2002–03 Edmonton Oilers season

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2002–03 Edmonton Oilers
Division4th Northwest
Conference8th Western
2002–03 record36–26–11–9
Home record20–12–5–4
Road record16–14–6–5
Goals for231
Goals against230
Team information
General managerKevin Lowe
CoachCraig MacTavish
CaptainJason Smith
Alternate captainsTodd Marchant
Janne Niinimaa (Oct-Mar)
Ryan Smyth
ArenaSkyreach Centre
Average attendance16,657 (98.9%)
Minor league affiliate(s)Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL)
Columbus Cottonmouths (ECHL)
Team leaders
GoalsRyan Smyth (27)
AssistsTodd Marchant (40)
PointsRyan Smyth (61)
Penalty minutesScott Ferguson (120)
Plus/minusMarty Reasoner (+19)
WinsTommy Salo (29)
Goals against averageJussi Markkanen (2.59)

The 2002–03 Edmonton Oilers season was the Oilers' 24th season in the NHL, and they were coming off a 38–28–12–4 record in 2001–02, earning 92 points, however, they missed the playoffs for the first time since 1996, finishing in 9th place in the Western Conference.

The Oilers got off to a slow start, winning only 1 of their first 7 games, going 1–4–2, however, the club turned around the tough start and move above the .500 mark on November 25 and never go below again for the remainder of the season. As the trade deadline approached in mid-March, and the club comfortably in a playoff position, Edmonton made a couple of deals, trading defenceman Janne Niinimaa and a second-round draft pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft to the New York Islanders in exchange for Brad Isbister and prospect Raffi Torres. The Oilers also traded Anson Carter and Aleš Píša to the New York Rangers for Radek Dvořák and Cory Cross. Edmonton finished the season with a 36–26–11–9 record, earning 92 points, the same amount as the previous season, and clinch the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Offensively, Ryan Smyth led the club with 27 goals and 61 points, while Todd Marchant had a breakout season, earning 40 assists and 60 points. Anson Carter had 25 goals and 55 points in 68 games before being dealt to the New York Rangers. Mike York and Mike Comrie each broke the 20 goal plateau, with 22 and 20 goals respectively. Eric Brewer led the Oilers defense with eight goals and 29 points, while Scott Ferguson had a team high 120 penalty minutes.

In goal, Tommy Salo once again got a majority of the playing time, winning 29 games, while posting a 2.71 goals against average (GAA) and earning four shutouts. Backup Jussi Markkanen had a very solid season, winning seven games, had a team-high 2.59 GAA and posted three shutouts.

The Oilers finished first overall in the NHL in short-handed goals scored, with 13.[1]

After a year of absence, Edmonton returned to the post-season and would face their old rivals, the Dallas Stars, who finished with 111 points in the regular season. This was the sixth playoff meeting between the clubs in the past seven years, with Dallas winning four series in a row. Edmonton started the series on the right note, defeating the Stars 2–1 on the road. Dallas, however, routed the Oilers in Game 2 to even the series as it shifted to Edmonton The Oilers took a 2–1 series lead with a solid 3–2 victory in Game 3, but Dallas rebound in Game 4 to tie the series up at two games apiece. The Stars took control of the series, winning Game 5, 5–2, and end the series in Game 6, beating Edmonton 3–2, thereby eliminating the Oilers for the fifth time in the past six seasons.

Season standings[edit]

Northwest Division
No. CR GP W L T OTL GF GA Pts
1 3 Colorado Avalanche 82 42 19 13 8 251 194 105
2 4 Vancouver Canucks 82 45 23 13 1 264 208 104
3 6 Minnesota Wild 82 42 29 10 1 198 178 95
4 8 Edmonton Oilers 82 36 26 11 9 231 230 92
5 12 Calgary Flames 82 29 36 13 4 186 228 75

[2]

Note: CR = Conference rank; GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; OTL = Overtime loss; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; Pts = Points
         Bolded teams qualified for the playoffs.

Western Conference
R Div GP W L T OTL GF GA Pts
1 Z- Dallas Stars PA 82 46 17 15 4 245 169 111
2 Y- Detroit Red Wings CE 82 48 20 10 4 269 203 110
3 Y- Colorado Avalanche NW 82 42 19 13 8 251 194 105
4 X- Vancouver Canucks NW 82 45 23 13 1 264 208 104
5 X- St. Louis Blues CE 82 41 24 11 6 253 222 99
6 X- Minnesota Wild NW 82 42 29 10 1 198 178 95
7 X- Mighty Ducks of Anaheim PA 82 40 27 9 6 203 193 95
8 X- Edmonton Oilers NW 82 36 26 11 9 231 230 92
8.5
9 Chicago Blackhawks CE 82 30 33 13 6 207 226 79
10 Los Angeles Kings PA 82 33 37 6 6 203 221 78
11 Phoenix Coyotes PA 82 31 35 11 5 204 230 78
12 Calgary Flames NW 82 29 36 13 4 186 228 75
13 Nashville Predators CE 82 27 35 13 7 183 206 74
14 San Jose Sharks PA 82 28 37 9 8 214 239 73
15 Columbus Blue Jackets CE 82 29 42 8 3 213 263 69

