Few traditions in NHL history match the significance of oilers retired jerseys, with ten numbers permanently removed from circulation. Since the franchise joined the NHL in 1979, the Oilers have honored legends who defined multiple championship eras.
According to the Hockey Hall of Fame's official records, Edmonton's dynasty of the 1980s produced more Hall of Fame inductees from a single roster than nearly any other team in league history.
Finding accurate, current information about which numbers are retired, who wore them, and the stories behind each ceremony can be surprisingly difficult. Fan sites often contain outdated lists of oilers retired jerseys, and jersey retirement rules vary between teams.
This guide cuts through the confusion with verified details on every retired Oilers number, the criteria the team uses, and practical ways to see these banners in person.
You will learn the complete retired jersey list, the history behind each honor, how the Oilers compare to other NHL teams, and what to know before attending a ceremony at Rogers Place.
The Complete List of Oilers Retired Jerseys
The Edmonton Oilers have retired ten jersey numbers as of the 2024-25 NHL season. Each of these oilers retired jerseys hangs from the rafters at Rogers Place in downtown Edmonton. The franchise honors players from both its WHA days and NHL dynasty years.
Here is the full list of oilers retired jerseys:
| Number | Player | Position | Year Retired |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Al Hamilton | Defense | 1980 |
| 7 | Paul Coffey | Defense | 2005 |
| 9 | Glenn Anderson | Right Wing | 2009 |
| 11 | Mark Messier | Center | 2007 |
| 17 | Jari Kurri | Right Wing | 2001 |
| 31 | Grant Fuhr | Goaltender | 2003 |
| 99 | Wayne Gretzky | Center | 1999 |
| 99 | Wayne Gretzky | League-wide | 2000 |
Al Hamilton was the first player honored, recognized for his leadership during the WHA years and early NHL transition. Wayne Gretzky's number 99 is unique among oilers retired jerseys because the NHL retired it league-wide in 2000, meaning no player on any team can wear it.
The Oilers also honor several players through their Hall of Fame room and team awards, but only these ten numbers are officially removed from circulation. The distinction matters because some fans confuse oilers retired jerseys with honored players who do not have banners.
How to apply this: Visit the Oilers' official team website to confirm the current list of oilers retired jerseys before attending a game, as ceremonies occasionally add new honorees.
The History Behind Each Retired Number
Understanding oilers retired jerseys requires knowing the context of each player's contribution. The Oilers built their legacy on two distinct eras: the WHA years from 1972-1979 and the NHL dynasty from 1984-1990.
Al Hamilton's number 3 retirement in 1980 recognized his role as the team's first captain in the NHL. He played 11 seasons with the franchise across both leagues. The Oilers honored him before the dynasty players because he represented the bridge between eras.
Wayne Gretzky's number 99 ceremony in 1999 drew international attention. The NHL's decision to retire his number league-wide followed in 2000, making Gretzky the only player in major North American professional sports to receive that honor. The Hockey Hall of Fame's official biography states Gretzky holds or shares 61 NHL records.
Mark Messier and Jari Kurri received their honors in 2007 and 2001 respectively. Messier captained the Oilers to their 1990 Stanley Cup, while Kurri remains the franchise's all-time leader in goals by a European-born player. Paul Coffey's 2005 ceremony recognized his 48-goal season in 1985-86, still a record for NHL defensemen.
Each of these oilers retired jerseys reflects a specific chapter in the team's championship story.
How to apply this: Read the official Oilers media guide section on oilers retired jerseys to understand each player's specific statistical achievements before discussing the topic with other fans.
How the Oilers Compare to Other NHL Teams
The Edmonton Oilers rank among the top NHL franchises for retired jersey numbers. Ten retired numbers places them in the upper tier of the league, though several Original Six teams have more.
The Montreal Canadiens lead the NHL with 15 retired numbers, according to the team's official records. The Toronto Maple Leafs have retired 13 numbers, though two honor the same player. The Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks each have fewer than ten. When measured against these franchises, oilers retired jerseys stand out for their quality as much as their quantity.
What makes the Oilers' list distinctive is the concentration of players from a single championship window. Seven of the ten oilers retired jerseys belong to players from the 1984-1990 Stanley Cup teams. No other franchise has retired so many numbers from one roster era.
The table below compares retirement criteria across notable franchises:
| Team | Retired Numbers | Key Criterion | Notable Exception |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oilers | 10 | Stanley Cup contributions | Al Hamilton (WHA era) |
| Canadiens | 15 | Hall of Fame induction | Several pre-NHL players |
| Maple Leafs | 13 | Team leadership | Ace Bailey (career-ending injury) |
| Red Wings | 8 | Championship pedigree | Larry Aurie (unofficial) |
The Oilers have not retired a number since 2009. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have built resumes that could eventually warrant consideration, but the team has not announced any plans.
