Edmonton Oilers: A History of Success and Disappointment

The Early Years

The Edmonton Oilers were founded in 1972 as one of the original members of the World Hockey Association. The team quickly became a powerhouse, winning the Avco World Trophy in 1976 and 1979. However, the WHA folded in 1979, and the Oilers were forced to join the NHL.

The Gretzky Era

The Oilers' fortunes changed dramatically in 1981 when they traded for Wayne Gretzky. Gretzky was the greatest player of his generation, and he led the Oilers to four Stanley Cups in the 1980s. The Oilers were one of the most dominant teams in the NHL during this era, and Gretzky became a global icon.

The Post-Gretzky Era

After Gretzky was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988, the Oilers struggled to maintain their success. The team made the playoffs only once in the 1990s, and they did not win another Stanley Cup until 2006.

The Modern Era

The Oilers have been a competitive team in recent years, but they have not been able to recapture the glory days of the Gretzky era. The team has made the playoffs in each of the past six seasons, but they have not advanced past the second round since 2006.

The Future

The Oilers are a young team with a lot of potential. The team has a number of talented players, including Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Darnell Nurse. If the Oilers can stay healthy and continue to develop, they could be a contender for the Stanley Cup in the near future.