Glenn Anderson
The 'money' player who delivered five Stanley Cups for the Edmonton Oilers dynasty.
Glenn Chris Anderson is a legendary Canadian professional ice hockey player who spent 16 seasons in the NHL, most notably as a cornerstone of the Edmonton Oilers' dynasty. Born on October 2, 1960, in Vancouver and raised in Burnaby, British Columbia, he was known for his exceptional performance in high-stakes games, earning the reputation of a "money" player. Anderson's career is defined by historic playoff achievements, including five overtime goals (tied for second all-time) and 17 game-winning goals (tied for fourth all-time). He won five Stanley Cups, all with the Edmonton Oilers, and accumulated 214 playoff points.
- Role
- Left Winger
- Affiliation
- Edmonton Oilers (1980–1991)
- Status
- Retired / Hall of Famer
- Hall of Fame Induction
- 2008
- Jersey Number
- 9
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Anderson's journey began when he was drafted 69th overall by the Oilers in 1979. He made his professional debut in the 1980–81 season, scoring 30 goals and establishing himself as a fierce playoff performer during an upset victory over the Montreal Canadiens. His sophomore season saw career highs of 67 assists and 105 points as the Oilers climbed to first place in the Smythe Division.
In Their Own Story
The 1987–88 season tested Anderson's resilience after his friend George Varvis died of a heart attack in Anderson's pool. Inspired by this tragedy, Anderson recorded 25 playoff points (9 goals, 16 assists) to help the Oilers secure their fourth Stanley Cup. Just one year later, he became one of only seven players to be part of the entire Oilers dynasty, contributing 22 points as they defeated the Boston Bruins in five games for their fifth title. His legacy was cemented when he played through a high fever of the flu to win MVP honors at the 1996 Spengler Cup Tournament for Team Canada.
Reader's Guide
For fans studying Anderson's impact, focus on his unique ability to elevate his game during critical moments, earning him the "money" player moniker. Key turning points include his decision to prioritize the 1980 Olympics over immediate NHL entry, which honed his skills under Father Bauer, and his trade to Toronto in 1991, where he was sent alongside Grant Fuhr for seven players including Vincent Damphousse. His regular season record with the Oilers stands at 417 goals and 906 points, while his playoff totals of 93 goals and 214 points rank fourth and fourth all-time in NHL history respectively. He remains first all-time among Oilers with 72 regular-season game-winning goals. Anderson was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on November 10, 2008, and his jersey number 9 was retired by the Oilers on January 18, 2009.
Did You Know?
- Anderson scored his first NHL goal against the Winnipeg Jets on October 15, 1980.
- He produced the acclaimed documentary 'To Russia With Love' released in September 2012 about how Russia changed Canadian ice hockey.
- Despite having the flu with a high fever, Anderson rallied to win MVP honors at the 1996 Spengler Cup Tournament.
- Anderson is one of only seven Oilers players to have won all five Stanley Cups in franchise history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Glenn Anderson?
Glenn Anderson is a legendary Canadian left winger born in 1960 who became a cornerstone of the Edmonton Oilers' dynasty during his 16-year NHL career. He is widely celebrated for his clutch performance in critical moments, earning him the nickname 'Money.'
What role did Glenn Anderson play on the team?
Anderson served as the Oilers' left winger from 1980 to 1991, wearing jersey number 9 throughout his tenure with the franchise. His primary function was delivering decisive goals in high-pressure situations, particularly during playoff runs.
How many Stanley Cups did Glenn Anderson win?
He secured five Stanley Cup championships, all achieved while playing for the Edmonton Oilers during their dominant era in the 1980s. These victories cemented his legacy as one of the most successful players in franchise history.
Why is Glenn Anderson known as a 'money' player?
This nickname stems from his exceptional ability to score game-winning and overtime goals when the stakes were highest. He holds historic records for playoff overtime goals and remains tied for fourth all-time in postseason game-winners.
When was Glenn Anderson inducted into the Hall of Fame?
Anderson was officially enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2008, recognizing his immense contributions to the sport. His induction followed a distinguished career that saw him retire as one of the league's most decorated players.
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