September 29, 2025 by Eric Friesen

The Edmonton Oilers unveiled their Quarter Century Team on January 30, honouring the franchise’s best players over the past 25 years.

A specialized panel was convened to select a First Team and a Second Team of 12 players, including six forwards, four defencemen and two goalies who played in at least one game with the Oilers since January 1, 2000. I wanted to expand on this idea and compile a full 20-man roster of the strongest quarter century group of Oilers’ players to win a Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Here are the line combinations for my Oilers Quarter Century Team:

Edmonton Oilers Quarter Century Team

Kane – McDavid – Hyman

Smyth – Draisaitl – Hemsky

Hall – Weight – Guerin

Nugent-Hopkins – Horcoff – Eberle

Pronger – Smith

Ekholm – Bouchard

Klefbom – Larsson

Roloson

Salo

Forwards

Connor McDavid (2015 – Present)

A-once-in-a-generation superstar, Connor McDavid is the most dominant offensive force of the 21st Century. McDavid, who was named the youngest captain in NHL history in 2016, is also the longest-serving captain in Oilers history at nine seasons. During his first decade in the NHL, McDavid has captured 14 individual awards, including five Art Ross Trophies, three Hart Memorial Trophies, four Ted Lindsay Awards, one Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy and one Conn Smythe Trophy. McDavid has the most 100-point seasons of any player since 2000, with eight, and is the only player to join the legendary 150-point club this century as well. No. 97 also became the only the fifth player in NHL history to outright lead the league in goals, assists and points in a single season in 2022-23. The Oilers captain shares the franchise lead in game-winning goals (72) and ranks second in points (1,082), second in assists (721), sixth in goals (361), second in power-play points (364), second in power-play assists (277), seventh in power-play goals (87) and 11th in games played (721) in Oilers history. McDavid has led the Oilers in scoring seven times, second only to Wayne Gretzky’s nine. He’s also the only player to record 1,000 career points since entering the league in 2015-16. While his regular season production has been incredible, McDavid’s playoff numbers have arguable been even better. He broke the NHL record for most assists in a single playoff year (34) in 2024 and became only the third player to ever record 40 or more points in a single playoff year. The 28-year-old also became the first player to captain a Canadian-based team to consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances in nearly four decades in 2024 and 2025. McDavid, who is already regarded as one of the best players to ever play the game, has been the biggest catalyst for transforming the Oilers from a struggling team into a perennial Cup contender.

Zach Hyman (2021 – Present)

A tenacious forechecker with a scoring touch, Zach Hyman is undoubtedly the team’s most important free agent signing this century. Hyman has scored at least 27 goals in all four seasons he’s played with the Oilers, and tallied a team-leading 54 markers in 2023-24, including five hat tricks. His league-leading 16 goals in the 2024 playoffs are also the most by any player this century. Hyman ranks third in playoff goals with the Oilers since 2000 (35), and is the only player in franchise history to score in five consecutive games in a one playoff series. Hyman has proven to be one of the team’s most dependable scorers since he arrived in Edmonton.

Evander Kane (2022 – 2025)

A skilled power forward, Evander Kane gave the Oilers an immediate spark when he joined the club midway through the 2021-22 campaign. Kane tallied 22 goals in just 43 games with the Oilers that season and led the league in playoff goals in 2022, with 13. He ranks fourth in playoff goals for the Oilers since 2000 (26), and is one of only two players to score multiple playoff hat tricks with the club in the past quarter century. Though he only played more than 50 games in a season with the Oilers once, Kane was a strong offensive contributor when healthy.

Leon Draisaitl (2014 – Present)

A dynamic offensive player, Leon Draisaitl is the most dangerous dual threat in the game today. Draisaitl has claimed four individual awards in his career, including the Art Ross Trophy, Hart Memorial Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award and Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy. Despite missing 11 games in 2024-25, Draisaitl still finished seven goals ahead of the league’s next highest scorer and set the NHL record for most overtime goals in a single season, with six. Draisaitl has the second-most 50-goal seasons (4) and is tied for the second-most 100-point seasons (6) of any player since 2000. Additionally, Draisaitl is the only player to record four seasons with 50 goals and 50 assists in this century. The Cologne, Germany native is the franchise leader in power-play goals (162) and shares the franchise lead in game-winning goals (72). He also ranks ranks fourth in goals (399), fifth in assists (557), fifth in points (956), sixth in power-play assists (167), third in power-play points (329) and eighth in games played (790) in Oilers history. In the post-season, Draisaitl is an even more prolific scorer. Draisaitl is the fastest player in the 21st Century to reach 100 career playoff points (60 games) and is one of only two players since 2000 to record three 30-point playoff years. Draisaitl is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to ever don the oil drop, and has the ability to impact the outcome of any game he plays in.

