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 Re: May 14 [message #785131 is a reply to message #785130 ]
Fri, 14 May 2021 13:48 Go to previous messageGo to next message
CrusaderPi is currently offline CrusaderPi
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6 Cups
Skookum Jim wrote on Fri, 14 May 2021 13:24

Dragon_Matt wrote on Fri, 14 May 2021 09:17

Don't forget, "Belanger wants more years!"


Belanger.. rofl

He really liked what the Oilers were doing and wanted to be part of it.

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

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 May 15 [message #785158 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sat, 15 May 2021 09:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
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Busy day, with six ex-players and one ex-coach all blowing out candles today. Let's get right to it:




Brett Callighen
Born: May 15, 1953 (turns 68 today) in Toronto, ON.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left)
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by New England (with Ron Busniuk) for Mike Antonovich and Bill Butters, February 5, 1977.
Oilers Career: 1976-77; 1977-78 to 1981-82: 340 games (37 playoff games)
Left Oilers: Traded to New England for futures, June 1, 1977.
Re-acquired by Oilers: Traded by New England (with Dave Dryden and 4th round pick) for Louis Levasseur, September 16, 1977.
Left Oilers for good: Left to play in Switzerland in 1982.

Callighen was an undrafted forward who managed to get a pro contract with the Whalers in 1976. He was dealt to the Oilers late in the year and immediately seemed to click getting 25 points in 29 games over the remainder of the year. Strangely, when the season was over, the Oilers traded him back to the Whalers and then re-acquired him again prior to the season's start. He slowly blossomed with the team over the next five years, playing two more years in the WHA and staying with the team (since no one had his NHL rights) when they moved into the NHL. He was part of the first great Oiler line with Wayne Gretzky and Blair Macdonald (the GMC line) and he managed exactly 290 points with the Oilers--145 in each league. With the influx of great forwards in his last couple of seasons with the team, he found his playing time reduced and he left the team in 1982, playing two years in Switzerland and one more in the AHL before retiring in 1986. Since his retirement, Callighen has worked as a player agent. Happy 68th Brett.



Dave Langevin
Born: May 15, 1954 (turns 67 today) in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 96th overall, June 1, 1974.
Oilers Career: 1976-77 to 1978-79: 216 games (23 playoff games)
Left Oilers: Claimed by NY Islanders in WHA dispersal draft, June 9, 1979.

Langevin was a solid defenseman who joined the WHA Oilers after four years at UMinn in 1976. He spent three years with team (their last three in the WHA), and was one their top defenseman, even being named a second team all star in 78-79. With the Islanders owning his NHL rights, Langevin was reclaimed by New York when the Oilers moved into the NHL in 1979. He spent six years with the Isles, winning four cups, and then concluded his career with the North Stars and Kings before hanging things up in 1987. He's kept busy since retiring, doing a bit of coaching in the WCHL as well as high schools in Minnesota. He's also worked as a real estate appraiser and has worked for the NHL central scouting bureau. Happy 67th Dave.



Todd Nelson
Born: May 15, 1969 (turns 52 today) in Prince Albert, SK.
Oilers Coaching Career: 2014-15: 51 games (0 playoff games).

Nelson gutted out sixteen years as a defenseman (1986 to 2002) in the junior and minor leagues, getting in just 3 NHL games before retiring in 2002. He immediately went into coaching starting in the UHL and AHL until being hired in 2008 as an NHL assistant in Atlanta. In 2010 the Oilers hired him to head coach their AHL affiliate in OKC. He held this position for four and a half years, which earned him the promotion to head coach of the Oilers after the firing of Dallas Eakins. His stint with the Oilers was only 51 games, but he did seem to get more out of the players than Eakins, and most Oiler fans where not against his returning. However, an upper level house cleaning meant that the new GM wanted his own guy and Nelson was out. Since then he spent three years as head coach in Grand Rapids, and is currently in his third year as an assistant with the Dallas Stars. Happy 52nd Todd.



Jeff Deslauriers
Born: May 15, 1984 (turns 37 today) in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QU.
Position: Goalie (catches right).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 31st overall, June 22, 2002.
Oilers Career: 2008-09 to 2009-10: 58 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Anaheim, July 12, 2011.

Desluariers was a top prospect goalie out of the QMJHL. The Oilers ripened him slowly after drafting him, as he spent four full seasons in the ECHL and AHL before making his NHL debut in the 08-09 season. With a three headed goalie monster that year, Deslauriers only got in 10 games with the team, but played 48 the following year after an injury to Khabibulin. While his play was never terrible, he was usurped in the 09-10 season by Dubnyk and found himself on the outs the next year playing the entire 10-11 season in the AHL. He was signed by the Ducks in 2011, but would only get in the 4 games with them and was basically an AHL goalie until 2014. He played a couple of years in Europe (KHL, DEL) before retiring in 2016. Since then he's settled in Edmonton and works in real estate. Happy 37th Jeff.


Mark Fayne
Born: May 15, 1987 (turns 34 today) in Nashua, New Hampshire.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right)
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 1, 2014.
Oilers Career: 2014-15 to 2016-17: 147 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 2018.

Fayne was a stay at home d-man who joined the Devils out of Providence College in 2010 and quickly found himself as one of their main reliable blue liners. After four years with the Devils, the Oilers signed him to a lucrative four year deal in 2014. After being a steady presence for the first two years, the Oilers soured on him in 2016 and relegated him to the AHL with two years remaining on the deal (he would play only 4 games with the Oilers in 16-17 and none in 17-18). In 2018 he was invited to Boston for a tryout but decided to retire when nothing came of it. Not sure what he's up to now, but happy 34th Mark.



Jordan Eberle
Born: May 15, 1990 (turns 31 today) in Regina, SK.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 22nd overall, June 20, 2008.
Oilers Career: 2010-11 to 2016-17: 507 games (13 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to NY Islanders for Ryan Strome, June 22, 2017.

Eberle was the Oilers' first round pick from the deep 2008 draft, a dynamic scoring winger with a reputation for clutch scoring, particularly when playing for Canada in the WJHC. He joined the Oilers in 2010 and had an immediate impact, scoring a highlight reel game winning goal in his first NHL game versus Calgary and leading the team in scoring in his first two years with the team (and again in 14-15). Despite these successes, Eberle's seven years with the Oilers were tainted by the lack of team success, a reputation for being "soft", and his poor showing in the team's one playoff drive (just 2 assists in 13 games). He was dealt in 2017 to the Islanders (part cost cutting, part Chiarelli brain fart) where he continues to put up points and has a new five year contract with the team where he continues to have success. Happy 31st Jordan.


Valentin Zykov
Born: May 15, 1995 (turns 26 today) in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers from Carolina, November 30, 2018.
Oilers Career: 2018-19: 5 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed on waivers by Vegas, December 29, 2018.

Zykov was a Russian forward who played junior in the QMJHL as a spedy offensive winger. He spent most of his early pro career in the AHL with the Kings and Hurricanes, never quite making the NHL jump. The Oilers claimed him on waivers in 18-19 hoping he could add some punch to their lineup. He was with the team for just one month, playing in only five games (no points) when they waived him and he was claimed by Vegas. He spent the rest of 18-19 as well as 19-20 with the Golden Knights, getting in 25 NHL games, but also playing in the AHL. He left North America last year and is currently playing in Modo in the Swedish league. Interesting bit of trivia regarding Zykov: he was selected by the Kings in the 2nd round of the 2013 draft with the pick the Oilers traded to them in order to secure five 3rd and 4th round picks. I remember all the hand wringing about those maneuvers at the time, so it's funny that Zykov would end up being an Oiler for a short time anyway. He also has the almost unbeatable distinction of being the last player listed when you list all the Oilers alphabetically. Ok I've said enough--happy 26th Valentin.

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 Re: May 15 [message #785174 is a reply to message #785158 ]
Sat, 15 May 2021 13:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Adam is currently offline Adam
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Also the anniversary of the Petr Klima overtime goal against the Bruins!

"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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 Re: May 15 [message #785233 is a reply to message #785174 ]
Sat, 15 May 2021 20:33 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Adam wrote on Sat, 15 May 2021 13:29

Also the anniversary of the Petr Klima overtime goal against the Bruins!


Yes I remember reading once that happened on the same day that Jordan Eberle was born.

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 Re: May 15 [message #785235 is a reply to message #785158 ]
Sat, 15 May 2021 20:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
welcometotheOC is currently offline welcometotheOC
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I remember being at the game when Callighen had a pretty scary incident. I think he swallowed his tongue if memory serves. Whole coliseum went completely silent as they got him stabilized on the ice. I think I was 12 or so, was a bit scary for me as I had never seen anything like that.

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 May 16 [message #785246 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sun, 16 May 2021 10:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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After a feast of players yesterday, we get just a single, mostly forgotten WHA alumnus today:




Barry Merrell
Born: May 16, 1945 (turns 76 today) in Dauphin, MB.
Position: Right Wing (shoots left)
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, August 1976.
Oilers Career: 1976-77: 10 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Not re-signed following 76-77 season.

I can tell you almost nothing about Merrell. He was a career minor league forward who never played in the NHL, but played in the IHL and AHL for over a decade from 1965 to 1976. His persistence was rewarded by the Oilers in 1976 when they signed him and he finally got his first major pro experience at the age of 31. He only played 10 games with the Oilers, and then was back in the minors where he retired in 1978. The internet tells me nothing about what he's been up to the last 40+ years, so wherever you are Barry, happy 76th. I hope those hard earned ten games with the Oilers were gratifying for you.

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 May 17 [message #785292 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Mon, 17 May 2021 09:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Just the single player today--a career that ended in tragedy turned into a redemptive story:




Doug Smith
Born: May 17, 1963 (turns 58 today) in Ottawa, ON.
Position: Centre (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers from Buffalo, October 3, 1988.
Oilers Career: 1988-89: 19 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Vancouver (with Greg Adams) for John LeBlanc and 5th round pick, March 7, 1989.

After being a scorer in junior, Smith carved himself a decent NHL career more as a defensive centre. From 1981 to 1988 he played seven seasons in the NHL with the Kings and Sabres (mostly as a 3rd/4th line centre), before the Oilers were able to claim him on waivers prior to the 88-89 season. He played only 19 games with the Oilers, spending the rest of his time in Cape Breton. This would be it for his time as an Oiler, as they dealt him to the Canucks at the trade deadline. He spent one more year in the NHL before going to play in Austria, when he suffered a horrible tragedy in 1992. He broke two vertebrae after crashing head first into the boards, paralyzing him. While his initial prognosis was life as a quadriplegic, Smith managed a miraculous recovery and taught himself to walk again. He's since founded several charitable organizations, founded a business, and worked as a motivational speaker. Happy 58th Doug.

