1988–89 Edmonton Oilers season



The 1988–89 Edmonton Oilers season was the Oilers' 10th season in the NHL, and they were coming off a Stanley Cup championship, their 4th Stanley Cup in the past 5 seasons. The Oilers finished 3rd in the Smythe Division with 84 points, their lowest point total since the 1980–81 season. For the 8th consecutive season, the Oilers had five 30-goal scorers.

Off-season
Prior to the season, the Oilers would be involved in one of the biggest trades in NHL history, dealing Wayne Gretzky, Marty McSorley and Mike Krushelnyski to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, the Kings first round draft picks in 1989, 1991 and 1993, and $15 million.

Regular Season
Jari Kurri would lead the club with 102 points, while Jimmy Carson would score a team high 49 goals, and Mark Messier would have a team best 61 assists. Charlie Huddy would lead the defense with 44 points, while Kelly Buchberger would provide the team toughness, leading the Oilers with 234 penalty minutes.

In goal, Grant Fuhr would get the majority of the starts, leading the team with 23 wins, while Bill Ranford would have a team best 3.50 GAA.

Playoffs
In the playoffs, the Oilers would face Wayne Gretzky and the Los Angeles Kings in the opening round of the playoffs. The Oilers would take a 3–1 series lead, however, the Kings would respond by winning 3 games in a row by a combined score of 16–6 to win the series, ending the Oilers bid at winning a 3rd straight Stanley Cup and for the first time since 1982, Edmonton would fail to win a playoff round.

Awards and Records

 * Jari Kurri, Right Wing, NHL Second Team All-Star

Trades
*Later traded to the New Jersey Devils.

Draft Picks
Edmonton's draft picks at the 1988 NHL Entry Draft