Divisions: PA – Pacific, CE – Central, NW – Northwest

Z – Clinched Conference; Y – Clinched Division; X – Clinched Playoff spot


Schedule and results[edit]

Regular season[edit]

2002–03 regular season[3]
October: 2–4–2–1 (home: 1–2–1–1 ; road: 1–2–1–0)
Game Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Recap
1 October 10 Philadelphia Flyers 2–2 Edmonton Oilers OT Salo 16,839 0–0–1–0 1 Recap
2 October 12 Edmonton Oilers 3–2 Nashville Predators Salo 17,113 1–0–1–0 3 Recap
3 October 15 Edmonton Oilers 0–3 Dallas Stars Salo 18,532 1–1–1–0 3 Recap
4 October 17 Edmonton Oilers 3–4 San Jose Sharks Salo 17,017 1–2–1–0 3 Recap
5 October 19 Boston Bruins 4–3 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,839 1–3–1–0 3 Recap
6 October 22 Edmonton Oilers 3–3 Colorado Avalanche OT Salo 18,007 1–3–2–0 4 Recap
7 October 24 St. Louis Blues 2–1 Edmonton Oilers Markkanen 16,033 1–4–2–0 4 Recap
8 October 26 Mighty Ducks of Anaheim 3–4 Edmonton Oilers Markkanen 16,357 2–4–2–0 6 Recap
9 October 28 Dallas Stars 4–3 Edmonton Oilers OT Markkanen 16,260 2–4–2–1 7 Recap
November: 9–4–2–0 (home: 3–1–2–0 ; road: 6–3–0–0)
Game Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Recap
10 November 1 Buffalo Sabres 1–1 Edmonton Oilers OT Salo 16,201 2–4–3–1 8 Recap
11 November 3 Edmonton Oilers 4–1 Chicago Blackhawks Salo 12,531 3–4–3–1 10 Recap
12 November 5 Edmonton Oilers 2–5 New York Rangers Salo 18,086 3–5–3–1 10 Recap
13 November 8 Edmonton Oilers 2–4 New York Islanders Salo 14,093 3–6–3–1 10 Recap
14 November 9 Edmonton Oilers 6–3 New Jersey Devils Markkanen 15,095 4–6–3–1 12 Recap
15 November 11 Edmonton Oilers 1–6 Boston Bruins Markkanen 11,123 4–7–3–1 12 Recap
16 November 12 Edmonton Oilers 3–2 Minnesota Wild Salo 18,064 5–7–3–1 14 Recap
17 November 15 St. Louis Blues 0–5 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,301 6–7–3–1 16 Recap
18 November 16 Los Angeles Kings 4–1 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,461 6–8–3–1 16 Recap
19 November 19 Chicago Blackhawks 1–3 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,033 7–8–3–1 18 Recap
20 November 21 Edmonton Oilers 3–1 Calgary Flames Salo 17,660 8–8–3–1 20 Recap
21 November 23 Detroit Red Wings 1–1 Edmonton Oilers OT Salo 16,839 8–8–4–1 21 Recap
22 November 25 Edmonton Oilers 5–4 Detroit Red Wings OT Markkanen 20,058 9–8–4–1 23 Recap
23 November 27 Edmonton Oilers 3–1 Columbus Blue Jackets Salo 17,745 10–8–4–1 25 Recap
24 November 30 Colorado Avalanche 0–1 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,839 11–8–4–1 27 Recap
December: 6–5–0–3 (home: 4–2–0–0 ; road: 2–3–0–3)
Game Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Recap
25 December 3 Minnesota Wild 1–2 Edmonton Oilers OT Salo 15,527 12–8–4–1 29 Recap
26 December 5 Edmonton Oilers 2–3 Tampa Bay Lightning Salo 13,454 12–9–4–1 29 Recap
27 December 7 Edmonton Oilers 4–0 Florida Panthers Markkanen 14,144 13–9–4–1 31 Recap
28 December 8 Edmonton Oilers 3–0 Atlanta Thrashers Salo 12,179 14–9–4–1 33 Recap
29 December 11 Carolina Hurricanes 1–4 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,091 15–9–4–1 35 Recap
30 December 13 Colorado Avalanche 3–4 Edmonton Oilers OT Salo 16,839 16–9–4–1 37 Recap
31 December 14 Vancouver Canucks 6–3 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,839 16–10–4–1 37 Recap
32 December 17 Edmonton Oilers 3–4 Minnesota Wild OT Markkanen 18,568 16–10–4–2 38 Recap
33 December 19 Edmonton Oilers 1–2 Colorado Avalanche Salo 18,007 16–11–4–2 38 Recap
34 December 21 Edmonton Oilers 3–4 Vancouver Canucks OT Salo 18,422 16–11–4–3 39 Recap
35 December 26 Vancouver Canucks 4–2 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,839 16–12–4–3 39 Recap
36 December 28 Toronto Maple Leafs 2–3 Edmonton Oilers OT Salo 16,839 17–12–4–3 41 Recap
37 December 30 Edmonton Oilers 3–4 Phoenix Coyotes OT Salo 15,589 17–12–4–4 42 Recap
38 December 31 Edmonton Oilers 1–4 Dallas Stars Markkanen 18,532 17–13–4–4 42 Recap
January: 7–3–2–2 (home: 5–2–0–2 ; road: 2–1–2–0)
Game Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Recap
39 January 2 Minnesota Wild 2–1 Edmonton Oilers OT Salo 16,839 17–13–4–5 43 Recap
40 January 4 Montreal Canadiens 4–5 Edmonton Oilers OT Salo 16,839 18–13–4–5 45 Recap
