By now you would have read all the articles about “who to cheer for” if your team isn’t in the postseason. I may be the only one saying this, but, you don’t have to cheer for anyone if you don’t want to. You don’t have to watch or pay attention to playoffs. If you’re a fan of the Oilers, you probably care a lot more about the draft lottery on April 30th. But, if you just love the game of hockey and still plan to watch the games with intrigue, here are a few former Oiler players to keep an eye on, and maybe even root for (assuming you aren’t angry at them, of course).
Anaheim Ducks
Andrew Cogliano (2007-2011. Drafted by the Oilers 25th overall in 2005)
Shawn Horcoff (2000-2013. Drafted by the Oilers 99th overall in 1998)
David Perron (2013-2015)
Dallas Stars
Ales Hemsky (2002-2014. Drafted by the Oilers 13th overall in 2001)
Florida Panthers
Teddy Purcell (2014-2016)
Los Angeles Kings
Matt Greene (2005-2008. Drafted by the Oilers 44th overall in 2002)
Minnesota Wild
Devan Dubnyk (2009-2014. Drafted by the Oilers 14th overall in 2004)
Jarret Stoll (2002-2008. Drafted by the Oilers 36th overall in 2002)
St. Louis Blues
Kyle Brodziak (2005-2009. Drafted by the Oilers 214th overall in 2003)
Anders Nilsson (2015-2016)
Magnus Paajarvi (2010-2013. Drafted by the Oilers 10th overall in 2009)
Philadelphia Flyers
Sam Gagner (2007-2014. Drafted by the Oilers 6th overall in 2007)
Nick Schultz (2011-2014)
Chris Vandevelde (2010-2013. Drafted by the Oilers 97th overall in 2005)
Pittsburgh Penguins
Justin Schultz (2012-2016)
Washington Capitals
Jason Chimera (2000-2004. Drafted by the Oilers 121st overall in 1997)
Taylor Chorney (2008-2012. Drafted by the Oilers 36th overall in 2005)
I can’t cheer for the Pens this year. Because Jultz. @nielsonTSN1260
— kennyzoobs (@KennyZoobs) April 13, 2016
If you’re looking for Canadian content, the Panthers have the most players born in Canada. The Ducks, Blues and Flyers have the most ex-Oilers, while the Penguins probably have the most polarizing one of them all. I think there’s a good segment of Oiler fans who are happy that Sam Gagner is experiencing the postseason for the first time. It only took him 614 games.
@JulieEY Okay, good point. So you are indirectly still cheering for the Oilers, albeit, ex-Oilers.
— Kris Jackson (@sirk_25) April 13, 2016
You may just be watching the playoffs from a completely neutral standpoint, hoping only to see exciting hockey with no particular rooting interest. Maybe you just have a favorite player to go for, with no affection for his team. But if you are borrowing a team to cheer for this Spring, which one is it? Have your say in the comment section below.
Marcy, a former hockey player, is a hockey correspondent on CTV News and TSN radio. She began her career as a Sports Journalist in 2009 and has been part of The Hockey Writers since 2010, where she is currently a senior writer and editor.
