2001–02 Edmonton Oilers season

2001–02 Edmonton Oilers
2001–02 Edmonton Oilers
Division	3rd Northwest
Conference	9th Western
2001–02 record	38–28–12–4
Home record	23–14–4–0
Road record	15–14–8–4
Goals for	205
Goals against	182
Team information
General manager	Kevin Lowe
Coach	Craig MacTavish
Captain	Jason Smith
Alternate captains	Mike Grier; Todd Marchant; Rem Murray (Oct-Mar) ; Janne Niinimaa (Mar-Apr) ; Ryan Smyth
Arena	Skyreach Centre
Average attendance	16,587 (98.5%)
Minor league affiliate(s)	Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL); Columbus Cottonmouths (ECHL)
Team leaders
Goals	Mike Comrie (33)
Assists	Janne Niinimaa (39)
Points	Mike Comrie (60); Anson Carter (60)
Penalty minutes	Georges Laraque (157)
Plus/minus	Mike Comrie (+16)
Wins	Tommy Salo (30)
Goals against average	Tommy Salo (2.22)
	← 2000–01 2002–03 →

The 2001–02 Edmonton Oilers season was the Oilers' 23rd season in the National Hockey League, and they were coming off a 39–28–12–3 record in 2000–01, earning 93 points, the highest point total the Oilers had achieved since the 1987–88 season, when they earned 99 points. The Oilers would meet the Dallas Stars in the opening round of the playoffs, and lose in six games.

During the off-season, Edmonton traded Doug Weight to the St. Louis Blues, along with Michel Riesen for Marty Reasoner, Jochen Hecht and Jan Horacek. With the trading of the captain, the Oilers named defenceman Jason Smith the new captain of the club.^[1]

Despite the loss of Weight, the Oilers got off to a great start, and on December 16, they sat at the top of the Northwest Division with 43 points. Edmonton would then slump, going 9–16–7–1 in their next 33 games to drop them out of the playoff picture. The club would then go on a 9-game unbeaten streak, and despite finishing the year with a 38–28–12–4 record, good for 90 points, they would miss the playoffs for the first time since 1996, finishing two points behind the eighth place Vancouver Canucks.

Offensively, Edmonton-born Mike Comrie led the club with 33 goals and 60 points, while Anson Carter scored 28 goals and also earn 60 points. Ryan Smyth earned 50 points in only 61 games. Janne Niinimaa led the club with 39 assists, and led the defense with 44 points. Georges Laraque provided the club toughness, earning 157 penalty minutes.

In goal, Tommy Salo would have arguably the best season ever by an Oilers goaltender, winning 30 games, posting a club record 2.22 goals against average (GAA) and earning five shutouts. The 182 goals the Oilers allowed was a club record for fewest in a season and the second lowest total in the NHL during the season.

Season standings

Northwest Division
No.	CR		GP	W	L	T	OTL	GF	GA	Pts
1	2	Colorado Avalanche	82	45	28	8	1	212	169	99
2	8	Vancouver Canucks	82	42	30	7	3	254	211	94
3	9	Edmonton Oilers	82	38	28	12	4	205	182	92
4	11	Calgary Flames	82	32	35	12	3	201	220	79
5	12	Minnesota Wild	82	26	35	12	9	195	238	73

Note: CR = Conference rank; GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; OTL = Overtime loss; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; Pts = Points
Bolded teams qualified for the playoffs.

Western Conference^[2]
R		Div	GP	W	L	T	OTL	GF	GA	Pts
1	p – Detroit Red Wings	CEN	82	51	17	10	4	251	187	116
2	y – Colorado Avalanche	NW	82	45	28	8	1	212	169	99
3	y – San Jose Sharks	PAC	82	44	27	8	3	248	199	99
4	St. Louis Blues	CEN	82	43	27	8	4	227	188	98
5	Chicago Blackhawks	CEN	82	41	27	13	1	216	207	96
6	Phoenix Coyotes	PAC	82	40	27	9	6	228	210	95
7	Los Angeles Kings	PAC	82	40	27	11	4	214	190	95
8	Vancouver Canucks	NW	82	42	30	7	3	254	211	94
8.5
9	Edmonton Oilers	NW	82	38	28	12	4	205	182	92
10	Dallas Stars	PAC	82	36	28	13	5	215	213	90
11	Calgary Flames	NW	82	32	35	12	3	201	220	79
12	Minnesota Wild	NW	82	26	35	12	9	195	238	73
13	Mighty Ducks of Anaheim	PAC	82	29	42	8	3	175	198	69
14	Nashville Predators	CEN	82	28	41	13	0	196	230	69
15	Columbus Blue Jackets	CEN	82	22	47	8	5	164	255	57

