The Edmonton Oilers, a franchise steeped in history and known for its electrifying superstars, have also carved a niche for themselves through strategic trades that have shaped their roster over the years. Constructing an "All-Trade Team" requires a deep dive into the Oilers' transaction history, weighing the impact and legacy of various acquisitions. This hypothetical roster celebrates the players who arrived in Edmonton via trade and left an indelible mark on the team.
Forwards:
- Left Wing: Dave Semenko Semenko, acquired from the Minnesota North Stars in 1979, wasn't a flashy scorer but a fearsome enforcer. His primary role was protecting Wayne Gretzky, a task he executed with unmatched toughness, racking up 1,175 penalty minutes in his Oilers career. Semenko's presence provided a sense of security for the team's stars and endeared him to the Edmonton faithful.
- Center: Doug Weight Arriving from the New York Rangers in exchange for Esa Tikkanen in 1993, Weight became the Oilers' best player for the next seven years. Weight, a three-time All-Star with the Oilers, was an underrated star..
- Right Wing: David Perron While his tenure in Edmonton was relatively short, Perron, acquired from St. Louis in 2013, provided a much-needed offensive spark during a rebuilding phase. He tallied a career-best 28 goals in his first season with the Oilers, offering a glimpse of hope before the McDavid era.
Defense:
- Chris Pronger: The acquisition of Chris Pronger from the St. Louis Blues in 2005 for Eric Brewer, Doug Lynch, and Jeff Woywitka inspired an unlikely run to the Stanley Cup Final. Pronger's Norris Trophy-winning pedigree and dominant two-way play injected immediate credibility and skill into the Oilers' defense. Although his time in Edmonton was brief, Pronger's impact was undeniable.
- Mattias Ekholm: In 2023, Ken Holland acquired Mattias Ekholm from Nashville for Tyson Barrie, Reid Schaefer, a first-round pick, and a fourth. Ekholm stabilized the blue line, formed a dominant pairing with Evan Bouchard, and has been among the NHL's best in plus-minus since joining Edmonton.
Goaltender:
- Bill Ranford: Acquired in a trade that sent Andy Moog to the Boston Bruins, Ranford backstopped the Oilers to their fifth Stanley Cup in 1990. He also claimed MVP of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Canada Cup, and the World Championship.
Honorable Mentions:
Several other trades deserve recognition, even if they didn't result in players making the "All-Trade Team." Curtis Joseph's acquisition in 1995 brought stability and excitement to the Oilers' net. The additions of players like Ryan Smyth, while also involving departures, were significant moments in Oilers' history. More recently, the acquisition of Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick in 2024 demonstrates the Oilers' continued efforts to bolster their roster through trades.
The Gretzky Trade:
No discussion of Oilers' trades is complete without acknowledging the most impactful, albeit painful, transaction in franchise history: the Wayne Gretzky trade in 1988. While the return of Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, draft picks, and $15 million couldn't replace Gretzky's on-ice brilliance, the trade reshaped the NHL landscape and forced the Oilers to evolve.
Trades are an inherent part of hockey, and the Edmonton Oilers have had their share of successes and failures. While constructing a definitive "All-Trade Team" is subjective and open to debate, it serves as a reminder of the players who arrived in Edmonton via trade and left a lasting legacy on the franchise. From the toughness of Dave Semenko to the offensive prowess of Doug Weight and the defensive dominance of Chris Pronger and Mattias Ekholm, these players represent some of the most impactful acquisitions in Edmonton Oilers history.