41 January 6 Edmonton Oilers 5–5 San Jose Sharks OT Salo 16,648 18–13–5–5 46 Recap
42 January 8 Edmonton Oilers 1–0 Mighty Ducks of Anaheim Markkanen 12,390 19–13–5–5 48 Recap
43 January 9 Edmonton Oilers 5–4 Los Angeles Kings Salo 15,783 20–13–5–5 50 Recap
44 January 11 Ottawa Senators 2–0 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,839 20–14–5–5 50 Recap
45 January 13 Columbus Blue Jackets 5–8 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,057 21–14–5–5 52 Recap
46 January 16 Los Angeles Kings 0–2 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,839 22–14–5–5 54 Recap
47 January 18 Nashville Predators 3–2 Edmonton Oilers OT Markkanen 16,839 22–14–5–6 55 Recap
48 January 20 Edmonton Oilers 3–4 Calgary Flames Salo 17,832 22–15–5–6 55 Recap
49 January 22 Detroit Red Wings 3–4 Edmonton Oilers OT Markkanen 16,839 23–15–5–6 57 Recap
50 January 24 Phoenix Coyotes 5–1 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,839 23–16–5–6 57 Recap
51 January 29 Minnesota Wild 1–5 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,469 24–16–5–6 59 Recap
52 January 30 Edmonton Oilers 3–3 Vancouver Canucks OT Salo 18,422 24–16–6–6 60 Recap
February: 2–7–1–2 (home: 1–2–1–1; road: 1–5–0–1)
Game Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Recap
53 February 5 Mighty Ducks of Anaheim 1–2 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,839 25–16–6–6 62 Recap
54 February 7 Calgary Flames 4–3 Edmonton Oilers Markkanen 16,839 25–17–6–6 62 Recap
55 February 8 Chicago Blackhawks 3–0 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,839 25–18–6–6 62 Recap
56 February 11 Edmonton Oilers 5–4 Toronto Maple Leafs Salo 19,399 26–18–6–6 64 Recap
57 February 13 Edmonton Oilers 0–2 Ottawa Senators Salo 18,115 26–19–6–6 64 Recap
58 February 15 Edmonton Oilers 2–3 Montreal Canadiens Salo 21,273 26–20–6–6 64 Recap
59 February 18 Edmonton Oilers 3–4 Pittsburgh Penguins OT Salo 13,552 26–20–6–7 65 Recap
60 February 20 Edmonton Oilers 2–6 Detroit Red Wings Salo 20,058 26–21–6–7 65 Recap
61 February 22 Vancouver Canucks 3–2 Edmonton Oilers OT Salo 16,839 26–21–6–8 66 Recap
62 February 23 Atlanta Thrashers 3–3 Edmonton Oilers OT Salo 16,839 26–21–7–8 67 Recap
63 February 25 Edmonton Oilers 2–4 Colorado Avalanche Salo 18,007 26–22–7–8 67 Recap
64 February 27 Edmonton Oilers 1–4 St. Louis Blues Markkanen 19,255 26–23–7–8 67 Recap
March: 10–2–3–1 (home: 6–2–0–0; road: 4–0–3–1)
Game Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Recap
65 March 1 Edmonton Oilers 3–3 Columbus Blue Jackets OT Markkanen 18,136 26–23–8–8 68 Recap
66 March 4 San Jose Sharks 1–2 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,839 27–23–8–8 70 Recap
67 March 6 Edmonton Oilers 2–1 Los Angeles Kings Salo 18,118 28–23–8–8 72 Recap
68 March 7 Edmonton Oilers 4–1 Mighty Ducks of Anaheim Salo 15,818 29–23–8–8 74 Recap
69 March 10 Toronto Maple Leafs 3–2 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,839 29–24–8–8 74 Recap
70 March 11 Edmonton Oilers 5–2 Calgary Flames Salo 17,714 30–24–8–8 76 Recap
71 March 13 New York Islanders 5–2 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,839 30–25–8–8 76 Recap
72 March 15 Dallas Stars 3–4 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,839 31–25–8–8 78 Recap
73 March 17 Edmonton Oilers 5–3 Nashville Predators Salo 15,334 32–25–8–8 80 Recap
74 March 20 Edmonton Oilers 2–3 Phoenix Coyotes OT Salo 13,221 32–25–8–9 81 Recap
75 March 22 Washington Capitals 3–5 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,839 33–25–8–9 83 Recap
76 March 23 Nashville Predators 2–3 Edmonton Oilers OT Salo 16,839 34–25–8–9 85 Recap
77 March 26 Phoenix Coyotes 3–4 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,839 35–25–8–9 87 Recap
78 March 28 Columbus Blue Jackets 0–4 Edmonton Oilers Markkanen 16,839 36–25–8–9 89 Recap
79 March 30 Edmonton Oilers 4–4 Chicago Blackhawks OT Salo 14,592 36–25–9–9 90 Recap
80 March 31 Edmonton Oilers 5–5 St. Louis Blues OT Markkanen 18,503 36–25–10–9 91 Recap
April: 0–1–1–0 (home: 0–1–1–0 ; road: 0–0–0–0)
Game Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Recap
81 April 3 San Jose Sharks 3–3 Edmonton Oilers OT Markkanen 16,839 36–25–11–9 92 Recap
82 April 5 Calgary Flames 4–1 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,839 36–26–11–9 92 Recap
Legend:

  Win (2 points)   Loss (0 points)   Tie (1 point)   Overtime loss (1 point)

Playoffs[edit]

2003 Stanley Cup playoffs[3]
Western Conference Quarterfinals vs. (1) Dallas Stars – Stars win 4–2
Game Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Series Recap
1 April 9 Edmonton Oilers 2–1 Dallas Stars Salo 18,532 1–0 Recap
2 April 11 Edmonton Oilers 1–6 Dallas Stars Salo 18,532 1–1 Recap
3 April 13 Dallas Stars 2–3 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,839 2–1 Recap
4 April 15 Dallas Stars 3–1 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,839 2–2 Recap
5 April 17 Edmonton Oilers 2–5 Dallas Stars Salo 18,532 2–3 Recap
6 April 19 Dallas Stars 3–2 Edmonton Oilers Salo 16,839 2–4 Recap
Legend:

  Win   Loss

Player statistics[edit]

Scoring[edit]

  • Position abbreviations: C = Centre; D = Defence; G = Goaltender; LW = Left wing; RW = Right wing
  • † = Joined team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, signing) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Oilers only.
  • ‡ = Left team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, release) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Oilers only.
Regular season Playoffs
No. Player Pos GP G A Pts +/- PIM GP G A Pts +/- PIM
94 Ryan Smyth LW 66 27 34 61 5 67 6 2 0 2 −1 16
26 Todd Marchant LW 77 20 40 60 13 48 6 0 2 2 −1 2
22 Anson Carter‡ C 68 25 30 55 −11 20 — — — — — —
16 Mike York C 71 22 29 51 −8 10 6 0 2 2 2 2
89 Mike Comrie C 69 20 31 51 −18 90 6 1 0 1 −1 10
10 Shawn Horcoff C 78 12 21 33 10 55 6 3 1 4 1 6
18 Ethan Moreau LW 78 14 17 31 −7 112 6 0 1 1 −4 16
19 Marty Reasoner C 70 11 20 31 19 28 6 1 0 1 −2 2
83 Ales Hemsky RW 59 6 24 30 5 14 6 0 0 0 −5 0
2 Eric Brewer D 80 8 21 29 −11 45 6 1 3 4 1 6
44 Janne Niinimaa‡ D 63 4 24 28 −7 66 — — — — — —
24 Steve Staios RW 76 5 21 26 13 96 6 0 0 0 0 4
28 Jason Chimera LW 66 14 9 23 −2 36 2 0 2 2 2 0
7 Daniel Cleary RW 57 4 13 17 5 31 — — — — — —
34 Fernando Pisani RW 35 8 5 13 9 10 6 1 0 1 −2 2
27 Georges Laraque LW 64 6 7 13 −4 110 6 1 3 4 2 4
21 Jason Smith D 68 4 8 12 5 64 6 0 0 0 −2 19
37 Brian Swanson C 44 2 10 12 −7 10 — — — — — —
20 Radek Dvorak† RW 12 4 4 8 −3 14 4 1 0 1 0 0
32 Scott Ferguson D 78 3 5 8 11 120 5 0 0 0 0 8
5 Alexei Semenov D 46 1 6 7 −7 58 6 0 0 0 −1 0
33 Jiri Dopita‡ C 21 1 5 6 −4 11 — — — — — —
15 Brad Isbister† LW 13 3 2 5 0 9 6 0 1 1 −1 12
23 Cory Cross† D 11 2 3 5 3 8 6 0 1 1 −3 20
14 Jani Rita LW 12 3 1 4 2 0 — — — — — —
8 Ales Pisa‡ D 48 1 3 4 11 24 — — — — — —
47[a] Marc-Andre Bergeron D 5 1 1 2 2 9 1 0 1 1 −1 0
12 Josh Green‡ C 20 0 2 2 −3 12 — — — — — —
36 Jarret Stoll C 4 0 1 1 −3 0 — — — — — —
30 Jussi Markkanen G 22 0 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 0
12 Bobby Allen D 1 0 0 0 0 0 — — — — — —
55 Alex Henry‡ D 3 0 0 0 −1 0 — — — — — —
29 Kari Haakana D 13 0 0 0 −2 4 — — — — — —
35 Tommy Salo G 65 0 0 0 4 6 0 1 1 0