Divisions: CEN – Central, PAC – Pacific, NW – Northwest

bold – Qualified for playoffs; p – Won Presidents' Trophy; y – Won division

Schedule and results

2001–02 regular season^[3]

October: 9–4–1–0 (home: 6–2–0–0 ; road: 3–2–1–0)

Game	Date	Visitor	Score	Home	OT	Decision	Attendance	Record	Pts	Recap
1	October 3	Edmonton Oilers	0 – 1	Calgary Flames		Salo	16,242	0–1–0–0	0	Recap
2	October 6	Phoenix Coyotes	2 – 6	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,839	1–1–0–0	2	Recap
3	October 9	Chicago Blackhawks	0 – 1	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	14,191	2–1–0–0	4	Recap
4	October 11	Colorado Avalanche	3 – 5	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	15,843	3–1–0–0	6	Recap
5	October 13	Edmonton Oilers	4 – 3	Nashville Predators		Salo	13,117	4–1–0–0	8	Recap
6	October 14	Edmonton Oilers	3 – 3	Minnesota Wild	OT	Salo	18,064	4–1–1–0	9	Recap
7	October 16	Toronto Maple Leafs	4 – 1	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,839	4–2–1–0	9	Recap
8	October 18	Edmonton Oilers	4 – 1	Colorado Avalanche		Salo	18,007	5–2–1–0	11	Recap
9	October 20	Florida Panthers	2 – 6	Edmonton Oilers		Conklin	16,839	6–2–1–0	13	Recap
10	October 22	Nashville Predators	4 – 2	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	15,281	6–3–1–0	13	Recap
11	October 24	Edmonton Oilers	1 – 4	Detroit Red Wings		Salo	20,058	6–4–1–0	13	Recap
12	October 25	Edmonton Oilers	5 – 2	Columbus Blue Jackets		Conklin	18,136	7–4–1–0	15	Recap
13	October 27	Vancouver Canucks	2 – 3	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,839	8–4–1–0	17	Recap
14	October 30	Montreal Canadiens	1 – 3	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,367	9–4–1–0	19	Recap

November: 7–3–2–1 (home: 2–2–0–0 ; road: 5–1–2–1)

Game	Date	Visitor	Score	Home	OT	Decision	Attendance	Record	Pts	Recap
15	November 2	Columbus Blue Jackets	2 – 1	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	15,944	9–5–1–0	19	Recap
16	November 4	Edmonton Oilers	2 – 0	Minnesota Wild		Salo	18,064	10–5–1–0	21	Recap
17	November 6	Edmonton Oilers	0 – 1	Boston Bruins	OT	Salo	12,134	10–5–1–1	22	Recap
18	November 9	Edmonton Oilers	3 – 0	Columbus Blue Jackets		Salo	18,136	11–5–1–1	24	Recap
19	November 11	Edmonton Oilers	1 – 1	Carolina Hurricanes	OT	Salo	12,390	11–5–2–1	25	Recap
20	November 13	Edmonton Oilers	5 – 4	Phoenix Coyotes	OT	Salo	10,512	12–5–2–1	27	Recap
21	November 16	Chicago Blackhawks	1 – 7	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,839	13–5–2–1	29	Recap
22	November 17	Edmonton Oilers	2 – 2	Vancouver Canucks	OT	Salo	18,422	13–5–3–1	30	Recap
23	November 20	St. Louis Blues	0 – 2	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,839	14–5–3–1	32	Recap
24	November 22	Los Angeles Kings	4 – 2	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,434	14–6–3–1	32	Recap
25	November 24	Edmonton Oilers	0 – 2	Colorado Avalanche		Salo	18,007	14–7–3–1	32	Recap
26	November 28	Edmonton Oilers	2 – 0	Mighty Ducks of Anaheim		Markkanen	9,527	15–7–3–1	34	Recap
27	November 29	Edmonton Oilers	3 – 1	Los Angeles Kings		Salo	15,643	16–7–3–1	36	Recap

December: 5–6–3–1 (home: 4–3–0–0 ; road: 1–3–3–1)

Game	Date	Visitor	Score	Home	OT	Decision	Attendance	Record	Pts	Recap
28	December 1	Dallas Stars	6 – 4	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,839	16–8–3–1	36	Recap
29	December 5	Mighty Ducks of Anaheim	2 – 3	Edmonton Oilers	OT	Salo	15,545	17–8–3–1	38	Recap
30	December 7	Edmonton Oilers	0 – 5	Dallas Stars		Salo	18,532	17–9–3–1	38	Recap
31	December 8	Edmonton Oilers	2 – 2	Nashville Predators	OT	Salo	14,158	17–9–4–1	39	Recap
32	December 11	Edmonton Oilers	4 – 5	San Jose Sharks	OT	Salo	17,496	17–9–4–2	40	Recap
33	December 13	Detroit Red Wings	2 – 1	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,839	17–10–4–2	40	Recap
34	December 14	Tampa Bay Lightning	1 – 2	Edmonton Oilers		Markkanen	16,272	18–10–4–2	42	Recap
35	December 16	Edmonton Oilers	3 – 2	Philadelphia Flyers		Salo	19,343	19–10–4–2	44	Recap
36	December 18	Edmonton Oilers	1 – 4	New York Islanders		Salo	10,551	19–11–4–2	44	Recap
37	December 20	Edmonton Oilers	3 – 3	New Jersey Devils	OT	Salo	14,150	19–11–5–2	45	Recap
38	December 21	Edmonton Oilers	1 – 5	Chicago Blackhawks		Salo	14,326	19–12–5–2	45	Recap
39	December 26	Calgary Flames	2 – 3	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,839	20–12–5–2	47	Recap
40	December 28	Minnesota Wild	2 – 3	Edmonton Oilers		Markkanen	16,839	21–12–5–2	49	Recap
41	December 30	New Jersey Devils	2 – 1	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,839	21–13–5–2	49	Recap
42	December 31	Edmonton Oilers	2 – 2	Calgary Flames	OT	Salo	17,409	21–13–6–2	50	Recap

January: 4–7–3–0 (home: 4–4–2–0 ; road: 0–3–1–0)

Game	Date	Visitor	Score	Home	OT	Decision	Attendance	Record	Pts	Recap
43	January 2	New York Rangers	1 – 4	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,839	22–13–6–2	52	Recap
44	January 5	Vancouver Canucks	4 – 3	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,839	22–14–6–2	52	Recap
45	January 6	Montreal Canadiens	6 – 7	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,839	23–14–6–2	54	Recap
46	January 10	Carolina Hurricanes	4 – 1	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,322	23–15–6–2	54	Recap
47	January 12	Colorado Avalanche	2 – 2	Edmonton Oilers	OT	Salo	16,839	23–15–7–2	55	Recap
48	January 14	Edmonton Oilers	1 – 2	Chicago Blackhawks		Salo	12,887	23–16–7–2	55	Recap
49	January 15	Edmonton Oilers	2 – 3	St. Louis Blues		Markkanen	19,729	23–17–7–2	55	Recap
50	January 18	Mighty Ducks of Anaheim	1 – 3	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,558	24–17–7–2	57	Recap
51	January 19	Pittsburgh Penguins	1 – 0	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,839	24–18–7–2	57	Recap
52	January 21	Edmonton Oilers	3 – 4	San Jose Sharks		Salo	17,496	24–19–7–2	57	Recap
53	January 23	Colorado Avalanche	4 – 2	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,634	24–20–7–2	57	Recap
54	January 26	Toronto Maple Leafs	1 – 4	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,839	25–20–7–2	59	Recap
55	January 28	Detroit Red Wings	1 – 1	Edmonton Oilers	OT	Salo	16,839	25–20–8–2	60	Recap
56	January 30	Edmonton Oilers	2 – 2	Vancouver Canucks	OT	Salo	18,422	25–20–9–2	61	Recap

