came out of the London Knights, a d-man drafted in the 3rd round by the Oilers in 1998. Starting in 1999, he spent three years in the system with Hamilton in the AHL. He finally made the big team in 02-03, but would only dress for 3 games before they put him on waivers to demote him again. He was scooped by the Capitals and would spend the rest of his career in both the NHL and AHL with Washington, Minnesota, and Montreal before he retired in 2014 having played 177 NHL games and 632 in the AHL. Since retirement he spent three years (2015 to 2018) as an assistant coach with Dalhousie University and since then has been a development coach with the Arizona Coyotes. Happy 42nd Alex.

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 October 19 [message #793135 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Tue, 19 October 2021 10:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Location: Edmonton
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Another four players a year older today:


Zdeno Ciger
Born: October 19, 1969 (turns 52 today) in Martin, Czechoslovakia.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by New Jersey (with Kevin Todd) for Bernie Nicholls, January 13, 1993.
Oilers Career: 1992-93 to 1995-96; 204 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Left to play in Slovakia in 1996.

A Slovakian winger, Ciger came over to the NHL in 1990 to join the Devils who had drafted him two years earlier. He got just spot duty in New Jersey and came over to the rebuilding Oilers in the middle of 92-93. He had his best years in Edmonton, often playing on a top line with Weight and/or Arnott. After an impressive 70 point season in 95-96, the Oilers couldn't get him signed again and he would bolt back to Slovakia. He played the next ten years with Slovan Bratislava, except for the 01-02 season when he returned to the NHL for just one season split between the Rangers and Lightning. He retired in 2006 and immediately became the head coach of his Slovan Bratslava team (until 2011. He's also coached the Slovakian national team and is currently coaching a U18 team. Happy 52nd Zdeno.



Joaquin Gage
Born: October 19, 1973 (turns 48 today) in Vancouver, BC.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 109th overall, June 20, 1992.
Oilers Career: 1994-95 to 1995-96; 2000-01: 23 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Left to play in Britain in 2001.

The Oilers drafted goalie Gage out of the Portland Winterhawks in 1992. He joined the organization in 1994, and was Cape Breton's starting goalie for 94-95. He played two games in Edmonton that year, and spent about half of 95-96 being Ranford's backup in Edmonton. After spending the entire 96-97 season in the minors the Oilers cut him loose and he would bounce around the minors (both AHL and ECHL) for the next three years. In 2000 the Oilers gave him another shot, this time as Salo's backup, but they soon replaced him with Roussel and he would spend the rest of the year in Hamilton. He went to Europe after that and spent the next seven years playing in Britain, Sweden, Germany, and Italy before retiring in 2008. Since then, Gage has settled in Edmonton and become a financial advisor; you can also hear him on the local sports radio TSN 1260 doing occasional radio spots for Oilers coverage. Happy 48th Joaquin.



Dan Smith
Born: October 19, 1976 (turns 45 today) in Fernie, BC.
Position: Defenceman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, August 21, 2003.
Oilers Career: 2005-06; 7 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Detroit, July 13, 2006.

Smith was a journeyman minor league defenseman who played thirteen pro years getting just 22 NHL games and 731 in the AHL. He came up as a late round pick by the Avalanche in 1995 and was signed by the Oilers in 2003 having played just 15 NHL games with the Avs. He spent three years with the Oilers, playing 207 AHL games with them in Toronto/Edmonton/Hamilton. Early in the 05-06 season, the Oilers had a slew of injured d-men resulting in Smith being called up for 7 games to hold the fort (I actually remember this--I think every important d-man that wasn't Pronger was on the shelf). These would be his last NHL games--he would sign with the Red Wings in summer 2006 and the Blue Jackets in 2007, but would only play in the AHL until retiring in 2009. Can't find much on his post hockey life, but hope your well Dan, and happy 45th.



Boyd Gordon
Born: October 19, 1983 (turns 38 today) in Unity, SK.
Position: Centre (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 5, 2013.
Oilers Career: 2013-14 to 2014-15; 142 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Arizona for Lauri Korpikoski, June 30, 2015.