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 May 18 [message #785403 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Tue, 18 May 2021 09:41 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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We have two alumni to celebrate today. Both right shot skaters who played in the glory days and have strong ties with Wayne Gretzky. And the similarities end there:



Jari Kurri
Born: May 18, 1960 (turns 61 today) in Helsinki, Finland.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 69th overall, June 11, 1980.
Oilers Career: 1980-81 to 1989-1990: 754 games (146 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Philadelphia (with Dave Brown and Corey Foster) for Craig Berube, Craig Fisher, and Scott Mellanby, May 30, 1991.

The Oilers drafted Kurri out of the Finnish elite league in the 4th round of 1980; he joined the team immediately and the rest is history. Kurri had instant chemistry with Gretzky and the two became the leagues most feared offensive duo for the next eight years. Kurri racked up goals and points like crazy, being named to many all star teams and winning the Lady Bying trophy. Some thought Kurri's success was mostly due to Gretzky, but when Kurri played two seasons with Edmonton after Gretzky's departure, his numbers actually stayed about the same--Gretzky seemed to suffer more without Kurri than vice-versa. A contract snafu with the Oilers caused Kurri to play the 90-91 season in Italy, and the Oilers traded his rights the next year. He would end up reuniting with Gretzky in Los Angeles, but neither ever put up close to the numbers they did in Edmonton (but sill pretty good). He wound down his career with stints in New York, Anaheim, and Colorado before retiring in 1998. Since retiring, Kurri has spent his time managing/scouting/coaching the Finnish national team. He is currently the GM of the Jokerit KHL team. Happy 61st Jari.


Marty McSorley
Born: May 18, 1963 (turns 58 today) in Hamilton, ON.
Position: Right Wing/Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Pittsburgh (with Tim Hrynewich and futures--Craig Muni) for Gilles Meloche, September 12, 1985.
Oilers Career: 1985-86 to 1987-88; 1998-99: 206 games (48 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Los Angeles (with Wayne Gretzky and Mike Krushelnyski) for Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, three 1st round picks and cash, August 9, 1988.
Re-acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, October 1, 1998.
Left Oilers for good: Signed as free agent by Boston, December 9, 1999.

McSorley was an undrafted forward who signed with the Penguins and played two season with the team. When the Oilers acquired him in 1985, he slowly took over the enforcer/bodygurard role from the aging Semenko, and became a regular player with the team over the three seasons (while racking up the PIMs--everyone remembers his dirty spear on Flames' Mike Bullard during the 1988 Smythe final). He accompanied Gretzky to Los Angeles and continued the same role there. While he had been mostly a forward with the Oilers (he did play defense on occasion) he converted to defense full time in LA. He played eight years with the Kings (with a brief detour in the middle to the Penguins) and was a fan favourite there. He would return to Edmonton in 1998 (after brief stops in New York and San Jose) and play the 98-99 season with the Oilers as an enforcer/depth defenseman. After that season he signed with Boston and had his most notorious incident when he clubbed Donald Brashear in the head. The NHL threw the book at him and he was basically out of the league (he only played a few IHL games after this). After retirement (and even during his playing career) McSorley used his LA popularity to get roles in various TV shows and movies. He also coached for two years in the AHL. Happy 58th Marty.

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 May 19 [message #785497 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Wed, 19 May 2021 09:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Location: Edmonton
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After two high profile guys yesterday, it's two lower profile guys today:



Wayne Van Dorp
Born: May 19, 1961 (turns 60 today) in Vancouver, BC.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left)
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Buffalo (with Norman Lacombe and 4th round pick) for Lee Fogolin, Mark Napier, and 4th round pick, March 6, 1987.
Oilers Career: 1986-87: 3 games (3 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Pittsburgh (with Paul Coffey and Dave Hunter) for Dave Hannan, Chris Joseph, Moe Mantha, and Craig Simpson, November 24, 1987.

Despite being born in Canada, Van Dorp has Dutch citizenship and represented the Nethrelands in hockey championships. He was an undrafted enforcer who the Oilers acquired late in the 86-87 season from Buffalo. I remember him as low on skill but big on toughness. He would see his first NHL action with the Oilers that year getting in 3 games in the regular season plus another three in the playoffs (he got a ring but not his name on the cup). He started 87-88 in the minors and was soon dealt to Pittsburgh as part of the Coffey trade. He spent the next six years trying to stay in the NHL and managing 122 more games as an enforcer with Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Quebec. He retired in 1993 and I can find no sign of him since. Wherever you are Wayne, happy 60th.



Milan Kytnar
Born: May 19, 1989 (turns 32 today) in Topolcany, Czechoslovakia.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 127th overall, June 23, 2007.
Oilers Career: 2011-12: 1 game (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Left for KHL after 11-12 season.

Kytnar was a Slovakian forward and late round pick by the Oilers in 2007. He came to Canada to play in the WHL in hopes of living out his NHL dream. He spent his first year with the Oilers in OKC, getting 29 points in 78 games. The next year he split between the AHL and ECHL, and managed a one game call up with the Oilers. This would be his entire NHL experience, as he soon went to Europe and played the rest of his career in Finland, Russia, Czech Republic, and has been in the Slovakian league since 2014-15 (where his career continues). Happy 32nd Milan.

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 May 20 [message #785641 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Thu, 20 May 2021 10:06 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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These are the three alumni we focus on today:


Bob Beers
Born: May 20, 1967 (turns 55 today) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Tampa Bay for Chris Joseph, November 11, 1993.
Oilers Career: 1993-94: 66 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by NY Islanders, August 29, 1994.

Beers was a late round pick out of the University of Maine who spent the early 90s bouncing between the AHL and NHL while with the Bruins and Lightning. He started to establish himself in 92-93 and the Oilers grabbed him from the Lightning in a trade. Beers played the remainder of the 93-94 season with the Oilers and had his best NHL season picking up 37 points in 66 games from the back-end--an impressive feat on a not very good Oiler team. He signed with the Islanders the following season and ran into injury troubles and consistency issues which saw him play as much in the AHL as the NHL. He returned to the Bruins in 1996, but again was mostly an AHL guy when he retired in 2000. For the past twenty-one years, Beers has worked as a Bruins radio analyst in Boston. Happy 55th Bob.


Brad Malone
Born: May 20, 1989 (turns 32 today) in Chatham, NB.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 3, 2017.
Oilers Career: 2017-18 to present: 23 games and counting (0 playoff games).

Malone was a 4th round pick who has been living the grind trying to make an NHL career. After four years in the Avs organization playing mostly in the AHL he went to Carolina where he found himself staying with the big club for two years (14-15 and 15-16). After a full year in the minors, he signed with the Oilers prior to the 17-18 season. He's been a steady forward down in Bakersfield and has managed 23 games with the Oilers during that time (0 points doesn't look good though). He's definitely fallen down the Oilers depth chart, but he remains with the team as a trusty veteran presence with the Condors; it remains to be seen whether he will ever play in the NHL again (his last NHL game was during 18-19). Happy 32nd Brad.


Matt Fraser
Born: May 20, 1990 (turns 31 today) in Red Deer, AB.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed on waivers from Boston, December 29, 2014.
Oilers Career: 2014-15: 36 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Winnipeg, July 2, 2015.

Fraser was undrafted out of the WHL but managed to secure an NHL contract with Dallas in 2010. He showed some scoring touch in the AHL but not really at the NHL level. He went to Boston (as part of the Seguin deal) in 2013 and was claimed by the Oilers in the 14-15 season when the Bruins waived him. His nine points in 36 games with the Oilers over the rest of the season was actually his best NHL showing, but it would also be his last (at least to date). He signed with the Jets the next year but left for Europe in 2016 after spending 15-16 in the minors. He continues his career in Austria where he plays for Klagenfurt AC. Happy 31st Matt.



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 May 21 [message #785780 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Fri, 21 May 2021 10:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Location: Edmonton
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So if you're looking for a big former Oiler celebrating a birthday today that the Oilers can rally around for the win tonight I present you with...uh Roman Horak?



Roman Horak
Born: May 21, 1991 (turns 30 today) in Ceske Budejovice, Czechoslovakia.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Calgary (with Laurent Brossoit) for Olivier Roy and Ladislav Smid, November 8, 2013.
Oilers Career: 2013-14: 2 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Left to play in KHL in 2014.

Horak was a scoring centre, a late round pick in 2009 who came to North America and played in the WHL to try to further along his NHL career. After a couple of seasons in the WHL, Horak came out of junior in 2011 and immediately made the Calgary Flames in 11-12, playing 62 games. He played only 20 the next year and was mostly an AHL player in 12-13. The Oiler acquired him as part of a multi-player swap in 2013 and he would spend all but two games with OKC. The Oilers wanted him to stay in 2014, but he chose to bolt for the KHL. He's continued his career in Europe, with four years in the KHL, two in Sweden and as of this year he's back in his native Czech Republic playing with Sparta Praha. Happy 30th Roman.


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 May 22 [message #785929 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sat, 22 May 2021 11:40 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Location: Edmonton
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Days after costly playoff overtime losses suck. Here are four alumni celebrating birthdays today, but I have nothing to celebrate:




Jim Playfair
Born: May 22, 1964 (turns 57 today) in Fort St. James, BC.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 20th overall, June 9, 1982.
Oilers Career: 1983-84: 2 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Chicago, July 31, 1987.

Playfair came out the WHL as a 1982 first round pick by the Oilers. He played his last junior year in 83-84 and was gifted two games with the Oilers that year, getting a goal and an assist from the back-end. After such a start it's a bit of a surprise that he never got another look with the team playing the next three years in Nova Scotia with nary a call up to the show (although his AHL numbers were admittedly pedestrian). He left and signed with Chicago in 1987; he had a bit more luck there getting in 19 games over two seasons, but he was destined to be a minor leaguer. He retired in 1992 after four years in the IHL. Since retirement, Playfair is a well known career coach. After working his way up through stints in the ECHL and AHL, he was an NHL assistant and then head coach (and then back to assistant) with the Flames from 2003 to 2009. After six years with the Coyotes as an associate coach, Playfair has seen his career come full circle as he is in his second year as an assistant to Dave Tippet with the Oilers. Happy 57th Jim.