February: 1–4–1–0 (home: 0–2–0–0 ; road: 1–2–1–0)

Game	Date	Visitor	Score	Home	OT	Decision	Attendance	Record	Pts	Recap
57	February 5	Edmonton Oilers	2 – 3	Atlanta Thrashers		Markkanen	10,875	25–21–9–2	61	Recap
58	February 7	Edmonton Oilers	1 – 3	St. Louis Blues		Salo	18,632	25–22–9–2	61	Recap
59	February 8	Edmonton Oilers	1 – 1	Dallas Stars	OT	Markkanen	18,532	25–22–10–2	62	Recap
60	February 10	Edmonton Oilers	4 – 3	Phoenix Coyotes		Salo	12,147	26–22–10–2	64	Recap
61	February 12	San Jose Sharks	3 – 2	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,839	26–23–10–2	64	Recap
62	February 28	Nashville Predators	3 – 2	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,585	26–24–10–2	64	Recap

March: 9–2–2–1 (home: 5–0–2–0 ; road: 4–2–0–1)

Game	Date	Visitor	Score	Home	OT	Decision	Attendance	Record	Pts	Recap
63	March 2	St. Louis Blues	1 – 1	Edmonton Oilers	OT	Markkanen	16,839	26–24–11–2	65	Recap
64	March 4	Edmonton Oilers	3 – 0	Buffalo Sabres		Markkanen	16,661	27–24–11–2	67	Recap
65	March 6	Edmonton Oilers	3 – 2	Tampa Bay Lightning		Salo	13,256	28–24–11–2	69	Recap
66	March 8	Edmonton Oilers	4 – 5	Florida Panthers		Markkanen	15,914	28–25–11–2	69	Recap
67	March 10	Edmonton Oilers	2 – 4	Washington Capitals		Salo	18,672	28–26–11–2	69	Recap
68	March 13	Edmonton Oilers	3 – 4	Detroit Red Wings	OT	Markkanen	20,058	28–26–11–3	70	Recap
69	March 14	Edmonton Oilers	4 – 1	Ottawa Senators		Salo	18,397	29–26–11–3	72	Recap
70	March 16	Washington Capitals	1 – 4	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,839	30–26–11–3	74	Recap
71	March 20	San Jose Sharks	1 – 2	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,839	31–26–11–3	76	Recap
72	March 23	Calgary Flames	1 – 3	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,839	32–26–11–3	78	Recap
73	March 24	Edmonton Oilers	2 – 0	Vancouver Canucks		Salo	18,422	33–26–11–3	80	Recap
74	March 26	Columbus Blue Jackets	1 – 3	Edmonton Oilers		Markkanen	16,639	34–26–11–3	82	Recap
75	March 28	Los Angeles Kings	2 – 2	Edmonton Oilers	OT	Salo	16,839	34–26–12–3	83	Recap
76	March 30	Dallas Stars	1 – 3	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,839	35–26–12–3	85	Recap

April: 3–2–0–1 (home: 2–1–0–0 ; road: 1–1–0–1)

Game	Date	Visitor	Score	Home	OT	Decision	Attendance	Record	Pts	Recap
77	April 2	Minnesota Wild	1 – 2	Edmonton Oilers	OT	Salo	16,839	36–26–12–3	87	Recap
78	April 5	Edmonton Oilers	0 – 2	Mighty Ducks of Anaheim		Salo	13,369	36–27–12–3	87	Recap
79	April 6	Edmonton Oilers	3 – 4	Los Angeles Kings	OT	Salo	18,311	36–27–12–4	88	Recap
80	April 10	Phoenix Coyotes	0 – 3	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,839	37–27–12–4	90	Recap
81	April 12	Calgary Flames	2 – 0	Edmonton Oilers		Salo	16,839	37–28–12–4	90	Recap
82	April 14	Edmonton Oilers	4 – 2	Minnesota Wild		Markkanen	18,568	38–28–12–4	92	Recap

Legend:

Win (2 points) Loss (0 points) Tie (1 point) Overtime loss (1 point)

Player statistics

Scoring

Position abbreviations: C = Centre; D = Defence; G = Goaltender; LW = Left wing; RW = Right wing
† = Joined team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, signing) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Oilers only.
‡ = Left team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, release) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Oilers only.

