A quick break from playoff action with an important update on an Edmonton Oilers legend and fan favourite for nearly two decades. Ryan Smyth was (finally) officially inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in a ceremony earlier today. He was officially named to the hall back in 2020 but his induction was delayed until this year.
Joining Smyth in the class of 2024 is Natalie Darwitz, Jaromir Jagr, Kenny Jonsson, Igor Liba, Petteri Nummelin, Jaroslav Pouzar, and Mel Davidson as a builder.
Ryan Smyth as an Edmonton Oiler
Originally drafted sixth overall in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft, he made his NHL debut later that season appearing in his first three NHL games. Over the next eleven seasons, Smyth became the most iconic Oiler of that era and one of the most of all-time. His gritty playstyle endeared himself to the fanbase and he was one of the most consistent regular offensive producers on the team.
He had a career high 39 goals in his first full NHL season in 1996–97 and a career high 70 points in 2000–01. Smyth spent the final six seasons of his first stint in Edmonton with an A on his jersey.
After being traded away at the deadline in 2006–07, Smyth spent time with the New York Islanders, Colorado Avalanche, and Los Angeles Kings before being traded back to Edmonton for the 2011–12 season. He spent the final three seasons of his career with the Oilers, finally getting to wear the C in his last NHL game.
Smyth was iconic for his net front presence and gritty, garbage goals. He would set up shop in front of the net and tip pucks or bash away at rebounds, taking endless punishment from defenders. And it worked, he played in 1270 NHL games, scoring 386 goals with 842 total points.
Smyth in international hockey
The biggest reason why Smyth is getting inducted to the IIHF Hall of Fame is his presence in Canadian international hockey. After all, he was nicknamed Captain Canada.
Smyth started out representing Canada at the 1995 World Junior Championship, in which Canada went undefeated on their way to winning gold.
Then, beginning in 1999, Smyth started a streak of representing Canada in an international tournament every year until 2006. Due to the Oilers often missing or being eliminated early from the playoffs in many of those years (thanks, Dallas), Smyth was a mainstay on the World Championship roster for Canada. He represented Canada at that tournament eight times, recording 31 points in 61 games, winning two golds in 2003 and 2004 and a silver medal in 2005. Captain Canada served as Canada’s captain at the World Championships six times.
The highlight of his international career would likely be winning gold in the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. He also was a member of the 2006 Canadian Olympic team and was part of the selection camp for the 2010 Olympics but did not make the team.
His last international appearance came in the 2012 Spengler Cup, in which he served as team captain as Canada won the tournament.
Let us unite all of Oil Country in congratulating one of the best Oilers of all time on receiving these honours!