Gordon was a first round pick by the Capitals in 2002. While he scored in junior with Red Deer, he established his NHL career as a defensive forward. He made the Caps full time in 2006 and moved on to Phoenix in 2011. He became a prized free agent acquisition by MacTavish in 2013 and would spend two years with the Oilers as a 3rd/4th line centre and faceoff specialist. When new management came in in 2015, he was traded back to the Coyotes (playing 15-16 there) and then would wind down his career in Philadelphia before retiring in 2017. Hope your well Boyd--happy 38th.

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 October 20 [message #793217 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Wed, 20 October 2021 09:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Location: Edmonton
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Two birthday boys today--including the current title holder of youngest Oiler alumnus (at least until Broberg and/or Holloway dress for a game--possibly sometime this season).



Mikhail Shtalenkov
Born: October 20, 1965 (turns 56 today) in Moscow, USSR.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Nashville (With Jim Dowd) for Drake Berehowsky, Greg DeVries, and Eric Fichaud, October 1, 1998.
Oilers Career: 1998-99; 34 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Phoenix for 5th round pick, March 11, 1999.

Shtalenkov was a long time goalie with Dynamo Moscow when the Ducks drafted him as a 27 year old in 1993. He came over in 1993 and after a half season in the IHL spent four and a half years backing up Guy Hebert in Anaheim. Nashville plucked him in the 1998 expansion draft and then he was flipped to the Oilers a few months later (prior to the start of the 98-99 season) when the Oilers were in desperate search of a guy to replace Curtis Joseph. Shtalenkov's numbers with the Oilers look pretty good, but this was the dead puck era (when all goalies had good numbers) and he was actually outplayed by Bob Essensa during the first two thirds of the season. The Oilers dumped him off to Phoenix before they had acquiring Salo to solidify their goaltending. He would backup Khabibulin for a couple of years in Phoenix and then backup Vernon for a year in Florida before returning to Russia. He played one more year with his hometwon Dynamo before retiring in 2001. He immediately took a job as a goaltending coach with the Dynamo which he did for nine years (2002-2011) before switching to Vityaz. Happy 56th Mikhail.



Evan Bouchard
Born: October 20, 1999 (turns 22 today) in Oakville, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 10th overall, June 22 2018.
Oilers Career: 2018-19 to present; 24 games and counting (0 playoff games).

Bouchard was the Oilers' prized booming right shot defenseman out of London that they (surprisingly) got with the 10th overall pick in 2018. He made the Oilers out of camp in 2018 but suited up for just 7 games before returning to London. After playing the entire 19-20 season with Bakersfield he played 23 games in Sweden in 20-21 before joining the Oilers for the late start of the season. While sticking with the team for the whole year, he dressed for only 14 games, still being brought along slowly. While it is very early, it's looking like 21-22 will be his year as he has cemented himself a spot on the team, currently on the 3rd pairing but we could easily see him move up as the season progresses. And of course he just had probably his best game as an Oiler last night being moved up temporarily to the first pair and scoring the pivotal go-ahead goal. Let's hope for big things and wish Evan a happy 22nd.


October 21 is a birthdayless day so we'll be back on Friday.

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 October 22 [message #793342 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Fri, 22 October 2021 09:48 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Cast your mind back to the 90s to remember today's two birthday alumni:



Ron Tugnutt
Born: October 22, 1967 (turns 54 today) in Scarborough, ON.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Quebec (with Brad Zavisha) for Martin Rucinsky, March 10, 1992.
Oilers Career: 1991-92 to 1992-93; 29 games (2 playoff games)
Left Oilers: Claimed by Anaheim in expansion draft, June 24, 1993.