			Regular season
No.	Player	Pos	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM
89	Mike Comrie	C	82	33	27	60	16	45
22	Anson Carter	RW	82	28	32	60	3	25
94	Ryan Smyth	LW	61	15	35	50	7	48
44	Janne Niinimaa	D	81	5	39	44	13	80
20	Jochen Hecht	LW	82	16	24	40	4	60
26	Todd Marchant	C	82	12	22	34	7	41
7	Daniel Cleary	RW	65	10	19	29	−1	51
25	Mike Grier	RW	82	8	17	25	1	32
2	Eric Brewer	D	81	7	18	25	−5	45
16^[a]	Rem Murray‡	C	69	7	17	24	5	14
10	Shawn Horcoff	LW	61	8	14	22	3	18
27	Georges Laraque	RW	80	5	14	19	6	157
21	Jason Smith	D	74	5	13	18	14	103
5	Tom Poti‡	D	55	1	16	17	−6	42
18	Ethan Moreau	LW	80	11	5	16	4	81
12	Josh Green	LW	61	10	5	15	9	52
15	Marty Reasoner	C	52	6	5	11	0	41
23	Sean Brown‡	D	61	6	4	10	8	127
24	Steve Staios	D	73	5	5	10	10	108
14	Domenic Pittis	LW	22	0	6	6	−2	8
32	Scott Ferguson	D	50	3	2	5	11	75
16	Mike York†	RW	12	2	2	4	−1	0
37	Brian Swanson	C	8	1	1	2	−1	0
28	Jason Chimera	C	3	1	0	1	−3	0
35	Tommy Salo	G	69	0	1	1		2
19	Sven Butenschon	D	14	0	0	0	0	4
1	Ty Conklin	G	4	0	0	0		0
30	Jussi Markkanen	G	14	0	0	0		0
45	Ales Pisa	D	2	0	0	0	0	2
46	Jani Rita	LW	1	0	0	0	0	0

Goaltending

		Regular season
No.	Player	GP	W	L	T	SA	GA	GAA	SV%	SO	TOI
35	Tommy Salo	69	30	28	10	1713	149	2.22	.913	6	4035
30	Jussi Markkanen	14	6	4	2	336	24	1.84	.929	2	784
1	Ty Conklin	4	2	0	0	66	4	1.62	.939	0	148

Awards and records

Awards

Type	Award/honour	Recipient	Ref
League (in-season)	NHL All-Star Game selection	Tommy Salo	^[4]
	NHL Player of the Week	Tommy Salo (March 25)	^[5]
	NHL YoungStars Game selection	Mike Comrie	^[6]
Team	Community Service Award	Georges Laraque	^[7]
	Defenceman of the Year	Janne Niinimaa	^[7]
	Molson Cup	Tommy Salo	^[7]
	Most Popular Player	Mike Comrie	^[7]
	Top Defensive Forward	Todd Marchant	^[7]
	Top First Year Oiler	Not awarded	^[7]
	Unsung Hero	Steve Staios	^[7]
	Zane Feldman Trophy	Tommy Salo	^[7]

Records

15: A new Oilers record for most shutouts in a career by Tommy Salo on March 24, 2002.