Janne Niinimaa
Born: May 22, 1975 (turns 46 today) in Raahe, Finland.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Philadelphia for Dan McGillis and 2nd round pick, March 24, 1998.
Oilers Career: 1997-98 to 2002-03: 399 games (26 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to NY Islanders (with 2nd round pick) for Brad Isbister and Raffi Torres, March 11, 2003.

Niinimaa was an offensive Finish d-man who joined the Flyers after several years in Finland, where he had an immediate impact putting up points from the backend. The Oilers were able to snag him at the 1998 deadline and he would spend five years in copper and blue being one of their best defenseman and a popular heavy-metal lovin' presence in the dressing room. He was dealt to the Islanders in 2003 where he saw some decline in his numbers; after short stints with Dallas and Montreal, he went to Europe in 2007 and finished his career in a few different leagues before retiring in 2012. He returned to Edmonton in 2015 to play in the world's longest hockey game (keeping a promise to Brett Saik that he would do it when he retired). Seems like a cool guy--happy 46th Janne.


Barrie Moore
Born: May 22, 1975 (turns 46 today) in London, ON.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left)
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Buffalo (with Craig Millar) for Miroslav Satan, March 18, 1997.
Oilers Career: 1996-97: 4 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Washington for Brad Church, February 3, 1999.

Moore was an offensive winger out of the OHL who was a prospect with the Sabres when the Oilers got him in a package for Miroslav Satan (bad trade Glen!). He spent two years in the organization, but only got in four games in that first season, spending the rest of his time in the AHL (where was able to rack up some points). After the Oilers dealt him to the Capitals he would get one more NHL game with them before finishing out his career in lesser leagues (from the AHL to ECHL to UHL to EIHL) before finally retiring in 2009. He became a scout after retiring and is currently employed with the Hamilton Bulldogs of the OHL in that capacity. Happy 46th Barrie.


Marc Pouliot
Born: May 22, 1985 (turns 35 today) in Quebec City, QU.
Position: Centre (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 22nd overall, June 21, 2003.
Oilers Career: 2005-06 to 2009-10: 176 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Tampa Bay, July 23, 2010.

It's a bit surprising to see that Pouliot played 176 games with the Oilers as most remember him as a big bust--the guy we got instead of Zack Parise. The Oilers of course famously traded down in the very deep 2003 draft, passing on Parise and taking Pouliot. He joined the team in 2005, and slowly worked his way up playing in the AHL mostly in 05-06, splitting time between Edmonton and the AHL in 06-07 and 07-08, and finally becoming a full time Oiler in 08-09. There were flashes but he never came close to living up to the hoped potential when they drafted him. In 2010 the Oilers chose to let him go, and he signed with the Lightning and later the Coyotes, but he played only a handful more NHL games. In 2012 he went to Switzerland and he's been enjoying his career there ever since. He's currently playing his ninth season there with Biel HC. Happy 36th Marc.

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 May 23 [message #785956 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sun, 23 May 2021 10:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
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Just the single alumnus today:



Pete Lopresti
Born: May 23, 1954 (turns 67 today) in Virginia, Minnesota.
Position: Goalie (catches left).
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed from Minnesota in expansion draft, June 13, 1979.
Oilers Career: 1980-81: 2 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1981.

Pete Lopresti (the son of former 1940s NHL goalie Sam Lopresti) was a goalie drafted by the North Stars in 1974 and immediately stepped in and formed a 1-1a goaltending duo with Cesare Maniago. When Maniago left in 1976, Lopresti was the North Stars starter, but lost the job in 1978 to Gilles Meloche. The Oilers scooped him up in the 1979 WHA expansion draft, but he failed to make the team and actually decided to retire prior to the start of the 79-80 season. The next year, the Oilers offered him another chance, and he came out of retirement and played two games with the team, but spent the rest of the year in their CHL affiliate in Wichita. He retired for good in 1981. Not sure what he's been up to the last forty years--happy 67th Pete.


No May 24 birthdays among the Oiler alumni so I get the holiday Monday off. By the time I'm back on Tuesday we should have this series evened up.


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 May 25 [message #786388 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Tue, 25 May 2021 09:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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This morning I remain in a state of shock and disbelief and will simply present today's birthday alumni without further comment:



Nick Fotiu
Born: May 25, 1952 (turns 69 today) in Staten Island, New York.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, March 1, 1989.
Oilers Career: 1988-89: 1 game (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Retired in 1990.

Fotiu was a low scoring enforcer who started his pro career with the Whalers in the WHA in 1974. After a couple of years in New England he switched to the NHL signing with his hometown Rangers. He was back to the Whalers in 1979 and then back to the Rangers in 1981. He had short stints in Calgary and Philadelphia and then found himself without a team to start 88-89. After sitting a while the Oilers chose to sign him, but he played just a single game with them. He retired in 1990 after a year in the minors. In his retirement, Fotiu did a bit of coaching in the AHL and has worked in public relations for the Rangers. Happy 69th Nick.


David Shaw
Born: May 25, 1964 (turns 57 today) in St. Thomas, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by NY Rangers for Jeff Beukeboom, November 12, 1991.
Oilers Career: 1991-92: 12 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Minnesota for Brian Glynn, January 12, 1992.

Shaw was a high scoring d-man out of the OHL, a first round pick by the Nordiques in 1982. He had a good run as a reliable d-man for many years where the Oilers were a brief pit stop. He started with the Nordiques and Rangers until being traded to the Oilers in 1991. He would only play 12 games with the team before they flipped him to Minnesota. He would finish with Boston and Tampa Bay and finally a stint in the IHL before retiring in 2001. Not sure what he's been up to the past 20 years--happy 57th David.



Kyle Brodziak
Born: May 25, 1984 (turns 37 today) in St. Paul, AB.
Position: Centre (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 214 overall, June 22, 2003.
Oilers Career: 2005-06 to 2008-09; 2018-19: 245 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Minnesota (with 6th round pick) for 4th and 5th round picks, June 27, 2009.
Reacquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, July 1, 2018.
Left Oilers for good: Traded to Detroit (with 4th round pick) for Mike Green, February 24, 2020.

Brodziak was a 7th round pick by the Oilers in 2003. He soon established himself as a useful utility centre, capable of some offense and defensive responsibility. After a couple of years in the minors (getting spot duty in Edmonton) he established himself as a full time NHLer in 07-08 and played 159 games with the Oilers in the next two years. They strangely chose to trade him at the 2009 draft (for a couple of late round picks) and he continued his NHL career putting in six solid years with the Wild followed by another three with the Blues. He came back home in 2018 signing a two year deal with the Oilers. After playing the entire 18-19 season, a chronic back injury forced his retirement (although technically he was on LTIR and even traded to Detroit). Happy 37th Kyle.


Matt Benning
Born: May 25, 1994 (turns 27 today) in St. Albert, AB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right)
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, August 27, 2016.
Oilers Career: 2016-17 to 2019-20: 248 games (16 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Nashville, October 9, 2020.

Benning was the son of former Oiler Brian, and was an offensive d-man and late round pick of Boston in 2012. After finishing his college career in Northeastern, Benning chose to spurn the Bruins and signed with the Oilers. It took only two games in the AHL for Benning to make the permanent jump to the Oilers. He spent the next four seasons as a mainstay on the Oilers' blueline, playing mostly on the third pair. An influx of d-men and salary cap considerations caused the Oilers to not qualify Benning in 2020 and he became a UFA, signing with Nashville, where he is currently continuing his career. Happy 27th Matt.

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 May 26 [message #786504 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Wed, 26 May 2021 08:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Just a single alumnus today:


Steven Rice
Born: May 26, 1971 (turns 50 today) in Kitchener, ON.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by NY Rangers (with Louie Debrusk and Bernie Nicholls) for Mark Messier and futures, October 4, 1991.
Oilers Career: 1991-92 to 1993-94: 94 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Hartford, August 30, 1994.

Rice was a high scoring winger out of Kitchener in the OHL, drafted in the first round by the Rangers in 1989. He was coveted by the Oilers and they insisted he be included when Messier was traded to the Rangers. He slowly worked his way into the Oilers lineup over three years, piling up points in two years in Cape Breton (while getting just some games in the NHL) before finally permanently making the Oilers in 93-94 getting 32 points in 63 games. He was RFA after the season and chose to sign with the Whalers. The Oilers couldn't afford to match (taking Bryan Marchment as compensation) and Rice spent the next three years in Hartford. When the team moved to Carolina, Rice's offense fell off the map (6 points in 97-98) and he suddenly retired at the age of 27. He came back to play senior hockey in Ontario and Manitoba from 2002 to 2008 and is currently the head coach of the Carolina Jr. Hurricanes (15 and under). Happy 50th Steven.

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 Re: May 26 [message #786520 is a reply to message #786504 ]
Wed, 26 May 2021 09:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Adam is currently offline Adam
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benv wrote on Wed, 26 May 2021 08:16

Just a single alumnus today:


Steven Rice
Born: May 26, 1971 (turns 50 today) in Kitchener, ON.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by NY Rangers (with Louie Debrusk and Bernie Nicholls) for Mark Messier and futures, October 4, 1991.
Oilers Career: 1991-92 to 1993-94: 94 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Hartford, August 30, 1994.

Rice was a high scoring winger out of Kitchener in the OHL, drafted in the first round by the Rangers in 1989. He was coveted by the Oilers and they insisted he be included when Messier was traded to the Rangers. He slowly worked his way into the Oilers lineup over three years, piling up points in two years in Cape Breton (while getting just some games in the NHL) before finally permanently making the Oilers in 93-94 getting 32 points in 63 games. He was RFA after the season and chose to sign with the Whalers. The Oilers couldn't afford to match (taking Bryan Marchment as compensation) and Rice spent the next three years in Hartford. When the team moved to Carolina, Rice's offense fell off the map (6 points in 97-98) and he suddenly retired at the age of 27. He came back to play senior hockey in Ontario and Manitoba from 2002 to 2008 and is currently the head coach of the Carolina Jr. Hurricanes (15 and under). Happy 50th Steven.



I thought he was going to be great when we got him. Captained Team Canada's juniors after all, and we traded Messier for him...he had to be good!

