Ranking the 5 Most Beloved Figures in Edmonton Oilers History

The Edmonton Oilers franchise has been lucky to have some of the greatest players ever to take the ice in the NHL on their roster. From The Great One to The Moose to Captain Canada, Oilers fans have had the opportunity to embrace some excellent players who have made a significant impact both on the ice for the Oilers as well as in the community of Edmonton.

When ranking the most beloved figures in Oilers history there are certain aspects that must be taken into consideration. These include the impact on the success of the team as well as the effect of the legacy on the franchise.

What also must be considered is the emotional impact on the team and the fanbase when the player finally left the team.

With that in mind, here is the ranking of the five most beloved figures in Edmonton Oilers history.

5. Joey Moss

Many fans outside of those in Edmonton might not know of Joey Moss, for he was never a player for the Oilers but has been an integral part of the team since 1986.

There likely isn’t a more beloved locker room figure in the entire league than Moss who—after being brought into the club by Wayne Gretzky in 1986—has been a permanent fixture behind the scenes for the team.

For his loyalty and his services, a mural of Moss was erected in Edmonton and Moss was also recognized by the NHL in 2003, receiving the Seventh Man Award in recognition of his outstanding service.

Moss may have never been a hockey player, but he is beloved by Oilers fans young and old.

4. Glen Sather

Another figure who never took the ice for the Edmonton Oilers but is still held in high regard is the man affectionately known as Slats.

Glen Sather was the man at the helm when the Oilers dynasty took off and was the man charged with uniting a bunch of young men and forming them into one of the greatest teams in NHL history.

Sather coached the WHA Oilers and was with the team when it entered the NHL in 1979. He was integral to the teams’ successes until his departure for New York in 1993-94.

3. Ryan Smyth

Ryan Smyth has been the heart and soul of the Edmonton Oilers franchise basically since he was drafted in 1994, and based on the emotional upheaval suffered by both Smyth and the Oilers fans when he was dealt in 2006-2007, his significance was beyond measure.

Perhaps what made Smyth stand out in the hearts of Oilers fans is the fact that he was once a stick boy for the classic Oilers teams and grew up idolizing the team who—when given the chance to don the Oilers jersey—gave everything he could game after game for the club.

Smyth was never the greatest player, but it was the way he carried himself on the ice, willing to do whatever it took to try and give the team a better chance that fans attached themselves to.

It also doesn’t hurt that Smyth asked for a trade from the Los Angeles Kings, which went on to win the Stanley Cup that season, to the Oilers, which were one of the worst teams in the league at the time.

For Smyth, Edmonton was always home, and this resonates with fans and elevates his status because of it.

2. Mark Messier

If it wasn’t for Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier very well could have been the face of the Edmonton Oilers franchise to this day, and it could be argued that he is very much in that conversation. Either way, Messier to this day remains one of the most beloved Oilers in history.

From the moment he made the team during the famous “Boys on the Bus” era, the man affectionately known as The Moose has always had a special place in Oilers fans' hearts.

This is also aided by the fact that Messier is also from Edmonton and continues to have a large impact on the community through various charitable efforts.

Messier’s profound impact on his hometown has even been recognized by the city itself, and though he may not have his own statue, he does have a stretch of road named after him. The Mark Messier Trail extends from the city of Edmonton to the city of St. Albert where Messier played a significant portion of his minor hockey growing up.

1. Wayne Gretzky

Was there any doubt that Wayne Gretzky was going to be number one on this list? Considering that he could very well be one of the most beloved figures in all of the NHL, The Great One had such a significant impact on the Oilers and the city of Edmonton that very much still resonates today.

Edmontonians got to witness the young phenom blossom into arguably one of the greatest players in NHL history, and thanks to his fabulous exploits on the ice, Gretzky helped put Edmonton on the map at a global level.

Aside from the four championship parades led by Gretzky, the most significant moment that still lives on in Edmonton was his royal wedding to Janet Jones.

This was such a huge affair in Edmonton and was met with such a huge reception that many old fans of the club will never forget, and new fans will always continue to hear about.

Gretzky has been honored in every way possible by the city of Edmonton and by the Edmonton Oilers. From a statue to the road leading to the arena being renamed Wayne Gretzky Drive, fans of the club still hold onto the memories provided by The Great One.

It was perhaps when Gretzky was sold to the Los Angeles Kings that the depth of the love for Gretzky by Edmonton Oilers fans was on full display.

From the outpouring of love, to the fact that the anniversary of the trade is reminisced upon every year, this was a moment that will always live in infamy to Oilers fans.