Milestones

Regular Season
Player	Milestone	Reached
Janne Niinimaa	400th NHL Game	October 6, 2001
Anson Carter	100th NHL PIM	October 9, 2001
Tommy Salo	25th shutout	October 9, 2001
Scott Ferguson	1st NHL Goal	October 11, 2001
Steve Staios	500th NHL PIM	October 11, 2001
Georges Laraque	400th NHL PIM	October 14, 2001
Ty Conklin	1st NHL Game	October 16, 2001
Janne Niinimaa	400th NHL PIM 200th NHL Point	October 18, 2001
Anson Carter	300th NHL Game 200th NHL Point 1st NHL Gordie Howe hat trick	October 20, 2001
Ty Conklin	1st NHL Win	October 20, 2001
Marty Reasoner	100th NHL Game	November 2, 2001
Anson Carter	100th NHL Goal	November 13, 2001
Jochen Hecht	100th NHL PIM	November 22, 2001
Jussi Markkanen	1st NHL Game 1st NHL Win 1st NHL Shutout	November 28, 2001
Sean Brown	600th NHL PIM	November 29, 2001
Josh Green	100th NHL Game	December 8, 2001
Ethan Moreau	1st NHL Gordie Howe hat trick	December 8, 2001
Eric Brewer	200th NHL Game	December 14, 2001
Mike Grier	400th NHL Game	December 14, 2001
Tom Poti	100th NHL Point	December 16, 2001
Jason Chimera	1st NHL Goal	December 18, 2001
Ethan Moreau	400th NHL Game	December 20, 2001
Jochen Hecht	100th NHL Point	January 6, 2002
Georges Laraque	500th NHL PIM	January 18, 2002
Rem Murray	400th NHL Game	January 23, 2002
Shawn Horcoff	100th NHL Game	February 7, 2002
Mike Comrie	100th NHL Game	February 8, 2002
Ethan Moreau	500th NHL PIM	February 8, 2002
Josh Green	100th NHL PIM	February 12, 2002
Jochen Hecht	200th NHL Game	February 28, 2002
Jani Rita	1st NHL Game	March 2, 2002
Daniel Cleary	100th NHL PIM	March 8, 2002
Tom Poti	200th NHL PIM
Ryan Smyth	300th NHL Point
Tommy Salo	400th NHL Game	March 10, 2002
Mike Grier	100th NHL Assist	March 20, 2002
Ales Pisa	1st NHL Game	March 20, 2002
Jason Smith	600th NHL PIM	March 23, 2002
Daniel Cleary	200th NHL Game	April 5, 2002
Janne Niinimaa	200th NHL Assist	April 6, 2002
Todd Marchant	600th NHL Game	April 10, 2002
Tommy Salo	30th NHL Shutout	April 10, 2002

Transactions

The Oilers were involved in the following transactions from June 10, 2001, the day after the deciding game of the 2001 Stanley Cup Finals, through June 13, 2002, the day of the deciding game of the 2002 Stanley Cup Finals.^[8]

Trades

Date	Details		Ref
June 29, 2001	To Minnesota Wild Sergei Zholtok	To Edmonton Oilers Future considerations^[b]	^[9]
July 1, 2001	To St. Louis Blues Michel Riesen Doug Weight	To Edmonton Oilers Jochen Hecht Jan Horacek Marty Reasoner	^[10]
March 19, 2002	To Boston Bruins Sean Brown	To Edmonton Oilers Bobby Allen	^[11]
March 19, 2002	To New York Rangers Rem Murray Tom Poti	To Edmonton Oilers Mike York 4th-round pick in 2002	^[12]

Players acquired

Date	Player	Former team	Term	Via	Ref
July 12, 2001 (2001-07-12)	Steve Staios	Atlanta Thrashers	multi-year	Free agency	^[13]
July 17, 2001 (2001-07-17)	Jan Benda	Jokerit (Liiga)	1-year	Free agency	^[14]
July 17, 2001 (2001-07-17)	Greg Leeb	Dallas Stars	1-year	Free agency	^[14]
August 15, 2001 (2001-08-15)	Sean Selmser	Columbus Blue Jackets		Free agency
August 16, 2001 (2001-08-16)	Marc Lamothe	Columbus Blue Jackets	1-year	Free agency	^[15]
August 16, 2001 (2001-08-16)	Jared Smyth	Tallahassee Tiger Sharks (ECHL)		Free agency	^[15]
May 28, 2002 (2002-05-28)	Mike Bishai	Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL)		Free agency	^[16]
May 28, 2002 (2002-05-28)	Nate DiCasmirro	Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL)		Free agency	^[16]