Sadly, not amazing, although the Rice/Weight/Pearson line scored a lot of points for having two guys without hands!

"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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 May 27 [message #786663 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Thu, 27 May 2021 09:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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So no players, coaches, or GMs celebrating a birthday today, but we do have one current executive who is:



Bob Nicholson
Born: May 27, 1953 (turns 68 today) in Vancouver, BC.
Oilers CEO: 2014-15 to present.

I debated whether Nicholson was worthy of inclusion on the list--he's not a former player, coach or GM. He spent twenty years with hockey Canada from 1994 to 2014 (first as VP then sixteen years as president) before being hired by the Oilers; first as vice chairman of the OEG and finally chairman, overseeing both business and hockey operations. Despite all these lofty titles and achievements, I'm still not sure what he really does for the Oilers and I'm admittedly still in a grouchy mood from the previous week and just don't have a lot to say about Nicholson. So I'll just wish Bob a happy 68th and leave it at that.

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 Re: May 27 [message #786667 is a reply to message #786663 ]
Thu, 27 May 2021 10:06 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Adam is currently offline Adam
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benv wrote on Thu, 27 May 2021 09:46

So no players, coaches, or GMs celebrating a birthday today, but we do have one current executive who is:



Bob Nicholson
Born: May 27, 1953 (turns 68 today) in Vancouver, BC.
Oilers CEO: 2014-15 to present.

I debated whether Nicholson was worthy of inclusion on the list--he's not a former player, coach or GM. He spent twenty years with hockey Canada from 1994 to 2014 (first as VP then sixteen years as president) before being hired by the Oilers; first as vice chairman of the OEG and finally chairman, overseeing both business and hockey operations. Despite all these lofty titles and achievements, I'm still not sure what he really does for the Oilers and I'm admittedly still in a grouchy mood from the previous week and just don't have a lot to say about Nicholson. So I'll just wish Bob a happy 68th and leave it at that.




Happy 68th Bob! Wouldn't it be nice to celebrate with a retirement?!

"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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 Re: May 27 [message #786669 is a reply to message #786667 ]
Thu, 27 May 2021 10:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
CrusaderPi is currently offline CrusaderPi
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Adam wrote on Thu, 27 May 2021 10:06

benv wrote on Thu, 27 May 2021 09:46

So no players, coaches, or GMs celebrating a birthday today, but we do have one current executive who is:



Bob Nicholson
Born: May 27, 1953 (turns 68 today) in Vancouver, BC.
Oilers CEO: 2014-15 to present.

I debated whether Nicholson was worthy of inclusion on the list--he's not a former player, coach or GM. He spent twenty years with hockey Canada from 1994 to 2014 (first as VP then sixteen years as president) before being hired by the Oilers; first as vice chairman of the OEG and finally chairman, overseeing both business and hockey operations. Despite all these lofty titles and achievements, I'm still not sure what he really does for the Oilers and I'm admittedly still in a grouchy mood from the previous week and just don't have a lot to say about Nicholson. So I'll just wish Bob a happy 68th and leave it at that.




Happy 68th Bob! Wouldn't it be nice to celebrate with a retirement?!

Think of the cottage time he could have in retirement

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

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 Re: May 27 [message #786671 is a reply to message #786669 ]
Thu, 27 May 2021 10:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Adam is currently offline Adam
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CrusaderPi wrote on Thu, 27 May 2021 10:10

Adam wrote on Thu, 27 May 2021 10:06

benv wrote on Thu, 27 May 2021 09:46

So no players, coaches, or GMs celebrating a birthday today, but we do have one current executive who is:



Bob Nicholson
Born: May 27, 1953 (turns 68 today) in Vancouver, BC.
Oilers CEO: 2014-15 to present.

I debated whether Nicholson was worthy of inclusion on the list--he's not a former player, coach or GM. He spent twenty years with hockey Canada from 1994 to 2014 (first as VP then sixteen years as president) before being hired by the Oilers; first as vice chairman of the OEG and finally chairman, overseeing both business and hockey operations. Despite all these lofty titles and achievements, I'm still not sure what he really does for the Oilers and I'm admittedly still in a grouchy mood from the previous week and just don't have a lot to say about Nicholson. So I'll just wish Bob a happy 68th and leave it at that.




Happy 68th Bob! Wouldn't it be nice to celebrate with a retirement?!

Think of the cottage time he could have in retirement


Here since 2014? Surely that deserves a nice watch as a send-off! Katz - give this man his watch!

"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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 Re: May 27 [message #786687 is a reply to message #786671 ]
Thu, 27 May 2021 11:14 Go to previous messageGo to next message
welcometotheOC is currently offline welcometotheOC
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Adam wrote on Thu, 27 May 2021 10:17

CrusaderPi wrote on Thu, 27 May 2021 10:10

Adam wrote on Thu, 27 May 2021 10:06

benv wrote on Thu, 27 May 2021 09:46

So no players, coaches, or GMs celebrating a birthday today, but we do have one current executive who is:



Bob Nicholson
Born: May 27, 1953 (turns 68 today) in Vancouver, BC.
Oilers CEO: 2014-15 to present.

I debated whether Nicholson was worthy of inclusion on the list--he's not a former player, coach or GM. He spent twenty years with hockey Canada from 1994 to 2014 (first as VP then sixteen years as president) before being hired by the Oilers; first as vice chairman of the OEG and finally chairman, overseeing both business and hockey operations. Despite all these lofty titles and achievements, I'm still not sure what he really does for the Oilers and I'm admittedly still in a grouchy mood from the previous week and just don't have a lot to say about Nicholson. So I'll just wish Bob a happy 68th and leave it at that.




Happy 68th Bob! Wouldn't it be nice to celebrate with a retirement?!

Think of the cottage time he could have in retirement


Here since 2014? Surely that deserves a nice watch as a send-off! Katz - give this man his watch!


He's only 68??? Based on his media interactions I would have guessed closer to 86!!

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 Re: May 27 [message #786713 is a reply to message #786687 ]
Thu, 27 May 2021 13:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
CrudeRemarks is currently offline CrudeRemarks
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welcometotheOC wrote on Thu, 27 May 2021 11:14

Adam wrote on Thu, 27 May 2021 10:17

CrusaderPi wrote on Thu, 27 May 2021 10:10

Adam wrote on Thu, 27 May 2021 10:06

benv wrote on Thu, 27 May 2021 09:46

So no players, coaches, or GMs celebrating a birthday today, but we do have one current executive who is:



Bob Nicholson
Born: May 27, 1953 (turns 68 today) in Vancouver, BC.
Oilers CEO: 2014-15 to present.

I debated whether Nicholson was worthy of inclusion on the list--he's not a former player, coach or GM. He spent twenty years with hockey Canada from 1994 to 2014 (first as VP then sixteen years as president) before being hired by the Oilers; first as vice chairman of the OEG and finally chairman, overseeing both business and hockey operations. Despite all these lofty titles and achievements, I'm still not sure what he really does for the Oilers and I'm admittedly still in a grouchy mood from the previous week and just don't have a lot to say about Nicholson. So I'll just wish Bob a happy 68th and leave it at that.




Happy 68th Bob! Wouldn't it be nice to celebrate with a retirement?!

Think of the cottage time he could have in retirement


Here since 2014? Surely that deserves a nice watch as a send-off! Katz - give this man his watch!


He's only 68??? Based on his media interactions I would have guessed closer to 86!!


Seven years here and not a single gold medal? He did much better with Hockey Canada.

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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 May 28 [message #786785 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Fri, 28 May 2021 11:36 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Today's post is brought to you by the letter "D" as I present you with two Davids and a Doug:



Doug Hicks
Born: May 28, 1955 (turns 66 today) in Cold Lake, AB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed from Chicago in expansion draft, June 13, 1979.
Oilers Career: 1979-80 to 1981-82: 186 games (12 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Washington for Todd Bidner, March 9, 1982.

Hicks was an offensive d-man, drafted 6th overall by the North Stars who came out of junior hockey and slid right into Minnesota's lineup in 1974. After three full seasons with the North Stars (getting 18 pts per season) he suddenly exploded in 77-78 having a 59 point season from the backend while getting traded to the Hawks mid-season. After regressing the next year, he became an Oiler in 1979 when they plucked him from Chicago in the WHA expansion draft. He had a phenomenal first season with the Oilers getting 40 points (leading Oiler defenseman), but his role slowly diminished over time as the Oilers got deeper and by trade deadline 1982, he was deemed expendable and dealt to the Capitals. After spending the 82-83 season in the AHL he went to Europe and played in a different league every year until retiring in 1989. He seems to have kept a low profile since--happy 66th Doug.


David Roberts
Born: May 28, 1970 (turns 51 today) in Alameda, California.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, March 12, 1996.
Oilers Career: 1995-96: 6 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Vancouver, July 31, 1996.

That rare California born hockey player, Roberts slowly worked his way up to the bigs after four years at the University of Michigan. From 1994 to 1996, he split time between the Blues and the AHL; the Oilers were able to sign him (after Glenn Anderson was claimed by the Blues) late in the 95-96 season. He played only six games with the Oilers, but got 6 points. He signed with the Canucks in the offseason of 1996, but was out of the league by 97-98, finishing in the minors and Germany before retiring in 2004. He currently runs his own hockey academy in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Happy 51st David.


David Perron
Born: May 28, 1988 (turns 33 today) in Sherbrooke, QU.
Position: Left Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by St. Louis (with 3rd round pick) for Magnus Paajarvi, 2nd and 4th round picks, July 10, 2013.
Oilers Career: 2013-14 to 2014-15: 116 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Pittsburgh for Rob Klinkhammer and 1st round pick, January 2, 2015.

Perron was a high scoring winger out of the QMJHL, who stepped immediately into the Blues' lineup after being drafted by them in the first round in 2007. He had spent six years in St. Louis when the Oilers gave up Magnus Paajarvi in order to acquire him. The trade looked good in 13-14 when Perron had his best season putting up 57 points with the Oilers. The numbers dropped a bit in 14-15 and Perron was eventually dealt to the Penguins halfway through the season (there were rumours he was not a happy camper in Edmonton at the time). After a year in Pittsburgh he started to put up more consistent numbers as he moved to Anaheim, back to St. Louis, a year in Vegas, and finally a third stint with the Blues (winning a cup in 2019). He's just wrapped up his best season ppg wise getting 58 points in 56 games with the Blues in 20-21. Happy 33rd David.

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 Re: May 28 [message #786787 is a reply to message #786785 ]
Fri, 28 May 2021 11:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Goose is currently offline Goose
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benv wrote on Fri, 28 May 2021 10:36

Today's post is brought to you by the letter "D" as I present you with two Davids and a Doug:



Doug Hicks
Born: May 28, 1955 (turns 66 today) in Cold Lake, AB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Claimed from Chicago in expansion draft, June 13, 1979.
Oilers Career: 1979-80 to 1981-82: 186 games (12 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Washington for Todd Bidner, March 9, 1982.

Hicks was an offensive d-man, drafted 6th overall by the North Stars who came out of junior hockey and slid right into Minnesota's lineup in 1974. After three full seasons with the North Stars (getting 18 pts per season) he suddenly exploded in 77-78 having a 59 point season from the backend while getting traded to the Hawks mid-season. After regressing the next year, he became an Oiler in 1979 when they plucked him from Chicago in the WHA expansion draft. He had a phenomenal first season with the Oilers getting 40 points (leading Oiler defenseman), but his role slowly diminished over time as the Oilers got deeper and by trade deadline 1982, he was deemed expendable and dealt to the Capitals. After spending the 82-83 season in the AHL he went to Europe and played in a different league every year until retiring in 1989. He seems to have kept a low profile since--happy 66th Doug.


David Roberts
Born: May 28, 1970 (turns 51 today) in Alameda, California.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, March 12, 1996.
Oilers Career: 1995-96: 6 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Vancouver, July 31, 1996.

That rare California born hockey player, Roberts slowly worked his way up to the bigs after four years at the University of Michigan. From 1994 to 1996, he split time between the Blues and the AHL; the Oilers were able to sign him (after Glenn Anderson was claimed by the Blues) late in the 95-96 season. He played only six games with the Oilers, but got 6 points. He signed with the Canucks in the offseason of 1996, but was out of the league by 97-98, finishing in the minors and Germany before retiring in 2004. He currently runs his own hockey academy in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Happy 51st David.


David Perron
Born: May 28, 1988 (turns 33 today) in Sherbrooke, QU.
Position: Left Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by St. Louis (with 3rd round pick) for Magnus Paajarvi, 2nd and 4th round picks, July 10, 2013.
Oilers Career: 2013-14 to 2014-15: 116 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Pittsburgh for Rob Klinkhammer and 1st round pick, January 2, 2015.

Perron was a high scoring winger out of the QMJHL, who stepped immediately into the Blues' lineup after being drafted by them in the first round in 2007. He had spent six years in St. Louis when the Oilers gave up Magnus Paajarvi in order to acquire him. The trade looked good in 13-14 when Perron had his best season putting up 57 points with the Oilers. The numbers dropped a bit in 14-15 and Perron was eventually dealt to the Penguins halfway through the season (there were rumours he was not a happy camper in Edmonton at the time). After a year in Pittsburgh he started to put up more consistent numbers as he moved to Anaheim, back to St. Louis, a year in Vegas, and finally a third stint with the Blues (winning a cup in 2019). He's just wrapped up his best season ppg wise getting 58 points in 56 games with the Blues in 20-21. Happy 33rd David.




David Perron, another victim of the MacT/Eakins era. Would be a pretty useful player to have on the Oilers right now. Played primarily with Sam Gagner in his first year with the Oilers who, despite his warts, was at least an NHL player with some good offensive instincts. In his second year Perron got a healthy dose of AHL sensation Mark Arcobello and a definitely not ready for the NHL yet Leon Draisaitl and, shockingly, Perron's performance tanked.

[Updated on: Fri, 28 May 2021 12:05]

Oilers Goal Differential
17/18: 234 GF / 263 GA (-29)
18/19: 232 GF / 274 GA (-42)
19/20 (82 game pace): 257 GF / 254 GA (+3) in 64 games
2021 (82 game pace):269 GF / 235 GA (+34) after 38 games

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 Re: May 28 [message #786788 is a reply to message #786787 ]
Fri, 28 May 2021 12:06 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Adam is currently offline Adam
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Goose wrote on Fri, 28 May 2021 11:59


David Perron, another victim of the MacT/Eakins era. Would be a pretty useful player to have on the Oilers right now. Played primarily with Sam Gagner in his first year with the Oilers, who despite his warts, was at least an NHL player with some good offensive instincts. In his second year Perron got a healthy dose of Mark Arcobello and a definitely not ready for the NHL yet Leon Draisaitl and, shockingly, Perron's performance tanked.



That was probably MacTavish's best trade!

Perron for Klinkhammer and Barzal!

"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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 Re: May 28 [message #786790 is a reply to message #786788 ]
Fri, 28 May 2021 12:30 Go to previous messageGo to next message
stemhovlichski is currently offline stemhovlichski
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Adam wrote on Fri, 28 May 2021 12:06

Goose wrote on Fri, 28 May 2021 11:59


David Perron, another victim of the MacT/Eakins era. Would be a pretty useful player to have on the Oilers right now. Played primarily with Sam Gagner in his first year with the Oilers, who despite his warts, was at least an NHL player with some good offensive instincts. In his second year Perron got a healthy dose of Mark Arcobello and a definitely not ready for the NHL yet Leon Draisaitl and, shockingly, Perron's performance tanked.



That was probably MacTavish's best trade!

Perron for Klinkhammer and Barzal!


I remember Perron doing an interview where he said he wanted to WIN. He thought that the everyone in and on the Oilers should be focused on winning- that's the only thing that matters. I knew he was would be gone right away for having an attitude like that. Total insult to MacT and the organization. There is no I in WIN, right? And no "ME" in TEAM! What a decade of decay.

He got traded right after that.

https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2015/01/02/perron-on-leaving-edmon ton-after-a-few-years-you-just-want-to-win/

My favourite quote from this article: "It’s easy to see why a team consistently at or near the bottom of the NHL standings would chose to trade a veteran for a top draft pick, but the Oilers have been rebuilding for so long that it’s hard not to be cynical."

Restored: "We're sucking hind banana here." - Pat Quinn, Jan 18, 2010

"...the Oilers have been rebuilding for so long that it’s hard not to be cynical." - NBC's Ryan Dadoun Jan 2, 2015

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 Re: May 28 [message #786795 is a reply to message #786790 ]
Fri, 28 May 2021 13:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Adam is currently offline Adam
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stemhovlichski wrote on Fri, 28 May 2021 12:30

Adam wrote on Fri, 28 May 2021 12:06

Goose wrote on Fri, 28 May 2021 11:59


David Perron, another victim of the MacT/Eakins era. Would be a pretty useful player to have on the Oilers right now. Played primarily with Sam Gagner in his first year with the Oilers, who despite his warts, was at least an NHL player with some good offensive instincts. In his second year Perron got a healthy dose of Mark Arcobello and a definitely not ready for the NHL yet Leon Draisaitl and, shockingly, Perron's performance tanked.



That was probably MacTavish's best trade!

Perron for Klinkhammer and Barzal!


I remember Perron doing an interview where he said he wanted to WIN. He thought that the everyone in and on the Oilers should be focused on winning- that's the only thing that matters. I knew he was would be gone right away for having an attitude like that. Total insult to MacT and the organization. There is no I in WIN, right? And no "ME" in TEAM! What a decade of decay.

He got traded right after that.

https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2015/01/02/perron-on-leaving-edmon ton-after-a-few-years-you-just-want-to-win/

My favourite quote from this article: "It’s easy to see why a team consistently at or near the bottom of the NHL standings would chose to trade a veteran for a top draft pick, but the Oilers have been rebuilding for so long that it’s hard not to be cynical."




This is the quote that left me most haunted in that article:

Quote:

Admittedly, if the #Oilers can get trade value for that first rounder at the draft, this deal looks much better. We'll see if it happens.

— Jonathan Willis (@JonathanWillis) January 2, 2015


We sure were able to trade that pick!

"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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 Re: May 28 [message #786812 is a reply to message #786795 ]
Fri, 28 May 2021 22:30 Go to previous messageGo to next message
stemhovlichski is currently offline stemhovlichski
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Adam wrote on Fri, 28 May 2021 13:03

stemhovlichski wrote on Fri, 28 May 2021 12:30

Adam wrote on Fri, 28 May 2021 12:06

Goose wrote on Fri, 28 May 2021 11:59


David Perron, another victim of the MacT/Eakins era. Would be a pretty useful player to have on the Oilers right now. Played primarily with Sam Gagner in his first year with the Oilers, who despite his warts, was at least an NHL player with some good offensive instincts. In his second year Perron got a healthy dose of Mark Arcobello and a definitely not ready for the NHL yet Leon Draisaitl and, shockingly, Perron's performance tanked.



That was probably MacTavish's best trade!

Perron for Klinkhammer and Barzal!


I remember Perron doing an interview where he said he wanted to WIN. He thought that the everyone in and on the Oilers should be focused on winning- that's the only thing that matters. I knew he was would be gone right away for having an attitude like that. Total insult to MacT and the organization. There is no I in WIN, right? And no "ME" in TEAM! What a decade of decay.

He got traded right after that.

https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2015/01/02/perron-on-leaving-edmon ton-after-a-few-years-you-just-want-to-win/

My favourite quote from this article: "It’s easy to see why a team consistently at or near the bottom of the NHL standings would chose to trade a veteran for a top draft pick, but the Oilers have been rebuilding for so long that it’s hard not to be cynical."




This is the quote that left me most haunted in that article:

Quote:

Admittedly, if the #Oilers can get trade value for that first rounder at the draft, this deal looks much better. We'll see if it happens.

— Jonathan Willis (@JonathanWillis) January 2, 2015


We sure were able to trade that pick!


#FireLowe #FireMacT

Restored: "We're sucking hind banana here." - Pat Quinn, Jan 18, 2010

"...the Oilers have been rebuilding for so long that it’s hard not to be cynical." - NBC's Ryan Dadoun Jan 2, 2015

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 May 29 [message #786817 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sat, 29 May 2021 11:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Slow news day today: just a single alumnus from the WHA days:



Jim McCrimmon
Born: May 29, 1953 (turns 68 today) in Ponoka, AB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 20th overall, June 1973.
Oilers Career: 1973-74 to 1974-75: 109 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Rights sold to St. Louis (NHL) for cash, December 1974.