Tugnutt was a goalie out of Peterborough, drafted by Quebec in 1986. He worked his way up bouncing up and down between Quebec and Halifax before becoming Quebec's number one goalie in 90-91. He broke a record that year with a 70 save performance against Boston. He struggled a bit the next year and became available for the Oilers to acquire as a better backup for Bill Ranford. He would fulfill this role for the rest of 91-92 and all of 92-93 before the Oilers were forced to expose him in the 1993 expansion draft and he was claimed by the Ducks. After a short stay in Anaheim and an even shorter one in Montreal, he would have a career resurgence with the Ottawa Senators where he was their top tender from 1996 to 2000. He followed that with a brief stay in Pittsburgh, two years as Columbus' number one and ended his career in Dallas before retiring in 2004. Since then he's settled in Stoney Lake Ontario; he's worked as a goaltending coach for Canada's U20 team and he also owned and coached the Kemptville junior team for a while until selling it in 2017. Happy 54th Ron.



Miroslav Satan
Born: October 22, 1974 (turns 47 today) in Jacovce, Czechoslovakia.
Position: Right Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 111th overall, June 26, 1993.
Oilers Career: 1995-96 to 1996-97; 126 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Buffalo for Craig Millar and Barrie Moore, March 18, 1997.

Satan was a shrewd 5th round pick by the Oilers in 1993. He was a Slovakian forward who came over to North America in 1995 and immediately exploded for 40 points in 25 games with Cape Breton. He joined the Oilers on a full time basis in 95-96 and would play 126 games in two seasons getting 63 points. For whatever reason he was never a favourite of Ron Low and the Oilers dealt him to Buffalo at the 1997 deadline for a couple of magic beans. Satan would thrive with the Sabres playing over seven seasons with them and reliably putting up points in the 60s and 70s (his best was 75 points in 02-03). He would sign with the Islanders in 2005 and spent three productive years there before having short stints in Pittsburgh and Boston before returning to Slovakia for three years and retiring in 2014. Post career, Satan managed the "Team World" team in the 2016 World Cup, and is currently the president of the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation. Happy 47th Miroslav.



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 October 23 [message #793433 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sat, 23 October 2021 11:12 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
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Location: Edmonton
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Just a single alumnus today--one who died too young of the worst kind of cancer:


Chris Worthy
Born: October 23, 1947 in Bristol, England.
Position: Goalie (catches left)
Acquired by Oilers: Selected in WHA professional draft, June 1973.
Oilers Career: 1973-74 to 1975-76; 82 games (3 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1976.
Died: August 2, 2007 (age 59) in Vancouver, BC of pancreatic cancer.

Worthy was a goalie, born in England, but raised in Ontario. After turning pro in 1968 he spent most of his time in the minor leagues, but did get in 26 NHL games with Oakland/California between 1968 and 1973. He chose to sign with the Oilers in 1973 and spent three years backing up Jack Norris, Jacques Plante, and Dave Dryden over three seasons and playing 82 games as an OIler. He would retire in 1976. After retiring he worked as an accountant, as well as in the construction industry and would later found his own investment company. He passed away of pancreatic cancer in Vancouver in 2007 just a few months shy of his 60th birthday. RIP Chris.

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 October 24 [message #793456 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sun, 24 October 2021 13:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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We have three players today--two were born on the same day and both became colour analysts after their careers were over. The third is the Monster. Read on:



Mike Rogers
Born: October 24, 1954 (turns 67 today) in Calgary, AB.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 48th overall, June 1, 1974.
Oilers Career: 1974-75 to 1975-76; 1985-86; 130 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to New England (with future considerations) for Wayne Carleton, January 19, 1976.
Reacquired by Oilers: Traded by NY Rangers for Larry Melnyk and Todd Strueby, December 20, 1985.
Left Oilers for good: Retired in 1986.

Rogers was a scoring dynamo out of Calgary (140 points in 66 games in his last junior year in 73-74) whom the Oilers drafted in 1974. He spurned the NHL to join the Oilers and immediately continued his scoring touch getting 83 points in his rookie season with Edmonton. After a bit of a drop in production the next year he would be dealt to New England midseason. He would play three and a half years with the Whalers in the WHA continuing to put up points as one of their top scorers. The Whalers protected him when they moved into the NHL and he fared even better in his first two NHL seasons with Hartford getting 105 points each year. He had another 100 point season after a trade to the Rangers in 81-82 (he is one of only four players in NHL history to get at least 100 points in each of his first three NHL seasons). He played three more season with the Rangers when his play started to fall off in 1985. The Oilers re-acquired him at this point. He would play just 8 games with them in 85-86 scoring a single goal (which for some reason, I have a vivid memory of watching on TV back when I was 13). He spent a bit of time in Nova Scotia and then retired at the end of the season. Post career, he became a colour commentator, working for the Flames radio and tv team until retiring from that in 2013. Happy 67th Mike.



