The captain of the Edmonton Oilers immediately before Wayne Gretzky was Lee Fogolin.
Fogolin held the captaincy prior to Gretzky's ascension to the role. Following a highly successful season where several key players achieved significant point totals, Lee Fogolin made the decision to resign from his position as captain. He personally selected Wayne Gretzky as his successor, paving the way for a significant leadership change in the franchise's history.
The Transition of Leadership
This period marked a pivotal moment for the Edmonton Oilers. Fogolin's decision to step down and name Gretzky as the new captain occurred after a season demonstrating the team's burgeoning offensive power and depth. This strong offensive output was highlighted by several key players during that season:
- Wayne Gretzky (over 100 points)
- Mark Messier (over 100 points)
- Glenn Anderson (over 100 points)
- Jari Kurri (over 100 points)
- Paul Coffey (96 points)
The established talent base provided a strong foundation upon which Gretzky's captaincy could build and thrive, leading the team into an era of unparalleled success.
Lee Fogolin's Role
Lee Fogolin, a sturdy defenseman, played a vital role in the early development of the Oilers as a competitive NHL team. His captaincy provided stability and veteran presence during a time when the team was transitioning from a World Hockey Association (WHA) franchise into an NHL powerhouse. His passing of the torch to Gretzky was a symbolic moment, signifying a shift to a new era of dominance for the franchise.
