Edmonton Oilers’ top 5 all-time performances for Team Canada include unforgettable contributions in international tournaments and Olympic Games.

Throughout their storied history, the Edmonton Oilers have produced some of the greatest hockey players the world has ever seen. Many of these legendary talents have not only made their mark in the NHL, but have also brought their skills and leadership to the international stage, representing Team Canada in global tournaments such as the Olympics, the World Cup of Hockey, and the World Championships. As members of Team Canada, Oilers players have delivered unforgettable performances that have cemented their place in both Canadian hockey history and the international spotlight.

From Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier to Connor McDavid, the contributions of Oilers players to Team Canada’s success are legendary. In this article, we take a deep dive into the top five all-time performances by Edmonton Oilers players for Team Canada, examining the moments and achievements that have left an indelible mark on international hockey.

1. Wayne Gretzky – 1984 Canada Cup

When it comes to iconic performances for Team Canada, few can rival the sheer magnitude of Wayne Gretzky’s contribution to the 1984 Canada Cup. This tournament was a showcase of the best hockey talent in the world, and Gretzky’s performance on the international stage solidified his reputation as the best player to ever play the game.

The 1984 Canada Cup was an important event for Canada as it marked the return of the tournament after a 10-year hiatus, and it brought together teams from Canada, the Soviet Union, the United States, Sweden, Czechoslovakia, and Finland. Canada had failed to win the previous edition of the Canada Cup in 1976 and was determined to reclaim the title.

Wayne Gretzky, already a superstar in the NHL, was at the peak of his powers. His performance in the 1984 Canada Cup was nothing short of extraordinary. Gretzky was named the tournament MVP after recording an astonishing 6 goals and 8 assists in just 7 games, including a memorable performance in the final against the Soviet Union. He assisted on the game-winning goal in the final, contributing to Canada’s 3-2 victory.

This victory was a critical moment for Team Canada, as it proved that the country was back at the forefront of international hockey. Gretzky’s leadership, vision, and ability to elevate his teammates made him a key reason why Canada was able to overcome the Soviet Union, a team that had dominated international play throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. His performance was a testament to the greatness of both Gretzky and Canadian hockey as a whole.

2. Mark Messier – 1984 Canada Cup

As much as Gretzky was the face of the 1984 Canada Cup, his Edmonton Oilers teammate Mark Messier also played a pivotal role in Canada’s victory. Known for his leadership, physicality, and ability to rise to the occasion, Messier’s contributions in the tournament were invaluable.

Messier finished the 1984 Canada Cup with 4 goals and 4 assists, showcasing his offensive skills alongside his physical presence. However, it was his all-around play, including his leadership in tough moments, that truly stood out. In the final game against the Soviet Union, Messier was a dominant force on both ends of the ice, contributing to both the offensive and defensive plays that led Canada to a crucial victory.

In addition to his statistical contributions, Messier’s leadership in the dressing room and on the ice was a crucial factor in Canada’s success. He was already establishing himself as one of the premier leaders in the NHL, and his presence on Team Canada during the 1984 Canada Cup helped set the tone for the team’s success.

Messier’s impact in the 1984 Canada Cup extended far beyond his individual performance. His ability to bring a level of toughness and emotion to Team Canada’s play was crucial in motivating the squad to perform under pressure. The result was a Canada Cup win that not only solidified Canada’s place as an international powerhouse but also set the stage for Messier’s career as a key contributor to the team in future international tournaments.

3. Curtis Joseph – 2002 Winter Olympics

While the Edmonton Oilers have been known for producing star players on offense, one of their most crucial contributions to Team Canada came from between the pipes. Curtis Joseph, one of the best goalies to ever play the game, was a key figure in Canada’s gold medal win at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

Joseph had an incredible 2001-2002 season, and his outstanding goaltending in the Olympics helped propel Team Canada to its first Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey since 1952. While Martin Brodeur was the primary goaltender throughout much of the tournament, it was Joseph’s stellar performances as the backup that gave Team Canada confidence when it mattered most.

In the 2002 Winter Olympics, Joseph played a pivotal role in securing victories against tough opponents, including the United States in the semifinals. His ability to stop key shots and keep the team in games gave Canada the opportunity to eventually win the gold medal. Joseph’s performance also included a significant contribution in the gold medal game, where he helped secure Canada’s dominant 5-2 win over the United States.

Though he didn’t start every game, Joseph’s resilience and ability to come up with big saves at critical moments made him a crucial part of Team Canada’s success in Salt Lake City. His contributions in the 2002 Winter Olympics showcased the importance of having a strong goalie tandem and were a key part of Canada’s journey to reclaiming its place at the top of international hockey.

4. Connor McDavid – 2016 World Cup of Hockey

No conversation about Team Canada and Edmonton Oilers players would be complete without mentioning Connor McDavid, the current face of the NHL and one of the most talented players to ever take the ice. McDavid’s performance in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey was an early sign of just how special his international career would become.

McDavid was just starting to enter the conversation as one of the NHL’s brightest young stars when he was selected to represent Canada in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. The tournament featured eight teams, and Team Canada was stacked with talent from across the NHL, including the likes of Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews, and Patrick Kane. McDavid, despite being relatively young at the time, was poised to make a significant impact.

McDavid finished the tournament with 3 goals and 6 assists, showcasing his speed, vision, and playmaking ability. He formed a deadly line with Sidney Crosby and Brad Marchand, with the trio dominating opponents throughout the tournament. McDavid’s ability to transition from the defensive zone to the offensive zone at lightning speed was on full display as he helped drive Team Canada’s high-powered offense.

McDavid’s performance in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey didn’t just earn him a gold medal — it solidified his reputation as one of the game’s future leaders. His performance was a glimpse of what was to come for both Team Canada and the Oilers, as McDavid’s incredible talent and leadership ability would eventually shape his future international contributions.

5. Ryan Smyth – 2004 World Cup of Hockey

Finally, Ryan Smyth, known for his heart and soul contributions to both the Edmonton Oilers and Team Canada, had a memorable and pivotal performance in the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Although Team Canada didn’t win the tournament (losing to the United States in the final), Smyth’s grit and determination during the competition stood out and left a lasting impression.

Smyth finished the tournament with 3 goals and 2 assists, but it was his leadership, work ethic, and ability to play in all situations that made him a standout. His play in front of the net, his willingness to do the dirty work, and his ability to contribute on the power play made him one of Canada’s most important players during the tournament.

While Canada ultimately came up short in the final, Smyth’s contributions to the team during the 2004 World Cup of Hockey were crucial to Canada’s deep run. His relentless style of play, coupled with his leadership, showcased the type of character that made him an important figure for Team Canada and an unforgettable contributor to the nation’s success in international hockey.