Goaltending[edit]

Regular season Playoffs
No. Player GP W L T SA GA GAA SV% SO TOI GP W L SA GA GAA SV% SO TOI
35 Tommy Salo 65 29 27 8 1708 172 2.71 .899 4 3814 6 2 4 161 18 3.15 .888 0 343
30 Jussi Markkanen 22 7 8 3 533 51 2.59 .904 3 1180 1 0 0 12 1 4.30 .917 0 14

Awards and records[edit]

Awards[edit]

Type Award/honour Recipient Ref
League
(in-season) 		NHL All-Star Game selection Eric Brewer [4]
NHL Player of the Week Tommy Salo (March 10) [5]
NHL Rookie of the Month Ales Hemsky (March) [6]
NHL YoungStars Game selection Ales Hemsky[b] [7]
Shawn Horcoff
Team Community Service Award Georges Laraque [8]
Defenceman of the Year Steve Staios [8]
Molson Cup Tommy Salo [8]
Most Popular Player Ryan Smyth [8]
Top Defensive Forward Todd Marchant [8]
Top First Year Oiler Ales Hemsky [8]
Unsung Hero Ethan Moreau [8]
Zane Feldman Trophy Todd Marchant [8]
Tommy Salo

Milestones[edit]

Regular season
Player Milestone Reached
Ales Hemsky 1st NHL game October 10, 2002
Alex Henry
Ales Hemsky 1st NHL assist
1st NHL point		 October 12, 2002
Kari Haakana 1st NHL game October 17, 2002
Steve Staios 600th NHL PIM October 26, 2002
Jason Smith 100th NHL point October 28, 2002
Ales Pisa 1st NHL assist
1st NHL point		 November 3, 2002
Georges Laraque 300th NHL game November 5, 2002
Ethan Moreau 2nd NHL Gordie Howe hat trick November 9, 2002
Janne Niinimaa 500th NHL PIM
Mike Comrie 100th NHL point November 15, 2002
Ryan Smyth 400th NHL PIM November 16, 2002
Janne Niinimaa 500th NHL game November 23, 2002
Steve Staios 400th NHL game
Scott Ferguson 100th NHL PIM November 27, 2002
Jason Smith 600th NHL game December 5, 2002
Anson Carter 400th NHL game December 7, 2002
Scott Ferguson 100th NHL game
Jason Chimera 1st NHL assist December 8, 2002
Mike Comrie 100th NHL PIM
Alexei Semenov 1st NHL game December 30, 2002
Bobby Allen 1st NHL game December 31, 2002
Ales Hemsky 1st NHL goal January 4, 2003
Fernando Pisani 1st NHL game January 8, 2003
Georges Laraque 600th NHL PIM January 13, 2003
Mike York 100th NHL assist
Fernando Pisani 1st NHL assist
1st NHL point		 January 20, 2003
Alexei Semenov
Jani Rita 1st NHL goal
1st NHL point		 January 22, 2003
Jarret Stoll 1st NHL game
1st NHL assist
1st NHL point		 January 29, 2003
Fernando Pisani 1st NHL goal February 5, 2003
Alexei Semenov 1st NHL goal February 7, 2003
Eric Brewer 300th NHL game February 8, 2003
Ethan Moreau 600th NHL PIM
500th NHL game		 February 13, 2003
Anson Carter 300th NHL point February 18, 2003
Jani Rita 1st NHL assist
Mike York 300th NHL game February 20, 2003
Ales Pisa 1st NHL goal February 22, 2003
Marty Reasoner 100th NHL PIM
Todd Marchant 200th NHL assist February 23, 2003
Marty Reasoner 200th NHL game February 27, 2003
Marc-Andre Bergeron 1st NHL game March 11, 2003
Fernando Pisani 1st NHL hat-trick March 22, 2003
Cory Cross 100th NHL point March 26, 2003
Scott Ferguson 1st NHL Gordie Howe hat trick
Radek Dvorak 600th NHL game March 28, 2003
Marc-Andre Bergeron 1st NHL goal
1st NHL point		 March 31, 2003
Marc-Andre Bergeron 1st NHL assist April 5, 2003
Scott Ferguson 100th NHL game
Jussi Markkanen 1st NHL assist
1st NHL point		 TBD
Playoffs
Player Milestone Reached
Ales Hemsky 1st NHL game April 9, 2003
Fernando Pisani
Alexei Semenov
Mike York
Shawn Horcoff 1st NHL goal
1st NHL point
Cory Cross 50th NHL PIM April 11, 2003
Ryan Smyth
Jussi Markkanen 1st NHL game
Fernando Pisani 1st NHL goal
1st NHL point		 April 13, 2003
Tommy Salo 1st NHL assist
1st NHL point
Mike York
Jason Chimera 1st NHL game
1st NHL assist
1st NHL point		 April 17, 2003
Shawn Horcoff 1st NHL assist
Marc-Andre Bergeron 1st NHL game
1st NHL assist
1st NHL point		 April 19, 2003

Transactions[edit]

The Oilers were involved in the following transactions from June 14, 2002, the day after the deciding game of the 2002 Stanley Cup Finals, through June 9, 2003, the day of the deciding game of the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals.[9]

Trades[edit]

Date Details Ref
June 18, 2002 To Philadelphia Flyers
3rd-round pick in 2003
Conditional 5th-round pick in 2004[c] 		To Edmonton Oilers
Jiri Dopita 		[11]
June 22, 2002 To Montreal Canadiens
1st-round pick in 2002 		To Edmonton Oilers
1st-round pick in 2002
8th-round pick in 2002 		[12]
June 22, 2002 To Buffalo Sabres
Jochen Hecht 		To Edmonton Oilers
Atlanta’s 2nd-round pick in 2002
Nashville’s 2nd-round pick in 2002 		[13]
June 30, 2002 To New York Rangers
4th-round pick in 2003 		To Edmonton Oilers
Rights to Mike Richter 		[14]
October 7, 2002 To Washington Capitals
Mike Grier 		To Edmonton Oilers
2nd-round pick in 2003
Vancouver’s 3rd-round pick in 2003 		[15]
December 12, 2003 To New York Rangers
Josh Green 		To Edmonton Oilers
Conditional draft pick in 2004 		[16]
January 17, 2003[d] To Montreal Canadiens
Claude Julien 		To Edmonton Oilers
Conditional 5th-round pick in 2003[e] 		[17]
March 11, 2003 To New York Islanders
Janne Niinimaa
2nd-round pick in 2003 		To Edmonton Oilers
Brad Isbister
Raffi Torres 		[18]
March 11, 2003 To New York Rangers
Anson Carter
Ales Pisa 		To Edmonton Oilers
Cory Cross
Radek Dvorak 		[19]

Players acquired[edit]

Date Player Former team Term Via Ref
August 19, 2002 (2002-08-19) J. J. Hunter Columbus Cottonmouths (ECHL) 2-year Free agency [20]

Players lost[edit]

Date Player New team Via[f] Ref
July 4, 2002 (2002-07-04) Mike Richter New York Rangers Free agency (III) [22]
July 9, 2002 (2002-07-09) Sven Butenschon Florida Panthers Free agency (VI) [23]
July 23, 2002 (2002-07-23) Alexander Fomichev Amur Khabarovsk (RSL) Free agency (UFA) [24]
Chris Hajt Washington Capitals Free agency (UFA) [25]
July 24, 2002 (2002-07-24) Greg Leeb Augsburger Panther (DEL) Free agency (VI) [26]
Domenic Pittis Nashville Predators Free agency (UFA) [27]
August 5, 2002 (2002-08-05) Marc Lamothe Detroit Red Wings Free agency (UFA)
August 22, 2002 (2002-08-22) Kevin McDonald Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL) Free agency (UFA) [28]
September 6, 2002 (2002-09-06) Alain Nasreddine New York Islanders Free agency (VI) [29]
October 11, 2002 (2002-10-11) Peter Sarno Espoo Blues (Liiga) Free agency (II)[g] [31]
October 24, 2002 (2002-10-24) Alex Henry Washington Capitals Waivers [32]
December 28, 2002 (2002-12-28) Jiri Dopita HC Olomouc (CZE-1)[h] Release [34]

Signings[edit]

Date Player Term Contract type Ref
July 15, 2002 (2002-07-15) Kristian Antila 2-year Entry-level [35]
Kari Haakana 1-year Re-signing [35]
Todd Marchant 1-year Re-signing [36]
Ales Pisa 1-year Re-signing [35]
July 27, 2002 (2002-07-27) Scott Ferguson 2-year Re-signing [37]
July 30, 2002 (2002-07-30) Mike Grier 1-year Re-signing [38]
Alex Henry 1-year Re-signing [38]
August 2, 2002 (2002-08-02) Jason Chimera 2-year Re-signing [39]
Josh Green 1-year Re-signing [39]
August 5, 2002 (2002-08-05) Anson Carter 1-year Re-signing [40]
August 12, 2002 (2002-08-12) Jason Smith 1-year Arbitration award [41]
August 19, 2002 (2002-08-19) Mike Morrison 2-year Entry-level [20]
September 3, 2002 (2002-09-03) Jarret Stoll 3-year Entry-level [42]
September 4, 2002 (2002-09-04) Fernando Pisani 1-year Re-signing [43]
September 9, 2002 (2002-09-09) Mike York 3-year Re-signing [44]
September 12, 2002 (2002-09-12) Eric Brewer 2-year Re-signing [45]
September 25, 2002 (2002-09-25) Ales Hemsky 3-year Entry-level [46]
May 28, 2003 (2003-05-28) Dan Baum 3-year Entry-level [47]
Doug Lynch 3-year Entry-level [47]