Joe Micheletti
Born: October 24, 1954 (turns 67 today) in International Falls, Minnesota.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Winnipeg for future considerations, September 5, 1977.
Oilers Career: 1977-78 to 1978-79; 128 games (18 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to St. Louis for Tom Roulston and Risto Siltanen, August 7, 1979.

Micheletti was d-man out of the University of Minnesota. The Oilers acquired his WHA rights prior to the 77-78 season and he came on to play the 77-78 and 78-79 season with them. He was their top offensive blueliner during those two years getting 95 points in 128 games. The Oilers held on to his rights when they moved to the NHL in 1979, but dealt him to St. Louis prior to the start of the season, so he never did play for the NHL Oilers. He would play 3 NHL seasons with the Blues and Rockies before going to Austria to play for one season and then retiring in 1983. Micheletti is more know for his post hockey career as a broadcaster (after trying out coaching briefly). He's done color commentating for St. Louis, Minnesota, and the New York Rangers (which he continues to this day) as well as on the national level in the US for NBC (including many Olympics). Happy 67th Joe.



Jonas Gustavsson
Born: October 24, 1984 (turns 37 today) in Danderyd, Sweden.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 1, 2016.
Oilers Career: 2016-17; 7 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Left to play in Sweden in 2017.

Jonas "the Monster" Gustavsson was a Swedish goalie who came over to North America in 2009 to join the Maple Leafs. While he was hugely hyped at the time, he never did manage to gain any kind of elite status at the NHL level. He spent three years with the Leafs, three more with Detroit and one in Boston playing a total of 172 NHL games. The Oilers signed him in 2016 to backup Cam Talbot, but he struggled mightily and would eventually be demoted to Bakersfield and replaced with Laurent Brossoit after making just 7 appearances with the Oilers (his last in the NHL as it would turn out). He returned to Sweden at the end of the season, playing two more years in the elite league before retiring in 2019. He has since settled in Detroit; happy 37th Jonas.

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 October 25 [message #793460 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Mon, 25 October 2021 09:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Three more blasts from the past you may or may not recall, depending on your age and relative level of Oiler fanaticism:




Terry Martin
Born: October 25, 1955 (turns 66 today) in Barrie, ON.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers from Toronto, October 9, 1984.
Oilers Career: 1984-85; 4 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Minnesota (with Gord Sherven) for Mark Napier, January 24, 1985.

Martin was a winger drafted by the Sabres in the 3rd round in 1975. He spent four years in the Sabres org, bouncing between the NHL and AHL. He moved briefly to Quebec in 1979 before becoming a Leaf in 1980. He had his greatest success in Toronto playing four and a half seasons with the Leafs and sticking with the big team the entire time--his best was a 49 point campaign in 81-82. His Oiler story came in 1984 when Edmonton claimed him on waivers. He had a tough time cracking the deep forward group and would play just 4 games with Edmonton and spent the rest in Nova Scotia. Halfway through the season he was dealt to Minnesota; he would play 7 more NHL games with the Stars and then wind down his career in the minors before retiring in 1987. He's been busy since retiring; head coach in the OHL for two years, assistant coach in the AHL for six years, and scout with the Sabres for ten years. He left Buffalo in 2006 and is currently in his sixteenth season as a scout with the Avalanche. Happy 66th Terry.



Don Murdoch
Born: October 25, 1956 (turns 65 today) in Cranbrook, BC.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by NY Rangers for Cam Connor and 3rd round pick, March 11, 1980.
Oilers Career: 1979-80 to 1980-81; 50 games (3 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Minnesota for Don Jackson and 3rd round pick, August 21, 1981.

