Kris Russell: The Most Underrated Oilers Blueliner of All Time

The Edmonton Oilers’ organization has a long history of very notable and impactful players. Some of these players are in the Hall of Fame or on their way there, some of them have won Stanley Cups and other honours, and the rest have made their names known in other ways. Not all of these players get the recognition they deserve, so I would like to highlight one of them who made their mark with the Oilers and isn’t always talked about.

Kris Russell was a defenceman with the Oilers from 2016 to 2022. He played in a depth role on several playoff teams, and despite battling long-term injuries at multiple points, he was a warrior and averaged around 57 games per season over six seasons. His story in Edmonton isn’t an illustrious one filled with awards and hundreds of points, but rather one of determination, grit, and a perfect piece to a competing team.

Russell’s Arrival in Edmonton

Russell came to the Oilers in the fall of 2016 on a one-year deal. He had previously played for the Dallas Stars, Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, and Columbus Blue Jackets, who drafted him in 2005. He was added as a more defensive guy who could contribute on offence when needed. His career high in points came in the 2014-15 season with the Flames when he recorded 34 points. The Oilers needed stabilization, and he had a track record of that.

The team was looking to return to the playoffs for the first time in 11 years and needed to solidify their back end. Russell blocked the second-most shots in the entire NHL in 2015-16 and gave the puck away half the amount of times as the league leaders in that category. He became one of the keys to any strong defence Edmonton had for a while.

Tenure With Oilers

Russell’s offence from his early years didn’t necessarily translate, but his defensive play certainly did. His first season saw him block a team-best 213 shots and register a sixth-best 36 takeaways. He also averaged over 21 minutes of ice time throughout the season. The Oilers made it back to the postseason, losing in the second round to the Anaheim Ducks in seven games.

This strong first season resulted in Russell being rewarded with a four-year contract extension worth $4 million per season. He added one more year onto that after the four-year deal was up at $1.25 million.

After his debut season, he would go on to play solid hockey, having his second-best shot-block season in 2017-18 with 223. His plus/minus and other intangibles were low, and his giveaway numbers rose at times, but at the same time his ice time also went up. These things are going to happen with the player he is. He also dealt with several injuries as mentioned, so that can skew the numbers. It’s not all sunshine and roses for a guy like Russell who plays a physical game all over the ice.

Russell brought the muscle for the #Oilers last night. pic.twitter.com/wCnrHluLWS

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) November 22, 2016

Russell was also a leader for the Oilers. He never wore a letter, but being added to a defence core as a veteran with young guys like Oscar Klefbom and Darnell Nurse on their way up, it became his duty to help them. Those guys turned out to be just fine players too (despite Klefbom’s unfortunate injury troubles). Though we can’t prove one way or another his direct impact, it’s easy to see some of his playing style through those two guys.

His play in the playoffs was much of the same. He played close to home and very tight-checking in the corners. He posted four points in 24 postseason appearances with Edmonton and played a big part in the team’s run to the 2022 Western Conference Final.

Unofficial Retirement

Following the 2021-22 season, Russell wasn’t able to secure another contract with the Oilers or another NHL club. Though it was never made official, he retired after that season. It ended six seasons with Edmonton and a solid hockey career.

This all may not sound like much. Russell might just sound like another defender who played a role for a while and had some moments. I believe on a team like the Oilers that has always battled for defensive stability, a guy like Russell wasn’t appreciated as much as he should’ve been. The shot block king who quietly went to work each night deserves his flowers for the time and effort he put into Oil Country. Cheers to the most underrated defenceman to come through town.