The Oilers were one of four teams to come into the NHL from the WHA in 1979, and is the only team that is still in its original location. Their success in the early years of the NHL existence have intertwined with some lean years in recent years and an underdog mentality when they do make the playoffs. The team has had thirteen captains in their history, and many of them exemplify the Oilers franchise. The first two captains in the first two years of the franchise in the NHL are Ron Chipperfield and Blair McDonald, who served a season each. Lee Fogolin served two years after that, going from 1981 to 1983. The Great One (Wayne Gretzky) followed, serving as captain from 1983 until his trade to Los Angeles in 1988. His good friend Mark Messier took over, serving from 1988 until his trade to the Rangers in 1991, earning his reputation as a great leader in the process. Kevin Lowe, who was another Oiler original as the team's first draft pick in their NHL existence, was captain for a year before his trade to the Rangers. Craig MacTavish followed for two seasons until his trade to (you guessed it) the Rangers. He is more notable for being the last player to play without a helmet full time. The lockout shortened season saw Shayne Corson take over the captain duties before Kelly Buchberger took over from 1995 until 1999, when he was picked in the expansion draft by Atlanta. Two seasons of Doug Weight followed until his trade to St. Louis in 2001. The rugged Jason Smith took his turn with the C, wearing it until his trade to Philadelphia in 2007. Ethan Moreau was next, taking the captain role until being claimed on waivers by Columbus in the 2010 offseason. Recently, the Oilers named career-long Oiler Shawn Horcoff as the thirteenth captain in team history.
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