Can't tell you much about McCrimmon. An Alberta born defenseman, drafted by the Kings in the NHL and the Oilers in the WHA in 1973, he chose to sign with his home province team. He played the full 73-74 season with Edmonton and added another 34 games in 74-75. He was presumably a stay-at-home guy based on his point totals (11 points in 109 games). In December of 1974 the Oilers sold his contract to St. Louis of the NHL (not even sure how this worked--I presume the Blues had acquired his NHL rights from the Kings) and he played 2 games with the Blues in 1975 (his only NHL games), while spending the rest of the time in the minors. The Blues seemed to give up on him pretty quick, as he played the rest of his career in the minors, except for a short 5 game look by Calgary(WHA) in 1976. After a couple more years in the minors he retired in 1978 (at the age of only 25). I can't find much more about him, so wherever you are Jim, happy 68th.

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 May 30 [message #786841 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sun, 30 May 2021 10:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Here are today's additions to the thread:



Jiri Slegr
Born: May 30, 1971 (turns 50 today) in Jihlava, Czechoslovakia.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Vancouver for Roman Oksiuta, April 7, 1995.
Oilers Career: 1994-95 to 1995-96: 69 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Pittsburgh for 3rd round pick, August 12, 1997.

Slegr was a high scoring defenseman drafted in the 2nd round out of Czechoslovakia by the Canucks in 1990. After three years with the Canucks the Oilers acquired him at the 1995 trade deadline. He would finish 94-95 and play the full 95-96 season with the Oilers. He decided to return to the Czech republic for the 96-97 season, but returned to North America in 1997 to join the Penguins. He continued his NHL career playing four years in Pittsburgh followed by short stints in Atlanta, Detroit, Vancouver, (again) and Boston. He finished his career in the Czech Republic and then retired in 2010. Upon retiring he immediately went into politics, getting elected to the Chamber of Deputies in the Czech Republic, which lasted three years. He even played two more years of hockey after leaving politics (13-14 and 14-15) retring again at 44. Hope you have a good 50th today Jiri.


Mike Bishai
Born: May 30, 1979 (turns 42 today) in Edmonton, AB.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, May 28, 2002.
Oilers Career: 2003-04: 14 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Phoenix, September 19, 2005.

Bishai was an undrafted local centre who the Oilers took a flyer on in 2002. He spent his three years with the organization playing in the minors, but was called up for 14 games during 03-04. He only managed two points during that time, but is enshrined in Oiler legend for fighting while standing inside the Atlanta Thrashers' bench during a big brawl (I think the clip can be found earlier in the thread under Ty Conklin). He never played in the NHL again after leaving Edmonton, going to Europe in 2006 and finally retiring in 2009. He tried a short lived come back in 2011, but it didn't last--not sure what he's been up to since. Happy 42nd Mike.

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 May 31 [message #786885 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Mon, 31 May 2021 09:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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We close out the month of May with two players from the 80s and one fanboy from the 80s who is now the owner of the team:



Greg Adams
Born: May 31, 1960 (turns 61 today) in Duncan, BC.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Washington for Geoff Courtnall, July 22, 1988.
Oilers Career: 1988-89: 49 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Vancouver (with Doug Smith) for John LeBlanc and 5th round pick, March 7, 1989.

Greg Adams (often referred to as "Greg C. Adams" to distinguish him from Greg D. Adams who played at the same time and was more successful) was an undrafted forward who battled his way up to the NHL through Philadelphia, Hartford, and Washington playing 439 NHL games from 1981 to 1988. The Oilers obtained him for the rights to RFA Geoff Courtnall (who they couldn't sign) in the summer of 1988. He played as a depth forward on the 88-89 team, but didn't impress enough to stick as they dealt him at the 1989 deadline to the Canucks. He played one more year (split between Quebec and Detroit) before retiring in 1990. Since retirement, all I can find is that he settled back in his hometown of Duncan, BC. Happy 61st Greg.



Ray Cote
Born: May 31, 1961 (turns 60 today) in Pincher Creek, AB.
Position: Centre (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, October 6, 1981.
Oilers Career: 1982-83 to 1984-85: 15 games (14 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Left to play in Germany in 1985.

Cote was a plucky undrafted forward out of the WHL. The Oilers signed him in 1981 and he spent the entire 81-82 and 82-83 seasons in the minors. On a hunch, Glen Sather dressed him for the Oilers' 82-83 playoff run and after never having played a single regular season NHL game, he dressed for 14 of the Oilers' 16 playoff games, impressing on a checking line. This would prove an out of body experience as he was back in the minors the next year, getting in 15 games with the Oilers over two seasons but never managing to recapture the magic of 82-83 (he didn't get a sniff in the 83-84 or 84-85 playoff runs). He left for Germany in 1986, and eventually wrapped up his career in 1992. He played briefly for the Canadian International team in 90-91, and even tried a comeback in Germany as late as 98-99, but I'm not where he is now. Happy 60th Ray, from someone who can still remember your moment in the spotlight.



Daryl Katz
Born: May 31, 1961 (turns 60 today) in Edmonton, AB.
Oilers Owner: 2008-09 to present.

Not sure how much I need to say about Katz. He was a local boy who grew up idolizing the 80s Oilers while using his family's influence to purchase Rexall and turn it into a huge national brand and make himself a billionaire. He had started pestering the Oilers' ownership group in 2007 to purchase the team and they finally caved in the summer of 2008 when Katz became the sole owner, a position he maintains today. Whether you liked the deal or not, he was instrumental in getting Roger's Place built. He has largely been a hands-off owner but has been mostly criticized for his loyalty to anyone who was one of his 80s Oiler heroes giving them carte-blanche to run the franchise. Otherwise he mostly stays out of the public eye, emerging once a year (with his son) for every first round pick. There was the hinted threats of a move to Seattle, a minor unverified sex scandal in 2017, rumours of an illness in 2019, but Katz has continued to keep himself mostly behind the scene. Happy 60th Daryl.

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 June 1 [message #787005 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Tue, 01 June 2021 09:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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A new month brings us an Oiler hall of fame defenseman and another defenseman... who did not make the hall of fame.


Paul Coffey
Born: June 1, 1961 (turns 60 today) in Weston, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 6th overall, June 11, 1980.
Oilers Career: 1980-81 to 1986-87: 532 games (94 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Pittsburgh (with Dave Hunter and Wayne Van Dorp) for Dave Hannan, Chris Joseph, Moe Mantha, and Craig Simpson, November 24, 1987.

Coffey was a scoring demon from the backend coming out of the OHL. The Oilers were delighted when he was still available at 6th overall when it was their turn to draft in 1980. He joined the team immediately in 80-81 and by his second year he was the highest scoring d-man in the league; by his fourth year (83-84) he was approaching Bobby Orr levels of scoring. He of course would break Orr's record for goals in a season, getting 48 in 85-86 (which he still holds) and miss the single season points total by just one (139 for Orr 138 for Coffey). Coffey's seventh year with the Oilers (86-87) saw his production decrease a bit (somewhat due to injury) and in the offseason he feuded with Oilers owner Peter Pocklington over a new contract and eventually was dealt to Pittsburgh after he held out to start 87-88. He would play five good season in Pittsburgh, another in Los Angeles and then three and a half with Detroit. The 95-96 season with the Red Wings would be his last big point season--he hung around the NHL for a while going from the Whalers to the Flyers, to the Blackhawks, to the Hurricanes, and finally the Bruins before calling it a career in 2001. Since retiring, Coffey's been around hockey in various capacities, including being a skills coach with the Oilers for two seasons (2017-2019). He also spends time running his own car dealership in Bolton, ON. Happy 60th Paul.


Mark Fistric
Born: June 1, 1986 (turns 35 today) in Edmonton, AB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left)
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Dallas for 3rd round pick, January 14, 2013.
Oilers Career: 2012-13: 25 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Anaheim, August 20, 2013.

Despite getting almost no points even in junior, Fistric was a 1st round pick by Dallas in 2004; he was known for his aggressive play and defensive awareness. He slowly worked his way into the Stars lineup by 2007-08 where he became a regular depth defenseman over the next five years. The Oilers acquired him prior to the shortened 12-13 season, and he fulfilled the same role with them for the season, playing 25 games (6 assists). The Oilers let him walk after the season, and he would play two years in the Ducks' organization before retiring in 2015 due to a chronic back injury. He has since settled in Edmonton and is now a firefighter. Happy 35th Mike.

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 June 2 [message #787052 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Wed, 02 June 2021 09:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
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Just one guy today--who we just saw recently behind our opponent's bench:



Charlie Huddy
Born: June 2, 1959 (turns 62 today) in Oshawa, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left)
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, September 14, 1979.
Oilers Career: 1980-81 to 1990-91: 694 games (138 playoff games)
Left Oilers: Claimed by Minnesota in expansion draft, May 30, 1991.

The Oilers made a deft move, signing the undrafted Huddy in 1979. He spent two years in the minors (getting 12 games with the Oilers in 80-81) before joining the team full time in 81-82. He became one of their most reliable defensemen for the next decade, both contributing on offense, and being the defensive safe guard for Paul Coffey. Huddy even won the first Emery Edge award (best +/-) in his first full season in 82-83. He is one of seven players to win five cups with the Oilers. He was left unprotected during the 1991 expansion draft and was claimed by the North Stars (although he would never play for them). He played the next three seasons with the Kings, followed by stints with Buffalo and St. Louis before retiring in 1997 after a year in the AHL. Since retiring, Huddy has been an assistant coach in the NHL. After two years with the Rangers, he spent nine years as an assistant with the Oilers (2000-01 to 2008-09). After not surviving the coaching purge of 2009, he went to Dallas for two years, and has been an assistant coach with the Jets since their inception in 2011, currently in his 10th year there. It was actually kind of annoying when they cut to the Jets' bench during the recent series and seeing Huddy cheering all the goals that were breaking my heart. I guess he can claim a perfect 7-0 record in Edmonton/Winnipeg series. Happy 62nd Charlie.

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 Re: June 2 [message #787055 is a reply to message #787052 ]
Wed, 02 June 2021 10:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
oilfan94 is currently offline oilfan94
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benv wrote on Wed, 02 June 2021 11:32

Just one guy today--who we just saw recently behind our opponent's bench:



Charlie Huddy
Born: June 2, 1959 (turns 62 today) in Oshawa, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left)
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, September 14, 1979.
Oilers Career: 1980-81 to 1990-91: 694 games (138 playoff games)
Left Oilers: Claimed by Minnesota in expansion draft, May 30, 1991.