Murdoch was a goal scoring machine out of Medicine Hat (88 goals in 70 games in his draft year), and was picked 6th overall by the Rangers in 1976. He exploded on the scene with New York in 76-77 getting 32 goals in just 59 games in his rookie season and tying an NHL record by getting 5 goals in a game as a rookie. After a good sophmore follow-up, Murdoch was suspended for half the 78-79 season for getting caught at an airport with cocaine and admitted to having a drinking and drug problem. Despite his continued point production, the Rangers dealt him to the Oilers late in the 79-80 season, and he helped them down the stretch to squeak into the playoffs. The 80-81 season was a bad one for Murdoch as he struggled with the Oilers, getting just 19 points in 40 games and was eventually demoted to Wichita. The Oilers dealt him in the 1981 offseason, but he would play just one more half season in the NHL before his problems caught up to him and he would play the rest of his career in the IHL before retiring in 1986. He would work as a scout for both the Rangers and later the Lightning. He also coached one year in the ECHL. This was in 2000--can't find much on him the last 20 years--hope things are good Don, and happy 65th.



Josef Beranek
Born: October 25, 1969 (turns 52 today) in Litvinov, Czechoslovakia.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 78th overall, June 17, 1989.
Oilers Career: 1991-92 to 1992-93; 1998-99 to 1999-2000: 208 games (14 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Philadelphia (with Greg Hawgood) for Brian Benning, January 16, 1993.
Reacquired by Oilers: Traded by Pittsburgh for Bobby Dollas and Tony Hrkac, June 16, 1998.
Left Oilers for good: Traded to Pittsburgh for German Titov, March 14, 2000.

The Oilers drafted Beranek out of Czechoslovakia in 1989 and he would join the team for the 91-92 season. He would play 84 games with the Oilers over two seasons and was coming along, when they decided to deal him to Philadelphia in order to get defensive help in Brian Benning. Over the next five years Beranek would bounce around a bit from the Flyers to the Canucks, and the Penguins, and even return home to play in the Czech Republic for a while. Then he would become an Oiler again in 1998 when they traded for him in the off season. He rewarded them with his best NHL season in 98-99 getting 49 points in 66 games, but slumped a lot the next season (just 17 points in 58 games). They dealt him back to the Penguins at the deadline (as the price for the rental of German Titov). He would stay in Pittsburgh until 2001 when he returned home and played a full decade in the top Czech league with Slava Praha before retiring in 2010. He's spent his time since then coaching and managing various U20, U18, and U16 teams in his home country. Happy 52nd Josef.

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 October 26 [message #793499 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Tue, 26 October 2021 09:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
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Location: Edmonton
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Today's two alumni:


Steve Kelly
Born: October 26, 1976 (turns 45 today) in Vancouver, BC.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 6th overall, July 8, 1995.
Oilers Career: 1996-97 to 1997-98; 27 games (6 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Tampa Bay (with Jason Bonsignore and Bryan Marchment) for Paul Comrie and Roman Hamrlik, December 30, 1997.

Everyone remembers Kelly as the guy the Oilers selected with their first round pick in 1995 when the whole stadium was chanting for Shane Doan (the draft was in Edmonton that year). Sather fell in love with Kelly's speed and grit, but unfortuantely his NHL career never took off relative to his draft position. He spent only one and a half years with the Oilers, playing just 27 games with the team before he was shipped to the Lightning as part of a package for Roman Hamrlik. Kelly bounced around over the next twelve years playing a total of 149 NHL games with Edmonton, Tampa Bay, New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Minnesota. He also spent considerable time in the AHL and three years playing in Germany. He retired in 2009. Since then he's settled in Calgary and works as a police officer. If you're ever in Calgary and an officer Kelly pulls you over to give you a ticket you can always tell him that you wanted the Oilers to draft Doan--see if it helps (probably not). Happy 45th Steve.



Adam Clendening
Born: October 26, 1992 (turns 29 today) in Niagara Falls, New York.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers from Anaheim, January 27, 2016.
Oilers Career: 2015-16; 20 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by NY Rangers, July 1, 2016.