Draft picks[edit]

Edmonton's draft picks at the 2002 NHL Entry Draft at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario.[48] The Oilers selection of Robin Kovar at 123rd overall in the fourth round was ruled invalid since Kovar wasn’t eligible for the draft.[49]

Round # Player Nationality College/Junior/Club team (League)
1 15 Jesse Niinimaki  Finland Ilves (SM-liiga)
2 31 Jeff Deslauriers  Canada Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL)
2 36 Jarret Stoll  Canada Kootenay Ice (WHL)
2 44 Matt Greene  United States Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)
3 79 Brock Radunske  Canada Michigan State University (NCAA)
4 106 Ivan Koltsov  Russia Severstal Cherepovets (RSL)
4 111 Jonas Almtorp  Sweden Modo Hockey (Elitserien)
4 123 Robin Kovar  Czech Republic HC Vsetin (Czech Extraliga)
5 148 Glenn Fisher  Canada Fort Saskatchewan Traders (AJHL)
6 181 Mikko Luoma  Finland Tappara (SM-liiga)
7 205 Jean-Francois Dufort  Canada Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL)
7 211 Patrick Murphy  Canada Newmarket Hurricanes (OPJHL)
8 244 Dwight Helminen  United States University of Michigan (NCAA)
8 245 Tomas Micka  Czech Republic Slavia Praha (Czech Extraliga)
9 274 Fredrik Johansson  Sweden Frolunda HC (Elitserien)

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Bergeron wore number 20 in his first game.
  2. ^ Hemsky did not play and was replaced by Horcoff.
  3. ^ Condition not met. The Flyers would have received the Oilers' 2004 fifth-round pick if Dopita re-signed with Edmonton for the 2003–04 season.[10]
  4. ^ Compensation due to Montreal hiring Julien as their head coach.
  5. ^ The pick would have improved to a 4th-rounder if Montreal had made the 2003 Stanley Cup playoffs.
  6. ^ In parentheses is the player's free agency group on July 1 if applicable.[21]
  7. ^ Edmonton retained Sarno’s NHL rights and re-signed him on September 2, 2003.[30]
  8. ^ Dopita signed with HC Olomouc on February 3, 2003.[33]

References[edit]

