Top 5 Captains in Edmonton Oilers History

By Shaun Lavery

Top 5 Captains in Edmonton Oilers History

Oilers Captains — The Edmonton Oilers are going through some of the worst times in franchise history, having finished in the bottom of the standings for the last few years and appearing to continue the trend this season. As a team, they’ve had bright moments including five Stanley Cups in seven years. They’ve also had some great captains throughout their storied past, so here are the five best.

5. Kevin Lowe (1991-92)

Kevin Lowe #4

5. Kevin Lowe (1991-92)

Kevin Lowe #4 — The current President of Hockey Operations for the club, Kevin Lowe, served as captain of the Oilers for only one season, but played for the team for 14 full years. He appeared in 1,254 career games, totalling 432 points and a very impressive six Stanley Cup rings. Lowe’s been in every role with the team from player to coach to executive, so he knows the organization inside and out.

4. Shawn Horcoff (2010-13)

Shawn Horcoff Edmonton Oilers

4. Shawn Horcoff (2010-13)

Shawn Horcoff Edmonton Oilers — Now with the Dallas Stars, Horcoff spent 11 seasons with the Oilers, being captain for three. He has 480 points in his 908 career games and counting. Horcoff had to be a leader in Edmonton’s locker room during some tough times and was the first NHL captain for guys like Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall.

3. Jason Smith (2001-07)

Oilers v Islanders

3. Jason Smith (2001-07)

Oilers v Islanders — The longest serving captain in franchise history, Smith only had 169 points in 1,008 career games. Of course goal scoring wasn’t his strong suit, but he was often noted as one of the toughest hockey players ever, and perhaps the best captain in the NHL when he served as the Oilers’ leader.

2. Mark Messier (1988-91)

Edmonton Oilers v Boston Bruins

2. Mark Messier (1988-91)

Edmonton Oilers v Boston Bruins — One of the best players in the game, Messier was around for the golden era of Oilers hockey, winning five Cups with the club and getting another one with the New York Rangers. Messier accumulated a remarkable 1,887 points in 1756 career games, good for second all time. He lead by example, and how could you not, when you are one of the top scorers in the history of the game.

1. Wayne Gretzky (1983-88)

Edmonton Oilers v Boston Bruins

1. Wayne Gretzky (1983-88)

Edmonton Oilers v Boston Bruins — Coming as no surprise, Wayne Gretzky is the best Oilers captain of all time simply because he is the best player of all time. He has countless NHL records and lead Edmonton to every Stanley Cup they’ve ever won thus far. It will be almost impossible for anyone to pass Gretzky not just on this list, but countless others. He was that good.

Shaun Lavery is a Calgary Flames writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, or add him to your network on Google.

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Edmonton Oilers

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