Jason Arnott began his NHL journey with the Edmonton Oilers, who selected him 7th overall in the 1993 NHL Draft.

Jason Arnott’s journey to the NHL began in 1993 when the Edmonton Oilers selected him with the 7th overall pick in the NHL Draft. That selection would mark the beginning of a career that would span 18 seasons and see Arnott establish himself as one of the most durable and skilled centers of his generation. A key figure in the Oilers’ rebuilding years of the 1990s, Arnott’s presence in Edmonton would set the stage for a successful career both in Edmonton and beyond. His powerful shot, leadership abilities, and consistency on both ends of the ice earned him a respected place in NHL history.

But while his name is forever etched in Oilers lore, Arnott’s legacy in the league as a whole extends far beyond his early years in Edmonton. Before looking back on his entire NHL career, it’s important to take a deeper look at those early days in Edmonton—the city where it all began.

In 1993, the Edmonton Oilers were in the midst of a transition. After the departure of stars like Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier, the team was looking to rebuild and find new talent to restore the franchise to its former glory. Selecting Jason Arnott in the 1993 NHL Draft was a clear indication of the Oilers’ commitment to doing just that.

At the time, Arnott was regarded as a top-tier prospect known for his combination of size, skill, and hockey sense. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing over 200 pounds, he had all the physical attributes teams looked for in a center. But it wasn’t just his size that caught the attention of scouts; Arnott was also known for his offensive upside, particularly his powerful shot and ability to create scoring chances in tight situations.

After the draft, Arnott joined the Oilers and began his journey toward becoming a central figure in the team’s efforts to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. His size, combined with his offensive talent, made him an intriguing prospect, and he was quickly integrated into the Oilers’ lineup.

Arnott made his NHL debut in 1993-94 as an 18-year-old. It was a steep learning curve, as he adjusted to the speed and intensity of the NHL, especially on a team that was in the midst of rebuilding. The Oilers, who had once been a perennial contender in the 1980s, were struggling to find their way in the post-Gretzky era. However, Arnott’s arrival brought a sense of optimism for the future.

In his rookie season, Arnott showed flashes of brilliance, scoring 15 goals and 17 assists in 60 games. While not a breakout season by any means, it was a strong foundation for his career. More importantly, it was an indication of what the Oilers could expect from the young center in the years to come. His scoring ability was clear, but it was his development as a two-way player that began to stand out. Even in his early years, Arnott showed maturity beyond his years, displaying a solid defensive game to complement his offensive contributions.

The next few years would be crucial for Arnott as he continued to develop in Edmonton. With the team in transition, Arnott was given significant ice time and played with a variety of line combinations. While the Oilers were not yet back to their championship form, Arnott became one of the central pieces of their rebuilding effort, playing alongside the likes of Doug Weight, Ryan Smyth, and Marty Reasoner.

By the end of the 1990s, Arnott had emerged as one of the top players for the Oilers. In the 1995-96 season, he registered his first 30-goal campaign, which was a significant milestone in his development as a key offensive threat. The following seasons saw Arnott continue to progress as a top-six center, and his leadership ability began to shine through. He was not only a consistent offensive producer but also a key presence on the penalty kill and power play.

Arnott’s presence in Edmonton also helped guide the team to a place of respectability in the Western Conference. The Oilers made several playoff appearances during this time, and Arnott’s performances in clutch moments were crucial to the team’s success. In the 1997-98 season, Arnott scored 33 goals, his second consecutive 30-goal season, and contributed 46 points.

However, despite his individual success, the Oilers were still searching for the ultimate team success that had been common during their championship years. The team made the playoffs, but they were never able to make a deep run during Arnott’s tenure, often getting knocked out in the first or second rounds. This lack of success would eventually lead to a change in direction for both the team and Arnott’s career.

As the 1999-2000 season came to a close, Arnott’s time with the Edmonton Oilers was drawing to an end. The team was in need of a shakeup to move forward, and with Arnott’s growing reputation as a top center, his name was floated in trade discussions. In a move that would have a major impact on both teams, Arnott was traded to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Joe Reekie, Brendan Morrison, and a draft pick.

The trade marked the end of an era for Arnott in Edmonton, but it also signaled the beginning of a new chapter in his career. The Devils were a perennial contender at the time, and Arnott would quickly find himself in a system that emphasized defensive responsibility and team play, which suited his style of game perfectly.

In New Jersey, Arnott would enjoy more team success, and in 2000, he would help lead the Devils to a Stanley Cup—the first of his career. His time in New Jersey, while initially a big adjustment, was ultimately a crucial phase in his evolution as both a leader and a winner.

After winning the Stanley Cup with the Devils, Arnott would go on to play for the Dallas Stars, the Nashville Predators, and the St. Louis Blues before retiring from the NHL in 2014. Throughout his career, Arnott was known for his leadership on and off the ice, as well as his consistency as a two-way center.

While his time with the Oilers was foundational to his career, it was with the Devils and Predators that he would experience the most team success. Arnott’s leadership qualities and ability to perform in clutch situations became his trademark. Over the course of his career, Arnott played in more than 1,200 games, scoring 417 goals and adding 521 assists, and he won a Stanley Cup in 2000 with the Devils.

Though his time in Edmonton was not as long as many would have liked, Jason Arnott’s legacy in the city remains significant. His arrival in 1993 marked a hopeful period for the Oilers, who were searching for their next generation of stars following the departure of their 1980s dynasty. Arnott was one of the first players to emerge from that rebuilding phase as a bona fide star, and his efforts helped the Oilers remain competitive during some of their leanest years.

During his time in Edmonton, Arnott was an important player on the ice and a key piece of the team’s leadership group. His powerful shot, steady defensive play, and ability to contribute offensively made him a constant threat, and he was quickly regarded as one of the best young centers in the NHL. His work ethic and professionalism set a standard for the team and for the players who came after him.

The Oilers’ lack of success in the postseason during Arnott’s time in Edmonton cannot overshadow the fact that he was a major part of the team’s attempt to regain its former glory. Although Edmonton’s Stanley Cup hopes didn’t come to fruition during his time with the Oilers, the franchise did set the foundation for future stars, and Arnott was a critical part of that process.

As we reflect on Jason Arnott’s career, it is clear that his time in Edmonton was pivotal in shaping him into the player and leader he would become. He was a rising star who arrived at a time when the Oilers were in flux, and his development helped set the stage for a new era of hockey in Edmonton. His time with the Oilers laid the foundation for a career that saw him win a Stanley Cup, represent multiple teams, and leave a lasting legacy in the league.

While Arnott’s time with the Oilers was relatively brief, his impact was significant, and his place in Edmonton’s history is secure. For fans who remember those early years, Jason Arnott will always be remembered as one of the key figures in the Oilers’ post-Gretzky era—a player who brought hope, skill, and leadership at a time when the team needed it most.