The NHL’s Quarter Century Team features the top Oilers from the previous 25 years.

The Edmonton Oilers, a team rich in history, have long been associated with some of the most iconic names in the NHL. From Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier in the 1980s to more recent stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers have consistently been home to some of the league’s most dynamic and legendary talents. As the 2020s unfolded, it became evident that the Oilers’ legacy of producing elite-level hockey players wasn’t slowing down. To celebrate this sustained excellence, the NHL recently unveiled a Quarter Century Team—a roster featuring the top players from the last 25 years of the league. The team included representatives from franchises all over the NHL, but the Oilers were well represented with players who left lasting legacies on the ice and helped define the franchise in the modern era.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the top Oilers players of the past quarter century and analyze their impact on the team’s success. From the early 2000s to the present day, we will explore the careers of these key players and their contributions to the franchise, both on and off the ice.

The Formation of the NHL Quarter Century Team

Before delving into the individual careers of the Oilers’ stars, let’s first understand what the Quarter Century Team represents. The NHL’s decision to form this team was a way to honor players who defined the modern era of hockey—those who made a significant impact over the last 25 years, a period which spans from the mid-1990s to the mid-2020s.

The team is made up of players who helped shape their franchises during this timeframe, bringing both on-ice excellence and leadership. The selections were made based on individual achievements, team success, and longevity within the franchise. For the Oilers, who had a period of rebuilding after their early 2000s struggles, their players had to overcome adversity and make a meaningful impact to be considered for the Quarter Century Team.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the Oilers players who made the cut and examine their contributions to the team’s legacy.

Connor McDavid: The Future and Present of the Oilers

When we talk about the past 25 years of the Edmonton Oilers, no discussion is complete without mentioning Connor McDavid. The franchise’s current captain is arguably one of the best players in NHL history and the centerpiece of the team’s resurgence after years of mediocrity. McDavid has been a force since his debut in 2015, taking the league by storm with his speed, vision, and playmaking ability.

McDavid’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. As of 2025, he’s already won multiple Hart Trophies as the league’s most valuable player, finished as the NHL’s leading scorer several times, and cemented himself as the face of the Oilers’ modern era. His 200-foot game is a constant threat, and his ability to make plays at top speed with ease is a rarity in the NHL. McDavid’s leadership, which has seen the Oilers make regular playoff appearances, is also unmatched. He elevates his teammates and is widely regarded as a player capable of carrying a team deep into the postseason.

Given McDavid’s unparalleled skill and importance to the Oilers’ franchise, he is undoubtedly a cornerstone player in the NHL’s Quarter Century Team.

Leon Draisaitl: McDavid’s Partner in Crime

Alongside McDavid, Leon Draisaitl is another Oilers player who has shaped the franchise over the past 25 years. Draisaitl, a German-born center, is one of the most skilled and complete players in the NHL today. Since being drafted by the Oilers in 2014, he has developed into a world-class talent, regularly finishing near the top of the league in both points and goals.

Draisaitl’s versatility is one of his defining traits. While he is best known for being McDavid’s wingman on the Oilers’ top line, he has proven that he can excel in any role. Whether it’s as a center or a winger, Draisaitl’s offensive acumen, playmaking ability, and vision make him a dynamic player. Draisaitl’s most significant individual achievement came in 2020 when he won the Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player, edging out McDavid for the honor.

Beyond his offensive abilities, Draisaitl is also a strong two-way player, capable of contributing on both the power play and penalty kill. His chemistry with McDavid and his overall all-around game make him one of the most valuable assets in the NHL.

Ryan Smyth: The Heart and Soul of the Oilers

For a franchise that has seen its share of highs and lows over the past quarter-century, Ryan Smyth represents the heart and soul of the Edmonton Oilers. Smyth, who played the bulk of his career in Edmonton, was a key figure in the Oilers’ resurgence in the mid-2000s. His grit, leadership, and passion for the game earned him the nickname “Captain Canada” and endeared him to Oilers fans for years.

Smyth’s leadership was invaluable to the Oilers during his time with the team. Although he was not known for his high-end offensive numbers compared to some of the other stars on this list, his intangible contributions were immeasurable. His work ethic, physicality, and penchant for scoring clutch goals—especially in front of the net—made him a key figure during the Oilers’ 2006 Stanley Cup Final run.

While he was never a top scorer in the league, Smyth’s influence on the team’s identity and his role in guiding younger players cannot be overstated. His leadership and legacy will always be remembered in Edmonton.

Dwayne Roloson: The Unsung Hero of Edmonton’s 2006 Cup Run

While the Oilers had many strong performances in their 2006 Stanley Cup Final run, few players were as important to the team’s success as goaltender Dwayne Roloson. Acquired in 2005, Roloson provided steady and consistent play in net, backstopping the team to within one win of a Stanley Cup championship.

Roloson’s performance in the 2006 playoffs was nothing short of stellar. He posted a .927 save percentage and a 2.33 goals-against average over 24 games, consistently making clutch saves and keeping the team in games they otherwise had no business winning. His play during that playoff run earned him respect across the league, and while he may not have had the longest career in Edmonton, his contributions to that special playoff run are part of the Oilers’ modern history.

Roloson was an experienced and steadying presence in goal, and his ability to make timely saves in high-pressure situations helped solidify his place among the top Oilers of the past 25 years.

Ales Hemsky: A Creative Playmaker Who Captivated Fans

For a team that struggled to maintain consistent success in the 2000s, Ales Hemsky was a beacon of offensive creativity. The Czech winger was one of the most gifted playmakers of his generation, known for his dazzling stickhandling and ability to create opportunities for his teammates. Hemsky spent the majority of his career in Edmonton, and while his individual numbers didn’t always match the top players in the league, his highlight-reel goals and creative passes made him a fan favorite.

Hemsky’s most notable achievements came in the form of his dynamic chemistry with the Oilers’ top forwards during his time with the team. He often played on a line with the likes of Shawn Horcoff and Ryan Smyth, providing a creative spark that made the Oilers’ offense difficult to defend. Hemsky’s playmaking ability was undeniable, and his contributions to the team during a period of rebuilding were key in keeping the Oilers competitive.

While Hemsky’s career in Edmonton didn’t result in playoff success, his individual performances were memorable, and his place on the Quarter Century Team was well earned.

The Oilers Legacy: Looking Forward

The players who have contributed to the Edmonton Oilers over the past quarter-century are a testament to the franchise’s resilience and ability to remain relevant in the modern NHL. From the powerhouse performances of McDavid and Draisaitl to the leadership of Smyth and the goaltending heroics of Roloson, the Oilers have had some of the league’s most exciting and talented players. While the team has experienced its fair share of struggles, these players have been the pillars around which the team has built its success.

As the Oilers continue to build for the future, the current core of McDavid and Draisaitl provides the team with a foundation that could lead them to new heights. The contributions of players like Smyth, Hemsky, and Roloson have shaped the team’s identity, and as the franchise looks ahead, their legacy will serve as a reminder of the Oilers’ storied past.

As the NHL’s Quarter Century Team continues to evolve, the Oilers’ modern-day stars will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of the league, shaping the future of the franchise and cementing their places in the annals of the Oilers’ illustrious history.