The Oilers made a deft move, signing the undrafted Huddy in 1979. He spent two years in the minors (getting 12 games with the Oilers in 80-81) before joining the team full time in 81-82. He became one of their most reliable defensemen for the next decade, both contributing on offense, and being the defensive safe guard for Paul Coffey. Huddy even won the first Emery Edge award (best +/-) in his first full season in 82-83. He is one of seven players to win five cups with the Oilers. He was left unprotected during the 1991 expansion draft and was claimed by the North Stars (although he would never play for them). He played the next three seasons with the Kings, followed by stints with Buffalo and St. Louis before retiring in 1997 after a year in the AHL. Since retiring, Huddy has been an assistant coach in the NHL. After two years with the Rangers, he spent nine years as an assistant with the Oilers (2000-01 to 2008-09). After not surviving the coaching purge of 2009, he went to Dallas for two years, and has been an assistant coach with the Jets since their inception in 2011, currently in his 10th year there. It was actually kind of annoying when they cut to the Jets' bench during the recent series and seeing Huddy cheering all the goals that were breaking my heart. I guess he can claim a perfect 7-0 record in Edmonton/Winnipeg series. Happy 62nd Charlie.



Huddy was on that crazy 1996 Blues team that had the following play for them that had some association with the Oilers.

Wayne Gretzky
Esa Tikkanen
Glenn Anderson
Craig MacTavish
Grant Fuhr
Geoff Courtnall
Shayne Corson
Chris Pronger
Igor Kravchuk
Ken Sutton
Dallas Eakins

Then throw in the other players of note

Brett Hull
Dale Hawerchuk
Al MacInnis
Tony Twist

Plenty of other recognizable names on that team too. This is a team that needs a book written about it. Then a sequel to that book about the 2000 Calgary Flames that also have a lot of randomly good players who were either past their prime or before their prime in 2000.

https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/00 00361996.html

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 Re: June 2 [message #787057 is a reply to message #787055 ]
Wed, 02 June 2021 11:13 Go to previous messageGo to next message
CrudeRemarks is currently offline CrudeRemarks
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oilfan94 wrote on Wed, 02 June 2021 10:37

benv wrote on Wed, 02 June 2021 11:32

Just one guy today--who we just saw recently behind our opponent's bench:



Charlie Huddy
Born: June 2, 1959 (turns 62 today) in Oshawa, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left)
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, September 14, 1979.
Oilers Career: 1980-81 to 1990-91: 694 games (138 playoff games)
Left Oilers: Claimed by Minnesota in expansion draft, May 30, 1991.

The Oilers made a deft move, signing the undrafted Huddy in 1979. He spent two years in the minors (getting 12 games with the Oilers in 80-81) before joining the team full time in 81-82. He became one of their most reliable defensemen for the next decade, both contributing on offense, and being the defensive safe guard for Paul Coffey. Huddy even won the first Emery Edge award (best +/-) in his first full season in 82-83. He is one of seven players to win five cups with the Oilers. He was left unprotected during the 1991 expansion draft and was claimed by the North Stars (although he would never play for them). He played the next three seasons with the Kings, followed by stints with Buffalo and St. Louis before retiring in 1997 after a year in the AHL. Since retiring, Huddy has been an assistant coach in the NHL. After two years with the Rangers, he spent nine years as an assistant with the Oilers (2000-01 to 2008-09). After not surviving the coaching purge of 2009, he went to Dallas for two years, and has been an assistant coach with the Jets since their inception in 2011, currently in his 10th year there. It was actually kind of annoying when they cut to the Jets' bench during the recent series and seeing Huddy cheering all the goals that were breaking my heart. I guess he can claim a perfect 7-0 record in Edmonton/Winnipeg series. Happy 62nd Charlie.



Huddy was on that crazy 1996 Blues team that had the following play for them that had some association with the Oilers.

Wayne Gretzky
Esa Tikkanen
Glenn Anderson
Craig MacTavish
Grant Fuhr
Geoff Courtnall
Shayne Corson
Chris Pronger
Igor Kravchuk
Ken Sutton
Dallas Eakins

Then throw in the other players of note

Brett Hull
Dale Hawerchuk
Al MacInnis
Tony Twist

Plenty of other recognizable names on that team too. This is a team that needs a book written about it. Then a sequel to that book about the 2000 Calgary Flames that also have a lot of randomly good players who were either past their prime or before their prime in 2000.

https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/00 00361996.html

That was the year Kypreos flat out gooned Fuhr to take him out of the playoffs.

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: June 2 [message #787068 is a reply to message #787057 ]
Wed, 02 June 2021 13:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
oilfan94 is currently offline oilfan94
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CrudeRemarks wrote on Wed, 02 June 2021 13:13

oilfan94 wrote on Wed, 02 June 2021 10:37

benv wrote on Wed, 02 June 2021 11:32

Just one guy today--who we just saw recently behind our opponent's bench:



Charlie Huddy
Born: June 2, 1959 (turns 62 today) in Oshawa, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left)
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, September 14, 1979.
Oilers Career: 1980-81 to 1990-91: 694 games (138 playoff games)
Left Oilers: Claimed by Minnesota in expansion draft, May 30, 1991.

The Oilers made a deft move, signing the undrafted Huddy in 1979. He spent two years in the minors (getting 12 games with the Oilers in 80-81) before joining the team full time in 81-82. He became one of their most reliable defensemen for the next decade, both contributing on offense, and being the defensive safe guard for Paul Coffey. Huddy even won the first Emery Edge award (best +/-) in his first full season in 82-83. He is one of seven players to win five cups with the Oilers. He was left unprotected during the 1991 expansion draft and was claimed by the North Stars (although he would never play for them). He played the next three seasons with the Kings, followed by stints with Buffalo and St. Louis before retiring in 1997 after a year in the AHL. Since retiring, Huddy has been an assistant coach in the NHL. After two years with the Rangers, he spent nine years as an assistant with the Oilers (2000-01 to 2008-09). After not surviving the coaching purge of 2009, he went to Dallas for two years, and has been an assistant coach with the Jets since their inception in 2011, currently in his 10th year there. It was actually kind of annoying when they cut to the Jets' bench during the recent series and seeing Huddy cheering all the goals that were breaking my heart. I guess he can claim a perfect 7-0 record in Edmonton/Winnipeg series. Happy 62nd Charlie.



Huddy was on that crazy 1996 Blues team that had the following play for them that had some association with the Oilers.

Wayne Gretzky
Esa Tikkanen
Glenn Anderson
Craig MacTavish
Grant Fuhr
Geoff Courtnall
Shayne Corson
Chris Pronger
Igor Kravchuk
Ken Sutton
Dallas Eakins

Then throw in the other players of note

Brett Hull
Dale Hawerchuk
Al MacInnis
Tony Twist

Plenty of other recognizable names on that team too. This is a team that needs a book written about it. Then a sequel to that book about the 2000 Calgary Flames that also have a lot of randomly good players who were either past their prime or before their prime in 2000.

https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/00 00361996.html

That was the year Kypreos flat out gooned Fuhr to take him out of the playoffs.


I'd never seen that clip, but just looked it up. Incredible how Pronger pushes him one way and somehow he falls hard in another direction right into Fuhr.

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 Re: June 2 [message #787072 is a reply to message #787068 ]
Wed, 02 June 2021 14:13 Go to previous messageGo to next message
CrudeRemarks is currently offline CrudeRemarks
Messages: 1698
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oilfan94 wrote on Wed, 02 June 2021 13:32

CrudeRemarks wrote on Wed, 02 June 2021 13:13

oilfan94 wrote on Wed, 02 June 2021 10:37

benv wrote on Wed, 02 June 2021 11:32

Just one guy today--who we just saw recently behind our opponent's bench:



Charlie Huddy
Born: June 2, 1959 (turns 62 today) in Oshawa, ON.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left)
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, September 14, 1979.
Oilers Career: 1980-81 to 1990-91: 694 games (138 playoff games)
Left Oilers: Claimed by Minnesota in expansion draft, May 30, 1991.

The Oilers made a deft move, signing the undrafted Huddy in 1979. He spent two years in the minors (getting 12 games with the Oilers in 80-81) before joining the team full time in 81-82. He became one of their most reliable defensemen for the next decade, both contributing on offense, and being the defensive safe guard for Paul Coffey. Huddy even won the first Emery Edge award (best +/-) in his first full season in 82-83. He is one of seven players to win five cups with the Oilers. He was left unprotected during the 1991 expansion draft and was claimed by the North Stars (although he would never play for them). He played the next three seasons with the Kings, followed by stints with Buffalo and St. Louis before retiring in 1997 after a year in the AHL. Since retiring, Huddy has been an assistant coach in the NHL. After two years with the Rangers, he spent nine years as an assistant with the Oilers (2000-01 to 2008-09). After not surviving the coaching purge of 2009, he went to Dallas for two years, and has been an assistant coach with the Jets since their inception in 2011, currently in his 10th year there. It was actually kind of annoying when they cut to the Jets' bench during the recent series and seeing Huddy cheering all the goals that were breaking my heart. I guess he can claim a perfect 7-0 record in Edmonton/Winnipeg series. Happy 62nd Charlie.



Huddy was on that crazy 1996 Blues team that had the following play for them that had some association with the Oilers.

Wayne Gretzky
Esa Tikkanen
Glenn Anderson
Craig MacTavish
Grant Fuhr
Geoff Courtnall
Shayne Corson
Chris Pronger
Igor Kravchuk
Ken Sutton
Dallas Eakins

Then throw in the other players of note

Brett Hull
Dale Hawerchuk
Al MacInnis
Tony Twist

Plenty of other recognizable names on that team too. This is a team that needs a book written about it. Then a sequel to that book about the 2000 Calgary Flames that also have a lot of randomly good players who were either past their prime or before their prime in 2000.

https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/00 00361996.html

That was the year Kypreos flat out gooned Fuhr to take him out of the playoffs.


I'd never seen that clip, but just looked it up. Incredible how Pronger pushes him one way and somehow he falls hard in another direction right into Fuhr.


I saw him try to defend it once when it was brought up. Talking about how Pronger "gave him the opportunity and he took it."

Such a brutal, dirty play. Wasn't disappointed when he was let go.

