Early Days in the WHA (1972-1979):
✦ Founded in 1972, the Oilers were part of the WHA, a rival league to the NHL.
✦ Despite not competing for the Stanley Cup, the Oilers developed a strong fanbase and acquired a young, talented center named Wayne Gretzky in 1978.
Entering the NHL and the "Gretzky Era" (1979-1990s):
✦ Joining the NHL in the 1979 merger, the Oilers, led by "The Great One," Wayne Gretzky, became an offensive juggernaut.
✦ Gretzky, alongside teammates like Mark Messier and Jari Kurri, shattered numerous scoring records, revolutionizing the game with their offensive prowess.
✦ This era saw the Oilers dominate the NHL, winning four Stanley Cups in five years (1984-1988) and establishing themselves as a dynasty.
Post-Gretzky Era and Rebuilding (1990s-2000s):
✦ Following Gretzky's departure, the Oilers struggled to replicate their early success.
✦ The team drafted future Hall of Famers Doug Weight and Chris Pronger, but consistent playoff appearances remained elusive.
The "Copper and Blue" and Recent Years (2000s-Present):
✦ The arrival of players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in recent years has revitalized the Oilers.
✦ Nicknamed the "Copper and Blue" for their jersey colors, the Oilers have returned to being a contender, reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2006 and 2022.