Clendening was a right shot d-man out of Boston University drafted in the 2nd round by Chicago in 2011. After turning pro in 2012 he spent two and a half years in the AHL before graduating to Chicago in 2015. He would then start a whirlwind tour where he played for seven NHL teams in less than five years (Chicago, Vancouver, Pittsburgh, Edmonton, NY Rangers, Arizona, and Columbus). His Oiler career was 20 games in 15-16 when they claimed him on waivers to shore up a week defense. He would play out the season with the Oilers before signing with the Rangers in the offseason. He has spent the last three years playing in the AHL with Cleveland, but signed for the 21-22 season with the Flyers. Happy 29th Adam.

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 October 27 [message #793537 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Wed, 27 October 2021 09:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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A nice eclectic quartet today which includes a Canadian, an American, a Russian, and a German. There's got to be the start of a joke in there somewhere:




Peter Driscoll
Born: October 27, 1954 (turns 67 today) in Powassan, ON.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Indianapolis (with Wayne Gretzky and Eddie Mio) for cash, November 2, 1978.
Oilers Career: 1978-79 to 1980-81; 129 games (16 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1982.

Driscoll was a winger probably best remembered in Oiler lore as one of the players bought along with Wayne Gretzky from the Racers. Driscoll had actually been a decent WHA player prior to that, putting up good point totals in the previous three seasons with Calgary, Quebec, and Indianapolis. He played well for the Oilers in 78-79, getting 40 points in 69 games. He would remain with the team in the transition to the NHL, but had problems sticking with the big club. He played only 39 games in 79-80 (just 6 points) and in 80-81 this was reduced to just 21. He was demoted to Wichita and would play the remainder of 80-81 and all of 81-82 with the Wind before retiring in 1982. I can't find much on him these last 40 years--I think I remember him turning up for the closing of Rexall five years ago (but I'm not even sure about that). Wherever you are Peter, happy 67th.



Toby Petersen
Born: October 27, 1978 (turns 43 today) in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Position: Right Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 20, 2004.
Oilers Career: 2005-06 to 2006-07; 64 games (2 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Dallas, July 6, 2007.

Petersen was a defensive forward out of Colorado College. A late round pick by Pittsburgh in 1998, he turned pro in 2000 and spent four years with the Penguins, spending the entire 01-02 season in Pittsburgh, but the next two entirely in the AHL. The Oilers signed him in 2004, and he would play the entire 04-05 lockout season with the Roadrunners and then the entire 05-06 season on loan to Iowa. After a great season in the AHL, the Oilers called him up as a black ace for their playoff run, and he was inserted into two games against Anaheim after an illness to Raffi Torres, even scoring an important tie-breaking goal in game 3. The next year he became a full time Oiler playing 64 games, and got a reputation as a favourite of MacTavish who seemed to use him a lot on the power play despite his complete lack of production (he got just 15 points that year). The Oilers let him walk in the offseason, and he signed with Dallas, where he would spend the rest of his career, seven seasons in all split between the NHL and AHL. After retiring in 2014 he spent six years (2014 to 2020) as an AHL assistant in Rochester. Happy 43rd Toby.



Sergei Samsonov
Born: October 27, 1978 (turns 43 today) in Moscow, USSR.
Position: Left Wing (shoots right)
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Boston for Marty Reasoner, Yan Stastny, and 2nd round pick, March 9, 2006.
Oilers Career: 2005-06; 19 games (24 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Montreal, July 12, 2006.

Samsonov was a hot Russian prospect, drafted 8th overall by the Bruins in 1997. He joined the Bruins immediately in 97-98, winning the Calder trophy as the top rookie with 22 goals and 47 points (remember this was the "dead puck era" so this was pretty good). He would improve on these totals through his career, topping out at 75 points in 2000-01. After nearly eight years in Boston, the Oilers acquired him as a trade deadline rental to bolster their playoff drive. He fit in well, getting 16 points in his 19 games down the stretch and adding another 15 points in 24 playoff games. His most memorable moments were his seeing eye pass to Hemsky on the series clincher against Detroit, and coming out of the penalty box to score a huge goal in game 4 against San Jose. The Oilers tried to convince him to stay in the 2006 offseason, but he bolted for Montreal. His stint as a Hab was just a year; he was in Chicago to start 07-08 and soon after in Carolina. He spent three seasons with the Hurricanes before a brief stay in Florida and then retirement in 2011. He became a scout for the Hurricanes in 2014 and moved on to development coach in 2018--a job he continues to this day. Happy 43rd Sergei.