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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 June 3 [message #787118 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Thu, 03 June 2021 09:54 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 single alumnus:



Doug Berry
Born: June 3, 1957 (turns 64 today) in New Westminster, BC.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, August 1978.
Oilers Career: 1978-79: 29 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Claimed by Colorado in WHA dispersal draft, June 9, 1979.

Berry was a dynamic centre out of the University of Denver who had put up over 2 points a game in his last season of university hockey. He chose to shun the NHL and signed with the Oilers in 1978. He would play only 29 games with the team during the 78-79 season, playing another 44 in the minors. He was claimed by the Rockies (who had his NHL rights after drafting him in 1977) when the Oilers entered the NHL in 1979. He played two seasons in Colorado, having a decent season in 79-80, but was out of the NHL for good by early 1981. He went to Germany in late 1981 and remained there for the rest of his career until he retired in 1992. Not much other info on him--he is the older brother of Ken Berry, who also played for the Oilers in the early 80s. Wherever you are Doug, happy 64th.

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 June 4 [message #787194 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Fri, 04 June 2021 09:49 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
These three ex-Oilers are blowing out birthday candles today:




Laurie Boschman
Born: June 4, 1960 (turns 61 today) in Major, SK.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Toronto for Phil Drouillard and Walt Poddubny, March 9, 1982.
Oilers Career: 1981-82 to 1982-83: 73 games (3 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Winnipeg for Willy Lindstrom, March 7, 1983.

Boschman was a great offensive centre out of the Brandon Wheat Kings, drafted in the 1st round by the Leafs in 1979. He was known for being able to put up both points and PIMs. He immediately joined the Leafs in 79-80, and had modest point totals over three years in Toronto. It seemed like a steal when the Oilers were able to trade for him at the 1982 deadline for a couple of prospects; however Boschman never seemed to be a good fit in Edmonton. He played exactly one year over two seasons in Edmonton, getting only 25 points in 73 games on a team that was filling the net. At the 1983 deadline he was sent to Winnipeg for Willy Lindstrom and this proved a good trade for both teams. Boschman finally started to flourish in Winnipeg putting up 70 point seasons and continuing to rack up the PIMs. He played over seven years with the Jets before wrapping up his career with the Devils and Senators and then retiring in 1993. Boschman seems to have lived a quiet life in Ottawa since retirement; he's a widower (his wife died in 2006) and is part of Hockey Ministries International. Happy 61st Laurie.


Taylor Fedun
Born: June 4, 1988 (turns 33 today) in Edmonton, AB.
Position: Defenseman (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, March 8, 2011.
Oilers Career: 2013-14: 4 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by San Jose, July 1, 2014.

Fedun was an undrafted college d-man out of Princeton whom the Oilers signed in 2011. He suffered a set back in his first Oiler training camp when he fractured his femur during a pre-season game, causing him to miss the entire 11-12 season (this injury was one of two that lead to changing the icing rule). He returned in 12-13, spending the entire season in OKC. In 13-14 he played most of the year in OKC, but managed four games with the Oilers, scoring a goal in his first game (and one more later), but he didn't impress enough to get a new contract with the Oilers after the season. He has spent the past seven years bouncing between the Sharks, Sabres, and Stars, playing mostly in the AHL but he has got in a total of 123 more NHL games in that span. He's currently in the Stars' organization, but only played two games in the AHL this year (injury?). Happy 33rd Taylor.


Brandon Manning
Born: June 4, 1990 (turns 31 today) in Prince George, BC.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Chicago (with Robin Norell) for Drake Caggiula and Jason Garrison, December 30, 2018.
Oilers Career: 2018-19 to 2019-20: 21 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Not re-signed after 19-20 season.

Manning was an undrafted d-man who managed to get a contract with the Flyers in 2011 and slowly worked his way up to the NHL over the next few years. By 15-16 he was a regular on Philly's blueline and he quickly caught the attention of Oiler fans when he broke McDavid's collarbone in an infamous incident (McDavid claimed later that Manning boasted that he did it deliberately--Manning denies this). After seven years with the Flyers he signed with the Hawks in 2018 and his play seemed to drop off the map. In a trade that baffled many, the Oilers acquired him for Drake Caggiula. He played 12 games with the Oilers in 18-19, and another 9 in 19-20 but he never showed enough to make fans forget that they had to give up a useful player for someone who had a bad history with their captain and superstar. Things got even worse late in the 19-20 season when he was suspended in the AHL for using a racial slur. Not surprisingly, the Oilers cut ties with him after the season and he has taken the 20-21 season off "to focus on family", but hopes to return to pro-hockey in the future. Good luck with that Brandon, and happy 31st.

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 June 5 [message #787267 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sat, 05 June 2021 10:42 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
Here is today's birthday alumnus:


Martin Gelinas
Born: June 5, 1970 (turns 51 today) in Shawinigan, QU.
Position: Left Wing (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Los Angeles (with Jimmy Carson, three first round picks and cash) for Wayne Gretzky, Mike Krushelnyski, and Marty McSorley, August 9, 1988.
Oilers Career: 1988-89 to 1992-93: 258 games (53 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Quebec (with 6th round pick) for Scott Pearson, June 20, 1993.

Gelinas was a high scoring left winger out of the QMJHL, drafted 7th overall by the Kings in 1988. Before he could even contemplate this, he was part of the biggest trade in NHL history as he joined the Oilers as one of the big pieces for Gretzky. No pressure kid. He joined the Oilers for six games in 88-89 and would become a full time Oiler the following season. He would soon be a permanent fixture on the Oilers' "kid line" with Adam Graves and Joe Murphy which would be a big part of the team over the next two years. His offense declined the following two years (after the kid line disbanded), and the Oilers traded him to the Nordiques after the 92-93 season. He continued his career, playing with the Canucks, Hurricanes, Flames, Panthers, and Predators and ending his career with a year in Switzerland before retiring in 2009. He has the distinction of being the only player in NHL history to play in the Stanley Cup Finals with all three western Canadian teams (winning with the Oilers in 1990, and losing with the Canucks in 1994 and Flames in 2004; he also played in the finals with Carolina in 2002). Since retiring, Gelinas has been an assistant coach, starting in the AHL and then becoming an assistant with the Flames. He has just finished his ninth year as an assistant with Calgary. Happy 51st Martin.


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 June 6 [message #787287 is a reply to message #771063 ]
Sun, 06 June 2021 11:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
benv is currently offline benv
Messages: 546
Registered: May 2006
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
A quartet of players to talk about today, both former and current:


Dean Hopkins
Born: June 6, 1959 (turns 62 today) in Cobourg, ON.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Signed as free agent, September 27, 1985.
Oilers Career: 1985-86; 1 game (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Signed as free agent by Quebec, July 30, 1988.

Hopkins was a 2nd round pick by Los Angeles in 1979 and played four seasons with the Kings from 1979 to 1983 as a depth forward. His career seemed to take a nosedive in 1983 when after never playing in the minors to start his career, he played almost exclusively there for the rest of it. The Oilers picked him up as a free agent in 1985 and he would play just a single game for them over three years, playing the rest in Nova Scotia. Going to Quebec didn't help much as he played just 5 games with the Nordiques after three years there. He retired in 1990. He was briefly an assistant coach in the AHL, but no sign of him since. Happy 61st Dean.


Vladimir Ruzicka
Born: June 6, 1963 (turns 58 today) in Most, Czechoslovakia.
Position: Centre (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Toronto for 4th round pick, December 21, 1989.
Oilers Career: 1989-90; 25 games (0 playoff games).
Left Oilers: Traded to Boston for Greg Hawgood, October 22, 1990.

Ruzicka was a veteran Czech centre who had played for almost a decade in his home country when he chose to come over to North America in the 89-90 season. The Oilers got his rights from the Leafs and he would play 25 games for them during the 89-90 season putting up a respectable 17 points (but not seeing any playoff action in the Oilers' drive to the fifth cup). That would be it for his Oiler career as they dealt him to Boston the next year. He would play 3 seasons with the Bruins and one more with the Senators before returning to the Czech Republic and finishing his career there before retiring in 2000. Since retiring, Ruzicka has worked solidly for twenty years as a coach, both in the Czech league and internationally. He's currently the head coach of HK Hradec Kralove. Happy 58th Vladimir.


Anson Carter
Born: June 6, 1974 (turns 47 today) in Toronto, ON.
Position: Right Wing (shoots right).
Acquired by Oilers: Traded by Boston (with 1st and 2nd round picks) for Bill Guerin and 1st round pick, November 15, 2000.
Oilers Career: 2000-01 to 2002-03; 211 games (6 playoff games)
Left Oilers: Traded to NY Rangers (with Ales Pisa) for Cory Cross and Radek Dvorak, March 11, 2003.

Carter is that rare success story; a 10th round pick that managed to become a bonafide NHL player. After his college career (in Michigan State) and a brief stint with the Capitals, he established himself as a decent scoring forward with the Bruins for three season. He was the key part of the deal that saw the Oilers shedding salary when they dealt Bill Guerin to Boston. Carter responded getting 42 points with the Oilers in 2000-01 and then having the best season of his career in 2001-02 with 60 (tying for the team lead). After another decent season in 02-03 Carter was dealt to the Rangers. He would bounce around the league the rest of his career, playing with six different teams, but except for one season when he played with Sedins in Vancouver, his offense dropped off the map. He even played in a pre-season game with the Oilers in 2007 on a tryout basis. He retired in 2008 after a year in Switzerland. Post retirement, Carter has become a hockey broadcaster in the USA working on NBCs NHL coverage. Happy 47th Anson.


Caleb Jones
Born: June 6, 1997 (turns 24 today) in Arlington, Texas.
Position: Defenseman (shoots left).
Acquired by Oilers: Drafted 117th overall, June 27, 2015.
Oilers Career: 2018-19 to present; 93 games and counting (2 playoff games).

Jones comes from an elite sports family with his father Popeye being an NBA star and older brother Seth an NHL star. After being picked in the 4th round by the Oilers, his stock started to rise after two excellent years in the WHL and two solid years in Bakersfield. He got his first taste of the NHL in 18-19 with 17 games and looked pretty good. He's continued his career getting in another 43 games in 19-20 and 33 more in 20-21. He's still not at a point where he is a regular in the lineup (he was healthy scratched for the entire recent playoff series), but we will see where he goes from here (it's possible it could be to the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft). Happy 24th Caleb.

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