The Edmonton Oilers' jersey history is a vibrant tapestry reflecting the team's evolution, success, and connection to its Albertan roots. From the iconic orange and blue of their dynasty years to modern reinterpretations, each jersey tells a story.
The Early Years (1979-1996): A Dynasty is Born
Upon joining the NHL in 1979 after their time in the WHA, the Oilers adopted a look that would become synonymous with hockey excellence. The original design featured a striking combination of orange, royal blue, and white. The home jerseys were royal blue, while the away jerseys were white, both adorned with the classic Oilers logo: a blue oil drop within an orange gear. These colors quickly became engrained in the hearts of fans as the team, led by Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier and company, captured five Stanley Cups. In 1981, a minor adjustment was made to the spacing between the numbers and their outlines. Special considerations were even made for Wayne Gretzky, as sponsors placed branding on the left side of the jersey, since the superstar liked to tuck the right side of his jersey in his pants. The immortalization of these teams cemented these uniforms as the definitive Oilers look for many across the hockey world.
The Copper and Blue Era (1996-2007): A Shift in Identity
In 1996, the Oilers underwent a significant rebranding, trading their orange for a darker color scheme featuring copper, navy blue, and red. The logo was redesigned to include a "raining oil drop, three sharp skate blades and five rivets to symbolize their five Stanley Cup championships". This era marked a departure from the team's glorious past, reflecting a period of struggle and rebuilding. While the copper and blue jerseys were not as beloved as their predecessors, they hold a certain nostalgic value for fans who grew up during that era.
Return to the Orange (2008-Present): Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
In 2008, the Oilers brought back their classic orange and blue look as a third jersey, much to the delight of fans. This decision was met with widespread approval, as it harkened back to the team's glory days. The team switched to orange full time in 2017-18. Since then, the Oilers have embraced their orange heritage, incorporating it into their primary home and alternate jerseys.
Alternate Jerseys: Experimentation and Innovation
The Oilers have also experimented with various alternate jerseys throughout their history. One of the most memorable was the "Oil Drip" jersey, introduced in 2001, featuring a unique logo designed by comic book creator Todd McFarlane. This navy blue, silver, and white jersey was a bold departure from the team's traditional colors and remains a fan favorite. The team has also sported several Heritage Classic jerseys, throwback jerseys, and Reverse Retro jerseys, each offering a unique twist on the Oilers' classic look.
The 2025 Alternate Jersey: A Nod to Oil Country
The Edmonton Oilers unveiled a new tan alternate jersey for the 2025-26 season. The tan jerseys feature "Oilers" written on the crest with the "s" written as an oil drop. A patch of an oil drop is also sewn on the back hem. A shoulder patch with "Oil Country" and "EDM 1979" written around an oil tower honors Edmonton's oil industry. "Let's go Oilers" is written on the jersey's collar. The Oilers will sport the jerseys in seven games this season, five at home and two away, debuting against the Utah Mammoth at Rogers Place on October 28.
The Edmonton Oilers' jersey history is a testament to the team's rich past and its ongoing evolution. From the dynasty years to the modern era, each jersey represents a chapter in the Oilers' story, connecting the team to its fans and the city of Edmonton.
