Despite not having played a game for the team since 1991, Mark Messier’s presence is still felt by the Edmonton Oilers.

Messier is one of the most important players in Oilers’ history. He was drafted by the team in 1979, made his debut in Edmonton’s inaugural season in the NHL, was a member of all five of their Stanley Cup teams, and sits third in franchise history in both points and games played.

Ahead of the 1991-92 season, Messier got traded to the New York Rangers in what ultimately became one of the worst trades in Oilers’ history. In return for their captain, the Oilers received Bernie Nicholls, Steven Rice, Louie DeBrusk, and cash.

As lopsided as this deal was, it set off a chain reaction that led to the acquisition of multiple key players down the road. Now, 29 years later, two players who are currently on the Oilers’ roster can still be traced back to Messier.

Cam Lewis guides us through the Mark Messier trade chain, which is essentially a magic carpet ride through Edmonton’s post-dynasty days, and how that fateful deal with the New York Rangers ultimately led to the Oilers acquiring both Oscar Klefbom and Andreas Athanasiou.