Here is who could be picked for Edmonton Oilers 2025 Hall of Fame class
The Edmonton Oilers Hall of Fame will grow by two more names next season, but who they could be remains a mystery.
Edmonton has taken its time announcing the 2025 Hall of Fame class this summer. Last year, they announced on Aug. 1 that Craig MacTavish and Randy Gregg would be getting the call into the Oilers Hall. This year, it’s been crickets from the organization, but the gears must be turning behind the scenes.
As it stands, the Oilers Hall of Fame currently boasts 16 names since its inception in 2022:
- Wayne Gretzky
- Mark Messier
- Jari Kurri
- Paul Coffey
- Glenn Anderson
- Grant Fuhr
- Kevin Lowe
- Charlie Huddy
- Craig MacTavish
- Randy Gregg
- Lee Fogolin
- Al Hamilton
- Doug Weight
- Ryan Smyth
- Glenn Sather
- Rod Phillips
That is a star-studded list, but it’s one that is far from complete. Just about all the obvious names have already been inducted, but there are a few more that are still looking to get in.
Here are a few names that should be on the shortlist to be included in the upcoming 2025 class:
Bill Ranford
@EdmontonOilers/X
Career stats with Oilers: 449 GP, 167-193-54, .887 SV%
Years with Oilers: 1987-1996, 1999-2000
If there is any legacy Oilers player who deserves to be in the team’s Hall of Fame, it’s Bill Ranford.
Ranford is perhaps the team’s most recognizable goaltender in franchise history, behind only Fuhr. His 449 games in an Oilers uniform make him the all-time leader in games played by an Oilers goalie, and he ranks second in wins.
If that wasn’t enough, he also won the Conn Smyth at the playoff MVP during the Oilers’ 1990 Stanley Cup Championship.
Ales Hemsky
Perry Nelson/Imagn Images
Career stats with Oilers: 652 GP, 142 G, 335 A, 477 PTS
Years with Oilers: 2002-2014
The Oilers have yet to induct a player who started his career in the 2000s, but Ales Hemsky should be the one to change that.
Hemsky defined a generation of Oilers hockey with his creativity and offensive ability. For years, the Czech forward was the face of the franchise and nearly helped the team capture their sixth Stanley Cup in an exhilarating run to the Final in 2006.
He ranks 11th all-time in franchise points.
Esa Tikkanen
Career stats with Oilers: 522 GP, 178 G, 258 A, 436 PTS
Years with Oilers: 1985-1993
Esa Tikkanen became one of the most notable Oilers late into the Gretzky era and into the 1990s. The tenacious Finn was initially lauded as a great defensive forward, having been nominated for the Selke on several occasions, but he also brought a deadly offensive game.
Tikkanen was a reliable playoff performer in Edmonton, scoring 20-plus points in three Stanley Cup runs, including championships in 1988 and 1990.
He ranks 11th in franchise history in goals and 13th in points.
Jason Smith
Lou Capozzola/Imagn Images
Career stats with Oilers: 542 GP, 31 G, 82 A, 113 PTS
Years with Oilers:Ā 1999-2007
The man they call Gator will eventually wind up in the Oilers Hall of Fame ā the question is when that will happen.
Jason Smith is one of the most beloved captains in franchise history, gaining fans not through his offensive prowess but his work ethic and defensive play on the Edmonton blueline.
It would make sense to induct him this season as he recently returned to the Alberta capital to coach the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings.