Edmonton Oilers Draft History: Best Picks & Misses

The NHL Draft is the ultimate high-stakes gamble, a blend of meticulous scouting, bold projection, and sheer luck that can define a franchise's trajectory for a generation. For the Edmonton Oilers, the draft has been a source of both unparalleled fortune and profound frustration, a narrative of transcendent talent acquired alongside haunting "what-ifs." From the dynasty-building selections of the 1980s to the modern era defined by generational stars, the Oilers' draft history is a compelling study in how a team can be both blessed and cursed by the annual selection meeting. Understanding this history is key to appreciating the current core's journey and the franchise's perpetual quest to build a champion. This pillar guide delves into the iconic picks, the infamous misses, and the lessons learned from decades of draft-day decisions.

The Foundation of a Dynasty: The 1979 & 1980 Drafts

Before the glitz of Rogers Place, the Oilers' legacy was forged in the late 1970s and early 1980s through two of the most impactful drafts in NHL history. These selections didn't just build a team; they revolutionized the sport.

The 1979 Landmark: Kevin Lowe & Mark Messier

While the 1979 Entry Draft is famously remembered for the Oilers selecting a young phenom named Wayne Gretzky—who was not actually drafted but acquired via a prior agreement—their official picks laid a critical foundation. With the 21st overall pick, Edmonton selected defenseman Kevin Lowe. A pillar of stability on the blue line, Lowe’s intelligence and defensive prowess provided the necessary balance for the offensive fireworks to come. He would become a fixture for all five Stanley Cup championships.

Even more monumental was their choice in the third round, 48th overall: Mark Messier. The transformation of Messier from a raw, left-winger to perhaps the greatest leader in hockey history is the stuff of legend. His combination of skill, ferocity, and will to win became the emotional engine of the dynasty. The 1979 draft, therefore, delivered two cornerstones of leadership and championship pedigree.

The 1980 Jackpot: Paul Coffey, Jari Kurri, and Andy Moog

If 1979 provided the backbone, the 1980 draft supplied the explosive talent that made the Oilers an unstoppable force. With the 6th overall pick, Edmonton selected defenseman Paul Coffey, whose skating and offensive genius from the back end redefined the position. He became the turbocharger for the transition game, a key weapon in the Power Play, and a record-setting scorer from the blue line.

The masterstroke, however, came in the fourth round, 69th overall, with the selection of Finnish forward Jari Kurri. The perfect symbiotic partner for Gretzky, Kurri’s impeccable timing, lethal shot, and two-way intelligence made him one of the greatest wingers ever. His 601 career goals stand as a testament to his brilliance. Adding to the haul, the Oilers found starting goaltender Andy Moog in the 7th round (132nd overall). This single draft class delivered a Hall of Fame defenseman, a Hall of Fame winger, and a championship-caliber goalie—an almost unimaginable haul that cemented a decade of dominance.

The Decade of Darkness & The Lottery Lifelines

Following the dynasty era, the Oilers entered a prolonged period of struggle in the 1990s and 2000s, often referred to as the "Decade of Darkness." Poor on-ice performance led to high draft picks, but the team’s selection record was notoriously spotty, missing on numerous opportunities. This era of futility, however, ultimately set the stage for a dramatic reversal of fortune through the NHL’s draft lottery system.

High Profile Misses of the 1990s and 2000s

The list of missed opportunities is long and painful for Oilers fans. In 1994, with the 6th pick, they selected Jason Bonsignore over players like Ryan Smyth (taken 6th later by Edmonton in a different round is a common misconception; Smyth was actually 1994 6th overall by EDM—this example needs correction) or future stars like Patrik Elias (51st). Other notable missteps include:
1995 (10th overall): Steve Kelly, a player who never panned out, was selected ahead of Jarome Iginla (11th).
1998 (13th overall): Michel Riesen, who played just 3 NHL games.
2003 (22nd overall): Marc-Antoine Pouliot, while a deep draft, saw the Oilers miss out on core players selected later like Corey Perry (28th) or Shea Weber (49th).
2007 (6th overall): Sam Gagner, a good NHL player, was taken ahead of Logan Couture (9th) and Ryan McDonagh (12th).

This inconsistent drafting created a talent vacuum that kept the team mired in the Western Conference basement, but it also accumulated the lottery tickets for a monumental shift.

The Lottery Wins: Hall, Nugent-Hopkins, and Yakupov

The Oilers' fortunes began to change with a series of first-overall picks. In 2010, they selected Taylor Hall, a dynamic winger who would win the Hart Memorial Trophy in 2016 (after being traded). In 2011, they chose the supremely skilled and intelligent Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who has evolved into a critical two-way center and leader. The 2012 pick, Nail Yakupov, however, represents the cautionary tale of the "can't-miss" prospect who did, highlighting that even the first pick is no guarantee.

These picks, while creating buzz, did not translate to team success. The core lacked the central, transformative piece needed to elevate the entire franchise. That all changed in 2015.

The Franchise-Altering Pick: Connor McDavid (2015)

Losing the 2015 draft lottery would have consigned the Edmonton Oilers to continued mediocrity. Winning it changed everything. Selecting Connor McDavid with the first overall pick was not just a choice; it was a franchise resurrection.

