The Edmonton Oilers' history is filled with periods of both brilliance and struggle, marked by shrewd acquisitions and unfortunate misses in the NHL Entry Draft. While the franchise boasts a legacy of drafting Hall of Famers like Wayne Gretzky (though a WHA pick) and perennial All-Stars, not every draft has yielded fruitful results. One draft, in particular, stands out as a low point in team history: the 1995 NHL Entry Draft.

The 1995 draft was held in Edmonton, adding a layer of expectation for the home team. With the 6th overall pick, the Oilers selected Steve Kelly from the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL. Kelly, a left winger, was expected to bring scoring and grit to the Oilers' lineup. However, Kelly's NHL career never materialized as hoped. He played just 149 games in the NHL, scoring only 9 goals and 12 assists for 21 points. While he had a decent minor league career, Kelly never became the impact player the Oilers envisioned.

In the second round, with the 31st overall pick, the Oilers selected Georges Laraque from the St. Jean Lynx of the QMJHL. Laraque was known for his size and toughness, and the Oilers hoped he could become an enforcer and energy player. Laraque did play 695 games in the NHL, including a stint with the Oilers, and recorded 53 goals, 100 assists, 153 points, and 1126 penalty minutes. While Laraque carved out a decent NHL career as an enforcer, his offensive production was limited. He was later traded to the Phoenix Coyotes.

The Oilers' subsequent picks in the 1995 draft failed to make a significant impact. Several players never reached the NHL, while others had brief and unremarkable careers. The lack of success from this draft class set the Oilers back and contributed to a period of struggles for the team.

Compared to other drafts in Oilers' history, the 1995 class is particularly disappointing. The 2003 draft, which yielded players like Marc-Andre Bergeron, Zack Stortini and Jarret Stoll, also did not produce many impactful players. However, the lack of any real star power from the 1995 draft makes it one of the worst in franchise history.

The Oilers' 1995 draft serves as a cautionary tale about the unpredictable nature of the NHL Entry Draft. Even with high draft picks and careful scouting, there are no guarantees of success. The Oilers learned this lesson the hard way in 1995, and the repercussions of that draft were felt for years to come.