The 2009–10Edmonton Oilers season was the team's 38th season of play, its 31st as a member of the National Hockey League (NHL). The 2009–10 season was one of the poorest in franchise history as the Oilers finished last in the NHL. The team's 62 points was the second-lowest point total in franchise history (the lowest point total was 60 points obtained back in 1992–93). However, despite the misery endured that season, the Oilers were compensated on April 13, 2010, when they won the 2010 NHL Draft Lottery to pick first overall for the first time in franchise history.
The Oilers have missed the Stanley Cup playoffs for the fourth consecutive season and have not appeared in a playoff game since Game 7 of the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes.
On May 26, Pat Quinn was named as the new head coach of the Oilers, replacing Craig MacTavish.[1]Tom Renney and Wayne Fleming were named associate coach and assistant coach, respectively.
On June 30, Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini aggressively pursued disgruntled winger and sniper Dany Heatley, who wanted a trade from the Ottawa Senators. A deal was in place that would have sent Andrew Cogliano, Dustin Penner and Ladislav Smid to Ottawa. However, Heatley who had a no-movement clause rejected the trade. Tambellini would eventually give up pursuing Heatley, and he was eventually traded to the San Jose Sharks.
On September 10, former Oiler Mike Comrie signed a one-year contract worth $1.125 million with the team that began his career. After a six-year hiatus, Comrie was finally able to mend the fences with the Oilers faithful. This was shown in a game against the Florida Panthers when Comrie dropped the gloves against Eric Himelfarb. After the fight, the fans showed appreciation by chanting his name. The Oilers won that game 4–0.
†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Oilers. Stats reflect time with Oilers only.
‡Traded mid-season. Stats reflect time with Oilers only.
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7 seconds: A new Oilers record for fastest two goals in a game by Sheldon Souray (11:07) and Ales Hemsky (11:14) on November 23, 2009.