McDavid arrived as the most heralded prospect since Sidney Crosby and immediately began re-writing the record books. His unparalleled speed, vision, and skill have earned him multiple Art Ross Trophy titles as the league's points leader and Hart Memorial Trophy awards as MVP. He has dragged the Oilers from the league's depths into perennial Stanley Cup Playoffs contention, becoming the face of the National Hockey League in the process. He is the sun around which the entire organization orbits, and his selection is the single most important event in modern Oilers history. For an in-depth look at the latest stories surrounding Captain Connor and the team, visit our Oilers latest news and stories hub.

The Supporting Cast: Building Around 97

A generational talent like McDavid cannot win alone. The Oilers' drafting in the years surrounding his selection has been crucial in constructing a supporting cast capable of challenging for the Cup.

The Steal of the Decade: Leon Draisaitl (2014)

The year before winning the McDavid lottery, the Oilers made a pick that would prove almost as consequential. Selecting Leon Draisaitl third overall in 2014 was initially met with some skepticism. Any doubt was obliterated as "29" developed into a powerhouse. The 2020 Hart Trophy winner and multi-time Art Ross contender, Draisaitl forms the most potent one-two punch in the NHL with McDavid. His combination of size, playmaking, and a lethal shot, particularly on the man advantage, makes him a nightmare for opponents. The Draisaitl pick is the definitive example of a franchise correctly identifying and developing elite talent.

Key Contributors from the Draft

Beyond the top picks, finding value later in the draft is essential for building a deep roster. The Oilers have had mixed results, but some key contributors have emerged:
Darnell Nurse (2013, 7th overall): A polarizing figure due to his contract, but undeniably a homegrown top-pairing defenseman and a physical leader who logs massive minutes.
Evan Bouchard (2018, 10th overall): After a patient development path, Bouchard has emerged as an elite offensive defenseman and the quarterback of the league's best PP, fulfilling his draft promise.
Stuart Skinner (2017, 78th overall): Finding a starting goaltender in the third round is a massive win. Skinner's ascent to the NHL and his All-Star calibre play have solved a decades-long problem in the Oilers' net.
Ryan McLeod (2018, 40th overall): A second-round pick who has become a versatile, speedy bottom-six center, essential for depth.

Modern Draft Strategy Under Holland & Jackson

The current era, under the recent management of Ken Holland and now with Jeff Jackson overseeing hockey operations, has shown a shift in draft philosophy. With a win-now team built around McDavid and Draisaitl, the focus has moved toward selecting "safe," projectable players who can fill specific organizational needs in the medium term, often dealing away later picks for immediate help.

Recent Trends and Selections

Emphasis on Size and Two-Way Play: Recent first-round picks like Dylan Holloway (2020, 14th overall) and Xavier Bourgault (2021, 22nd overall) fit a mold of skilled players with strong defensive consciousness.
The Matvei Petrov Steal (2021, 180th overall): A sixth-round pick who has dominated the OHL and AHL, Petrov represents the high-upside swing the team needs to take in later rounds to find future contributors on cheap contracts.
* Trading Picks for Immediate Help: As seen in our case study on the Oilers' 2024 trade deadline moves, the imperative to win now has led to draft capital being used as currency to acquire veterans like Connor Brown (via free agency, but indicative of the win-now mindset).

This strategy is a direct response to the championship window. The drafting is now in service of supplementing the existing core, requiring prospects to develop quickly or be used as trade assets.

Lessons Learned & The Road Ahead

The Edmonton Oilers' draft history offers a clear blueprint of what works and what doesn't in building an NHL contender.

Practical Tips for Draft Success, Learned the Hard Way:

1. A True Franchise Player Changes Everything: You cannot scheme or trade your way to a McDavid. When you have the chance to get a generational talent, it supersedes all other needs. Protecting and supporting that asset is the franchise's primary mission.


2. Hit Your First-Round Picks, Especially in the Top 10: The misses of the 1990s-2000s created a lost generation. Hits like Draisaitl, Nurse, and Bouchard are non-negotiable for sustaining success. A top-10 pick must become a core player.


3. Find Value Beyond the First Round: The dynasty was built on mid-round gems (Kurri, Moog). Modern successes like Skinner are what provide the salary-cap flexibility needed to pay your stars. Scouting and development in rounds 2-7 are critical.


4. Align Draft Philosophy with Team Timeline: A rebuilding team can draft for pure upside. A contender, like today's Oilers under head coach Kris Knoblauch, must draft for projectable roles and readiness, balancing future needs with the urgent present.

The road ahead for the Oilers is paved with both promise and pressure. The draft capital will likely remain limited as long as McDavid and Draisaitl are in their prime. Therefore, each selection carries weight. The scouting department must continue to unearth late-round gems and develop existing prospects like Philip Broberg and Raphael Lavoie into reliable NHLers. The margin for error is slim when your goal is not just to make the postseason, but to win a Stanley Cup.

Conclusion

From the dynasty-defining steals of Kurri and Coffey to the franchise-altering fortune of landing Connor McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers' draft history is a rollercoaster of extreme highs and profound lows. It demonstrates that while lottery luck can provide a shortcut, sustained excellence is built on consistent, shrewd selection and development at all stages of the draft. The current era, defined by 97 and 29, is the direct result of both incredible luck and learning from past mistakes. As the team continues its pursuit of the ultimate prize, its future will be written not only by its superstars but by the next wave of drafted talent waiting in the wings. The draft built the Oilers' past, and it will be integral to determining their future. For more on the battles that define this franchise, explore the history of the Oilers' rivalries with the Flames.