Leon Draisaitl
Born: October 27, 1995 (turns 26 today) in Cologne, Germany.
Position: Centre (shoots left)
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 3rd overall, June 27, 2014.
Oilers Career: 2014-15 to present; 483 games and counting (21 playoff games).

I'm sure I don't need to tell you about Draisaitl. Getting him with the 3rd pick in 2014 was a huge coup for the team as he quickly blossomed (after a bit of a shaky start in his first season) into a star and then by the 19-20 season a superstar with a scoring title and Hart trophy to his name. We can only sit back and see what great things will come in the next few seasons and if he can continue to put up points at the pace he's been going. Let's hope for another multi-point game tonight on his 26th. Happy birthday Leon.


With no Oiler alumni born on October 28, I will be back again on Friday.

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 Re: October 27 [message #793668 is a reply to message #793537 ]
Thu, 28 October 2021 20:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
oilfan94 is currently offline oilfan94
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benv wrote on Wed, 27 October 2021 11:46


Sergei Samsonov
Born: October 27, 1978 (turns 43 today) in Moscow, USSR.
Position: Left Wing (shoots right)
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Boston for Marty Reasoner, Yan Stastny, and 2nd round pick, March 9, 2006.
Oilers Career: 2005-06; 19 games (24 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Montreal, July 12, 2006.

Samsonov was a hot Russian prospect, drafted 8th overall by the Bruins in 1997. He joined the Bruins immediately in 97-98, winning the Calder trophy as the top rookie with 22 goals and 47 points (remember this was the "dead puck era" so this was pretty good). He would improve on these totals through his career, topping out at 75 points in 2000-01. After nearly eight years in Boston, the Oilers acquired him as a trade deadline rental to bolster their playoff drive. He fit in well, getting 16 points in his 19 games down the stretch and adding another 15 points in 24 playoff games. His most memorable moments were his seeing eye pass to Hemsky on the series clincher against Detroit, and coming out of the penalty box to score a huge goal in game 4 against San Jose. The Oilers tried to convince him to stay in the 2006 offseason, but he bolted for Montreal. His stint as a Hab was just a year; he was in Chicago to start 07-08 and soon after in Carolina. He spent three seasons with the Hurricanes before a brief stay in Florida and then retirement in 2011. He became a scout for the Hurricanes in 2014 and moved on to development coach in 2018--a job he continues to this day. Happy 43rd Sergei.



Samsonov assisted on a goal on one of my favourite blooper plays of all time. If you look up Samsonov highlights on YouTube in 2006 think there is a video where this still shows up (at 4:12 of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We812o6P6to, sorry I have never figured out how to get them embedded on these posts). It was OT against the Flames, and there is a broken stick on the ice. somehow one defender trips on it and slides it perfectly to trip the other, so Horcoff gets past both and Samsonov gets him the pass for the winner. The video quality is terrible, but this is the one video I've ever found of it since watching the highlights back then.

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 Re: October 27 [message #793681 is a reply to message #793668 ]
Fri, 29 October 2021 10:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dragon_Matt is currently offline Dragon_Matt
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The Horcoff goal and the Hemsky goal right before it were bloopers that worked out. Hemsky didn't drop pass, he lost it and Samsonov happened to be in the right place.

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 October 29 [message #793675 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Fri, 29 October 2021 10:00 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
benv is currently offline benv
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Location: Edmonton
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Three short term alumni today--you probably remember at least two of them since they are so recent--probably not a hope in hell you remember the third though:



Wayne Zuk
Born: October 29, 1949 (turns 72 today) in Prince Albert, SK.
Position: Centre (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Selected in WHA professional draft, June 1973.
Oilers Career: 1973-74; 2 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Los Angeles for Ian Wilkie, March 1974.

