Mark Messier

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Messier's journey with Edmonton began after he was drafted by the Oilers in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft (3rd round, 48th overall). In 1984, a pivotal moment occurred when he switched from left wing to center earlier in the playoffs, sparking a spectacular run that culminated in the first of his five Cups. That series against the New York Islanders featured a defining end-to-end rush goal in Game 2, where he beat defensive stars Denis Potvin and Gord Dineen to score the game's only goal, securing a 1–0 victory. The following year, Messier faced suspension for ten games after cracking Jamie Macoun's cheekbone with a sucker punch from behind during a game against the Calgary Flames; though retaliating for being boarded, the NHL ruled he had instigated the fight. His leadership was tested when Wayne Gretzky was traded in 1988, yet Messier captained the team to a surprising five-game victory over the Boston Bruins in 1990.

In Their Own Story

The 1984 Stanley Cup Final remains etched in memory for its dramatic turning point. Trailing the four-time defending champion New York Islanders 2–1 in Game 3, the Oilers struggled offensively until Messier exploded onto the scene. Beating the defensive pair of Denis Potvin and Gord Dineen, he scored on a brilliant end-to-end rush that tied the game and sparked a massive 7–2 victory. This goal shifted the series entirely; the Oilers went on to win Games 4 and 5 by scores of 7–2 and 5–2 respectively, securing their first Stanley Cup. Messier was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs.

Reader's Guide

Messier's time with the Oilers is defined by specific milestones and statistical achievements. He was selected 48th overall in the 1979 NHL entry draft after a brief professional stint in the WHA. During his first year, he faced discipline issues, missing a team flight and being reassigned to the CHL's Houston Apollos for four games. Offensively, he registered his only 50-goal season in 1981–82 and was named to the NHL First All-Star Team on the left wing that same year before switching centers. His leadership peaked in 1990 when he won the Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP, edging out Ray Bourque by just two votes. He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1984 and later the Hart again in 1992 while with the Rangers. His legacy includes being the only player to captain two different teams to Stanley Cup championships.

Did You Know?

• Messier scored his first professional goal accidentally on March 20, 1979, when he flipped the puck from near center ice and it took a bad bounce into the net; referee Paul Stewart noted Messier didn't even know he had s
• In 1984–85, Messier was suspended for ten games for cracking Jamie Macoun's cheekbone with a sucker punch from behind during a game against the Calgary Flames.
• Messier was not interested in playing in the WHL and initially tried out for the Canadian Olympic team before signing a $30,000 contract with the Indianapolis Racers of the WHA.
• During his first NHL season, Messier missed a team flight and was reassigned to the Houston Apollos (CHL) for four games.
• Messier's 1990 Hart Trophy victory over Ray Bourque was decided by a margin of just two votes, the narrowest in the award's history.