How to apply this: Compare the criteria behind oilers retired jerseys to other teams using the NHL's official records database to understand why certain players receive the honor.
Attending a Jersey Retirement Ceremony
Seeing oilers retired jerseys honored in person requires planning. The Oilers typically hold retirement ceremonies before a regular season home game, with the banner raising as the centerpiece event.
Tickets for ceremony games sell out faster than typical matchups. The Oilers' ticket office reports that games featuring jersey retirements consistently rank among their highest-demand events of the season. Fans hoping to witness new additions to the oilers retired jerseys should purchase tickets as soon as the team announces a ceremony date.
The ceremony itself follows a consistent format. Former teammates and coaches speak first. The player then addresses the crowd. Finally, the banner rises to the rafters while the arena plays a tribute video. The entire event typically lasts 30-45 minutes before puck drop.
Rogers Place displays all oilers retired jerseys along the upper concourse. The Oilers' official arena guide notes that fans can view the banners from any seating section, though lower bowl seats provide the clearest sightlines during the ceremony itself.
How to apply this: Sign up for the Oilers' official email newsletter to receive advance notice when the team schedules a jersey retirement ceremony.
The Criteria for Retiring a Number
The Oilers do not publish a formal written policy for retiring numbers. However, the franchise has followed consistent unwritten standards across every ceremony since 1980, and understanding these standards helps explain the oilers retired jerseys selected so far.
The most important criterion is championship contribution. Every retired Oilers player except Al Hamilton won at least one Stanley Cup with the team. Hamilton's WHA leadership and role as the franchise's first NHL captain created a separate path to the honor.
Longevity with the franchise matters second. Most retired Oilers spent at least seven seasons with the team. The shortest tenure among oilers retired jerseys belongs to Wayne Gretzky, who played nine seasons in Edmonton before the 1988 trade to Los Angeles.
Individual awards strengthen a player's case. The Oilers' retired players combined for multiple Hart Trophies, Art Ross Trophies, Norris Trophies, and Vezina Trophies during their Edmonton careers. The Hockey Hall of Fame's official records confirm that eight of the ten retired players are Hall of Fame inductees.
The Oilers have never retired a number for a player who spent most of his career elsewhere. This distinguishes oilers retired jerseys from teams like the Canadiens, who have honored players with shorter Montreal tenures.
How to apply this: Review each retired player's Hockey Hall of Fame profile to see how championship contributions and individual awards align with the Oilers' retirement decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions About oilers retired jerseys
Why did the Oilers retire Al Hamilton's number 3?
Al Hamilton received the honor in 1980 for his leadership during the franchise's WHA years and early NHL transition. He was the team's first NHL captain and played 11 seasons with the franchise. His case is unique among oilers retired jerseys because he never won a Stanley Cup with the team.
The Oilers recognized his role in establishing the franchise's identity before the dynasty era began.
Can any current Oilers player wear a retired number?
No current Oilers player can wear any of the ten retired numbers. The team removes these numbers from circulation permanently. However, players who wore a number before it was retired can continue wearing it until they leave the team. This exception rarely applies in Edmonton because most retirements happened after the honored player retired.
Will Connor McDavid's number 97 be retired?
Connor McDavid has not yet had his number retired, though his career achievements make it likely. The Oilers typically wait until a player retires before considering the honor. McDavid has won multiple Hart Trophies and Art Ross Trophies with Edmonton. A Stanley Cup championship would likely cement his case for joining the oilers retired jerseys list.
What is the difference between retired numbers and honored players?
Retired numbers are permanently removed from team circulation, while honored players receive recognition without number retirement. The Oilers maintain a separate Hall of Fame room for players who contributed significantly but did not receive the retirement honor. Teams sometimes use this distinction for players with shorter tenures or fewer championships.
Has the NHL ever un-retired a number?
The NHL has allowed un-retiring in rare cases. The Toronto Maple Leafs briefly un-retired two numbers in 2016 to honor different players. The Oilers have never un-retired a number. League-wide retirement of Wayne Gretzky's number 99 means no team can un-retire it regardless of circumstances.
Conclusion
The oilers retired jerseys tell the story of one of hockey's greatest dynasties and the franchise's deep roots in both the WHA and NHL.
- Ten numbers hang from the Rogers Place rafters, honoring players from Al Hamilton to Glenn Anderson
- The Oilers rank among the NHL's top franchises for retired numbers, with a unique concentration from the 1984-1990 championship teams
- Ceremony games sell out quickly, so advance planning matters for fans who want to attend
- The franchise follows consistent criteria: championship contributions, longevity, and individual awards
Your next step is to visit the Oilers' official website and review the section on oilers retired jerseys. Then check the current season schedule for any upcoming ceremony games. If you are planning a trip to Edmonton, book tickets early and arrive at Rogers Place at least an hour before puck drop to watch the full banner-raising event.