  • "Edmonton Oilers 2002-03 roster and scoring statistics at hockeydb.com". www.hockeydb.com. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  • "2002-03 Edmonton Oilers Roster and Statistics". Hockey-Reference.com. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  • National Hockey League Guide & Record Book 2007
  1. ^ "2002-03 NHL Summary".
  2. ^ Dinger, Ralph, ed. (2009). The National Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book/2010. Dan Diamond & Associates. p. 162.
  3. ^ a b "2002-03 Edmonton Oilers Schedule". Hockey-Reference.com. Retrieved November 24, 2022.
  4. ^ "NHL All-Star Game Historical Summaries - 2003". NHL.com. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  5. ^ "Oilers' Salo earns NHL weekly honor". TSN.ca. March 10, 2003. Archived from the original on April 26, 2003. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
  6. ^ "Hemsky named Rookie of the Month". TSN.ca. April 1, 2003. Archived from the original on April 2, 2003. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
  7. ^ "NHL - 2003 YoungStars Rosters". ESPN.com. January 18, 2003. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h 2014–15 Edmonton Oilers Media Guide, p.173
  9. ^ "Hockey Transactions Search Results". www.prosportstransactions.com. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  10. ^ Panaccio, Tim (June 19, 2002). "Flyers send Dopita to Edmonton for third-round pick". Philly.com. Archived from the original on December 18, 2014. Retrieved June 3, 2022. a conditional pick in 2004, based on whether Dopita re-signs with Edmonton.
  11. ^ "Oilers acquire Dopita from Flyers". Edmonton Oilers. June 18, 2002. Archived from the original on August 15, 2002. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  12. ^ "Draft Day Transactions". TSN.ca. Archived from the original on August 8, 2002. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
  13. ^ "Oilers send Hecht to Buffalo". TSN.ca. June 22, 2002. Archived from the original on August 15, 2002. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  14. ^ "Rangers Trade Richter's Rights to Edmonton". New York Rangers. June 30, 2002. Archived from the original on August 13, 2004. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  15. ^ "OILERS SEND GRIER TO WASHINGTON". Edmonton Oilers. October 7, 2002. Archived from the original on December 27, 2002. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  16. ^ "GREEN DEALT TO NY RANGERS". Edmonton Oilers. December 12, 2002. Archived from the original on December 27, 2002. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  17. ^ "GEOFF WARD NAMED INTERIM HAMILTON BENCH BOSS". Edmonton Oilers. January 17, 2003. Archived from the original on June 22, 2003. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  18. ^ "ISLANDERS ACQUIRE JANNE NIINIMAA AND 2ND ROUND PICK FOR ISBISTER, TORRES". New York Islanders. March 11, 2003. Archived from the original on April 13, 2003. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
  19. ^ "OILERS OBTAIN RADEK DVORAK AND CORY CROSS FROM NEW YORK RANGERS". Edmonton Oilers. March 11, 2003. Archived from the original on June 22, 2003. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  20. ^ a b "OILERS INK TWO PROSPECTS". Hamilton Bulldogs. August 19, 2002. Archived from the original on December 30, 2002. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  21. ^ "NHL FREE-AGENT LIST". Daily Herald. July 2, 2002. Retrieved December 1, 2022.
  22. ^ Brooks, Larry (July 5, 2002). "RICHTER SIGNS WITH RANGERS". New York Post. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  23. ^ "SPORTS TRANSACTIONS FOR TUESDAY, JULY 9+". UPI. July 9, 2002. Retrieved December 8, 2022. Florida Panthers… signed free agent defenseman Sven Butenschon, who had been with the Edmonton Oilers.
  24. ^ "ALEXANDRE FOMITCHEV". NHL.com. Retrieved December 8, 2022. Signed as a free agent by Khabarovsk (Russia), July 23, 2002.
  25. ^ "Capitals re-sign Ciernik, Whitfield". UPI. July 23, 2002. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  26. ^ "GREG LEEB". TSN.ca. Archived from the original on January 5, 2003. Retrieved December 8, 2022. 24-Jul-02: Signed with the Augsburger Panther of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (Germany).
  27. ^ "Predators sign two free agents". UPI. July 24, 2002. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  28. ^ "Wolf Pack Add Grit, Toughness". OurSports Central. August 22, 2002. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  29. ^ Alain Nasreddine at Hockey-Reference.com, retrieved November 26, 2022
  30. ^ "Oilers sign Sarno, Wright". TSN.ca. September 2, 2003. Archived from the original on December 23, 2003. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
  31. ^ "Peter Sarno Bluesiin". Jatkoaika.com - Kaikki jääkiekosta (in Finnish). October 11, 2002. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  32. ^ "ALEX HENRY CLAIMED BY WASHINGTON". Edmonton Oilers. October 24, 2002. Archived from the original on November 19, 2002. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  33. ^ "JIRI DOPITA". TSN.ca. Archived from the original on May 10, 2003. Retrieved December 8, 2022. 03-Feb-03: Signed with the HC Olomouc (Czech).
  34. ^ "DOPITA TO LEAVE OILERS". Edmonton Oilers. December 28, 2002. Archived from the original on February 13, 2003. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  35. ^ a b c "Oilers sign three prospects". TSN.ca. July 15, 2002. Archived from the original on August 17, 2002. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  36. ^ "Oilers sign Marchant for a year". TSN.ca. July 15, 2002. Archived from the original on August 17, 2002. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  37. ^ "SCOTT FERGUSON". TSN.ca. Archived from the original on November 28, 2002. Retrieved December 8, 2022. 27-Jul-02: Re-signed by the Edmonton Oilers to a two-year contract.
  38. ^ a b "ACTIVITY". The Globe and Mail. July 31, 2002. Retrieved December 8, 2022. Edmonton Oilers re-signed forward Mike Grier and defenceman Alex Henry to one-year contracts.
  39. ^ a b "ALBERTANS INK DEALS WITH OILERS". Edmonton Oilers. August 2, 2002. Archived from the original on August 11, 2002. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  40. ^ "CARTER SIGNS ONE-YEAR DEAL". Edmonton Oilers. August 5, 2002. Archived from the original on August 11, 2002. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  41. ^ "Oilers' Smith awarded $2.3 million". TSN.ca. August 12, 2002. Archived from the original on August 25, 2002. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  42. ^ "STOLL ON BOARD". Edmonton Oilers. September 3, 2002. Archived from the original on November 19, 2002. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  43. ^ "PISANI SIGNS WITH OILERS". Hamilton Bulldogs. September 4, 2002. Archived from the original on December 28, 2002. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  44. ^ "MIKE YORK SIGNS THREE YEAR CONTRACT". Edmonton Oilers. September 9, 2002. Archived from the original on November 19, 2002. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  45. ^ "BREW JOINS THE CREW". Edmonton Oilers. September 12, 2002. Archived from the original on December 27, 2002. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  46. ^ "OILERS SIGN ALES HEMSKY". Edmonton Oilers. September 25, 2002. Archived from the original on November 19, 2002. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  47. ^ a b "OILERS SIGN TWO PROSPECTS". Edmonton Oilers. May 28, 2003. Archived from the original on June 23, 2003. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  48. ^ "2002 NHL Entry Draft Picks at hockeydb.com". hockeyDB.com. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
  49. ^ "Glitch costs Oilers draft pick". TSN.ca. June 23, 2002. Archived from the original on August 15, 2002. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
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