TEN YEARS AGO, ON A COLD DARK NIGHT

Ten years ago today, Kevin Lowe traded for Chris Pronger. It set off a 12-month run in the city we’ve never really recovered from, but in those early hours after the deal, Edmonton erupted with fist pumps in celebration.

The Oilers gave up three defensemen of varying promise but the trade itself was a steal for Edmonton. Pronger was a giant with calm feet and a mean streak worthy of a true villain—and best of all, he was an Oiler. Honestly, the days from the trade announcement through the morning of G7 SCF were the best of the century for Oilers fans and it isn’t even close.

Chris Pronger made everything right. Good defenseman calm the waters, make bathroom trips at the house a
breeze and at their best allow a fan to be confident even during panic
moments like 2-on-1’s against Tommy Salo.

What a beautiful team. Lowe would add Dwayne Roloson in goal, a bunch of blue including Jaroslav Spacek and Dick Tarnstrom, and some nice things up front (Samsonov!) in an effort to win Stanley and they damn near did it.

I know the memories are painful because of what happened after the 2006 run, but today I choose to remember the day Pronger became an Oiler. I was listening to Jason Gregor and damn near fell off my chair. That’s the truth. Where were you?