Ryan Smyth (1995 – 2004, 2005 – 2007 and 2011 – 2014)

A gritty goal-scorer with a ton of passion for the game, Ryan Smyth became the face of the franchise in the 2000s. Smyth, who grew up idolizing the Oilers, led the team in goals six times between 1999-00 and 2006-07, including three 30-goal seasons and six 20-goal seasons. Smyth ranks seventh in goals (296), tied for 10th in assists (335), ninth in points (631), sixth in game-winning goals (45), tied for second in power-play goals (126), 10th in power-play points (211), tied for fourth in overtime goals (5) and second in games played (971) in franchise history. No. 94 served as an alternate captain for the Oilers for seven seasons and helped lead team on a Cinderella run to the 2006 Stanley Cup Final. His 15 seasons with the Oilers are tied for the most by a player in franchise history. Smyth was inducted into the Oilers Hall of Fame in 2022, becoming the first non-1980s Oiler to be honoured by the organization.

Ales Hemsky (2002 – 2004, 2005 – 2014)

A smooth skater and a wizard with the puck, Ales Hemsky continually brought fans out of their seats with his jaw-dropping skill. At his peak, Hemsky was close to a point-per-game player despite having so little talent around him. Hemsky registered two 70-point seasons, three 60-point seasons and either outright led or tied for the team lead in points for four straight seasons. Unfortunately, a string of injuries in his prime had a major impact on his career, as he averaged just 44 games played per season over the following four years. In 652 games, Hemsky ranks tied for 10th in assists (335), 11th in points (477), eighth in power-play assists (152) and 11th in power-play points (192) in franchise history. He played an important role in helping the Oilers reach the 2006 Stanley Cup Final, notching 17 points in 24 playoff games. Hemsky brought a flair and creativity that made him one of the most exciting talents in Oilers history.

Doug Weight (1993 – 2001)

A star player prior to the 2000s, Doug Weight was the captain and offensive leader of the Oilers at the start of the century. In his only full season with the Oilers during the 2000s, Weight finished fourth in the league in assists (65) and eighth in points (90) in 82 games in 2000-01. He’s also one of only three Oilers’ players to record a 90-point season in the past quarter century. In 588 games, Weight ranks 14th in goals (157), ninth in assists (420), 10th in points (577), fourth in power-play assists (207) and eighth in power-play points (246) in Oilers history. Weight was inducted into the Oilers Hall of Fame in 2023, becoming only the second American-born player to receive the honour.

Taylor Hall (2010 – 2016)

A speedy, skilled attacker on the wing, Taylor Hall displayed impressive offensive abilities that set him apart from his peers. The first-ever first-overall pick in franchise history led the team in scoring three times, finished top-10 in league points twice and was the just second Oiler to put up 80 points in a single season this century. His 0.86 points per game average is the fourth-highest by an Oiler since 2000, however, due to frequent injuries, Hall only tallied 60 or more points in a season twice in Edmonton. While he never made the playoffs during his six seasons with the club, Hall was one of the few bright spots during a miserable era of Oilers hockey.

Bill Guerin (1998 – 2000)

Despite playing less than one calendar year with the Oilers in the 2000s, Bill Guerin is still among the best scoring wingers to suit up for the club in the past quarter century. Guerin was on pace for a career-year with 22 points in 21 games when he was traded out of town early in the 2000-01 season. His 0.40 goals per game average is also the fourth-highest by an Oiler since 2000.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (2011 – Present)

A steady two-way forward with a high hockey IQ, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins contributes in all facets of the game. The former first-overall pick tied for the league lead in points among rookies (52) in 2011-12 despite missing 20 games with a shoulder injury. Nugent-Hopkins, who is the longest-tenured player on the club, has one 100-point season, four 60-point seasons, one 30-goal season and six 20-goal seasons. Additionally, he’s one of only three Oilers’ players to record 100 points in a single season since 2000. His 406 points during the 2010s were the second-most by any Oiler in that decade. Nugent-Hopkins ranks eighth in goals (271), seventh in assists (477), seventh in points (748), eighth in game-winning goals (36), eighth in power-play goals (77), third in power-play assists (214), fourth in power-play points (291) and third in games played (959) in Oilers history. After a decade and a half with the organization, Nugent-Hopkins remains an integral part of the team as well as one of the most beloved players in Oilers history.

Shawn Horcoff (2000 – 2004, 2005 – 2013)

A sound two-way centre, Shawn Horcoff was a strong leader and faceoff man who could be utilized in any situation. Horcoff was one of only two players to play in each season of the 2000s with the Oilers, and was named captain in 2010. He had one 70-point season, four 50-point seasons and two 20-goal seasons in Edmonton. Horcoff ranks 13th in goals (162), 14th in assists (285), 12th in points (447) and sixth in games played (796) in Oilers history. After starting his NHL career on the fourth line, Horcoff was the Oilers’ first line centre when they reached the 2006 Stanley Cup Final. While he wasn’t an outstanding point producer, Horcoff is regarded as one of the hardest-working and most versatile forwards to don the oil drop since 2000.