Zuk was a career minor league centre who played almost his entire career in the IHL. He was a point producer at that level topping out at 112 points in 74 games with Flint in 72-73. This performance interested the Oilers enough that they selected him in the 1973 pro player draft. He would only suit up for two games with the Oilers (no points) and these would be the only major pro games of his career. He continued on in the IHL, eventually retiring in 1977. Can't find anything on him since then--happy 72nd Wayne, wherever you are.



Dmitry Kulikov
Born: October 29, 1990 (turns 31 today) in Lipetsk, USSR.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by New Jersey for 4th round pick, April 12, 2021.
Oilers Career: 2020-21; 10 games (3 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Minnesota, July 29, 2021.

Kulikov was a 1st round pick by Florida in 2009 and was a full time NHLer right out of the gate, making the Panthers in 09-10. He spent seven full years patrolling Florida's blueline, followed that up with a year in Buffalo and three more in Winnipeg--never playing in the minors. He signed a one year deal with the Devils in 2020, and the Oilers acquired him as a deadline rental for the playoffs. He would only play 10 games down the stretch due to a minor injury and was an adequate 2nd/3rd pair guy. He played three playoff games (being healthy scratched for the fourth) and the Oilers were not impressed enough to try to keep him around. He signed with the Wild in July 2021 and continues his career there. Happy 31st Dmitry.


Josh Currie
Born: October 29, 1992 (turns 29 today) in Charlottetown, PEI.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 18, 2018
Oilers Career: 2018-19; 21 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Pittsburgh, October 9, 2020.

Currie was winger out of PEI who went undrafted and had to work his butt off to get his NHL shot. He turned pro in 2013 and spent three years in the ECHL before signing a minor league deal with Bakersfield. He spent two full years there, and finally was rewarded by the Oilers in 2018 with his first two way contract. After being one of the more impressive Condors during 18-19 he was rewarded with a call up to the Oilers that lasted 21 games. He definitely had some good spurts playing on the fourth line, getting 5 points, but he was back in the AHL again in 19-20 spending the entire season with Bakersfield. He moved on in 2020 signing with the Penguins where he got in one more NHL game but was again an AHL player. In June of 2021 he went to the KHL and is currently playing with Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Happy 29th Josh.

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 Re: October 29 [message #793680 is a reply to message #793675 ]
Fri, 29 October 2021 10:13 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Adam is currently offline Adam
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benv wrote on Fri, 29 October 2021 10:00


Dmitry Kulikov
Born: October 29, 1990 (turns 31 today) in Lipetsk, USSR.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by New Jersey for 4th round pick, April 12, 2021.
Oilers Career: 2020-21; 10 games (3 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Minnesota, July 29, 2021.

Kulikov was a 1st round pick by Florida in 2009 and was a full time NHLer right out of the gate, making the Panthers in 09-10. He spent seven full years patrolling Florida's blueline, followed that up with a year in Buffalo and three more in Winnipeg--never playing in the minors. He signed a one year deal with the Devils in 2020, and the Oilers acquired him as a deadline rental for the playoffs. He would only play 10 games down the stretch due to a minor injury and was an adequate 2nd/3rd pair guy. He played three playoff games (being healthy scratched for the fourth) and the Oilers were not impressed enough to try to keep him around. He signed with the Wild in July 2021 and continues his career there. Happy 31st Dmitry.




While I was underwhelmed with Kulikov as a deadline pickup, I do wonder if he wouldn't have been a more solid re-signing than Slater Koekkoek. A lot more expensive, so there's that to consider, but I'd feel better with him on the third pairing.

Maybe one of the young LHDs makes the jump later this year and we don't worry about it, but I will say, I'm not loving Koekkoek or Russell as the #6/#7 defencemen.

"Thinking that a bad team's best players are the reason the team is bad is the "Tambellini re-signing Lennart Petrell" of sports opinions." @Woodguy55
#FireLowe #FireBobbyNicks #FireKenHolland #FireKeithGretzky

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