Jordan Eberle (2010 – 2017)

A natural goal-scorer with soft hands around the net, Jordan Eberle had a knack for finding open ice in dangerous areas. Eberle led the team in scoring three times and finished top-20 in league points once. He tallied one 70-point season, two 60-point seasons, three 50-point seasons, one 30-goal season and five 20-goal seasons in Edmonton. His 165 career goals with the club were also the most by any Oiler during the 2010s. Though he only made the playoffs once in Edmonton, Eberle was one of the few players that consistently produced offence for the orange and blue.

Defencemen

Chris Pronger (2005 – 2006)

One of the most dominant Oilers’ players of the 21st Century, Chris Pronger was the driving force behind the team’s success at the beginning of the salary cap era. In his only season as an Oiler, Pronger notched 12 goals and 56 points in 80 games in 2005-06, which is the second-highest single-season point total by any Oilers’ defenceman this century. Additionally, Pronger led the team in assists (16) and points (21) in the 2006 playoffs en route to Game 7 of the Final. Pronger utilized his enormous frame and mean streak to imposes himself physically on any opponent that dared skate into his corner of the ice.

Jason Smith (1999 – 2004, 2005 – 2007)

A true leader and warrior on the ice, Jason Smith was a mainstay on the Oilers’ back end for most of the 2000s. Smith is tied for the second-longest serving captain in franchise history at six seasons, and led the Oilers to the 2006 Stanley Cup Final. Smith was a hard-nosed, right-shot defender who was always willing to put his body on the line to help the team win.

Mattias Ekholm (2023 – Present)

Mattias Ekholm made a huge impact on the Oilers’ blueline after being acquired at the 2023 trade deadline. Ekholm had a plus-28 rating in the final 21 games in 2022-23, and then set career-highs in goals (11) and points (45) in 79 games the following season. At age 35, Ekholm is still regarded as one of the better all-around defencemen in the league.

Evan Bouchard (2018, 2021 – Present)

An elite offensive defenceman, Evan Bouchard has a cannon for a shot and excels at making long passes on the tape. Bouchard has one 80-point season, two 60-point seasons and four straight 40-point seasons – he’s only the second defenceman in Oilers history to achieve these milestones. His career-high 82 points in 2023-24 were not only the most points by an Oilers’ defenceman in nearly 40 years, but he’s also one of only seven skaters to put up 80 points in a single season with the franchise this century. In the post-season, Bouchard has produced offence at a historic level. He’s the only defenceman to record 30 points in a single playoff year and multiple 20-point playoff years since 2000. His 1.08 playoff points per game average is also the second-highest among defencemen in NHL history. Bouchard is already one of the best defenceman in the league and hasn’t yet reached his prime.

Oscar Klefbom (2014 – 2020)

Oscar Klefbom was a big, strong defenceman who could skate and transition the puck well. Klefbom had two 30-point seasons and five 20-point seasons with the Oilers. His 156 career points were the most by an Oilers’ defenceman during his time with the club. Unfortunately, Klefbom only played more than 66 games once in his NHL career before retiring at age 27 due to a chronic shoulder injury. Though his career was cut short, Klefbom remains one of the franchise’s best all-around defenceman since 2000.

Adam Larsson (2016 – 2021)

Adam Larsson brought a tough, physical presence in the corners and in front of the net. Larsson immediately improved the Oilers’ blueline and was pivotal in helping the team snap their 10-year playoff drought in 2017. While he didn’t have much offence in his game, Larsson took pride in being a pure shutdown defender and being a nightmare to play against.

Goalies

Dwayne Roloson (2006 – 2009)

After being acquired at the 2006 trade deadline, Dwayne Roloson backstopped the Oilers all the way to the Stanley Cup Final, posting a 12-4 record, with a 2.33 goals against average, a .927 save percentage and one shutout. Roloson ranks eighth in wins (78), tied for eighth in shutouts (6), tied for 10th in goals against average (2.78), tied for fourth in save percentage (.909) and sixth in games played among goalies (193) in Oilers history. Roloson’s path to becoming a starting goalie in the NHL was a long, winding one, but he seized the opportunity when it finally came.

Tommy Salo (1999 -2004)

Tommy Salo managed to put up solid numbers with the Oilers despite playing behind mostly middling teams. Salo recorded two 30-win seasons and four 25-win seasons in Edmonton. Salo is the Oilers’ all-time leader in shutouts (23) and in goals against average (2.78). He also ranks third in wins (147), tied for eighth in save percentage (.906) and third in games played among goalies (334) in Oilers history. Though he never won a playoff series with the Oilers, Salo gave the club reliable goaltending for years.