Players lost

Date	Player	New team	Via^[c]	Ref
N/A	Patrick Cote	Laval Chiefs (QSPHL)	Free agency (UFA)	^[18]
	Frank Musil	HC Dukla Jihlava (ELH)	Free agency (III)	^[19]
	Dominic Roussel	LaSalle Rapides (QSPHL)	Free agency (III)	^[20]
July 1, 2001 (2001-07-01)	Igor Ulanov	New York Rangers	Free agency (III)	^[21]
July 1, 2001 (2001-07-01)	Brian Urick^[d]		Contract expiration (UFA)	^[17]
July 8, 2001 (2001-07-08)	Brett Hauer	Los Angeles Kings	Free agency (VI)	^[23]
July 24, 2001 (2001-07-24)	Paul Healey	Toronto Maple Leafs	Free agency (VI)	^[24]
July 27, 2001 (2001-07-27)	Brad Norton	Florida Panthers	Free agency (VI)	^[25]
August 2, 2001 (2001-08-02)	Terran Sandwith	Belfast Giants (BISL)	Free agency (VI)	^[26]
August 12, 2001 (2001-08-12)	Joaquin Gage	Ayr Scottish Eagles (BISL)	Free agency (VI)	^[27]
August 14, 2001 (2001-08-14)	Rory Fitzpatrick	Buffalo Sabres	Free agency (VI)	^[28]
August 31, 2001 (2001-08-31)	Paul Comrie		Retirement	^[29]
N/A	Eric Heffler	New Haven Knights (UHL)	Free agency (UFA)	^[30]

Signings

Date	Player	Term	Contract type	Ref
June 12, 2001 (2001-06-12)	Fernando Pisani		Entry-level	^[31]
July 14, 2001 (2001-07-14)	Jani Rita	multi-year	Entry-level	^[32]
July 16, 2001 (2001-07-16)	Kari Haakana		Entry-level	^[33]
	Jussi Markkanen		Entry-level	^[33]
	Ales Pisa		Entry-level	^[33]
July 17, 2001 (2001-07-17)	Alexander Lyubimov	3-year	Entry-level	^[14]
July 30, 2001 (2001-07-30)	Jochen Hecht	3-year	Re-signing	^[34]
July 31, 2001 (2001-07-31)	Daniel Cleary	3-year	Re-signing	^[35]
July 31, 2001 (2001-07-31)	Chris Hajt	1-year	Re-signing	^[35]
August 1, 2001 (2001-08-01)	Sven Butenschon	1-year	Re-signing	^[36]
	Josh Green	1-year	Re-signing	^[36]
	Marty Reasoner	2-year	Re-signing	^[36]
August 3, 2001 (2001-08-03)	Janne Niinimaa	3-year	Re-signing	^[37]
August 9, 2001 (2001-08-09)	Alain Nasreddine	1-year	Re-signing	^[38]
August 9, 2001 (2001-08-09)	Brian Swanson	2-year	Re-signing	^[38]
August 15, 2001 (2001-08-15)	Eric Brewer	1-year	Re-signing	^[39]
October 17, 2001 (2001-10-17)	Tom Poti	1-year	Re-signing	^[40]
June 5, 2002 (2002-06-05)	Jussi Markkanen	1-year	Option exercised	^[41]

Draft picks

Edmonton's draft picks at the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.^[42]

Round	#	Player	Nationality	College/Junior/Club team (League)
1	13	Ales Hemsky	Czech Republic	Hull Olympiques (QMJHL)
2	43	Doug Lynch	Canada	Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
2	52	Ed Caron	United States	Phillips Exeter Academy (USHS-NH)
3	84	Kenny Smith	United States	Harvard University (NCAA)
5	133	Jussi Markkanen	Finland	Tappara (SM-liiga)
5	154	Jake Brenk	United States	Breck School (USHS)
6	185	Mikael Svensk	Sweden	Frölunda HC (Sweden)
7	215	Dan Baum	Canada	Prince George Cougars (WHL)
8	248	Kari Haakana	Finland	Jokerit (SM-liiga)
9	272	Ales Pisa	Czech Republic	HC Pardubice (Czech.)
9	278	Shay Stephenson	Canada	Red Deer Rebels (WHL)

Notes

^ Murray wore number 17 in the season opener.
^ 7th-round pick in 2002
^ In parentheses is the player's free agency group on July 1 if applicable.^[17]
^ Urick retired.^[22]

References

"Edmonton Oilers 2001-02 roster and scoring statistics at hockeydb.com". www.hockeydb.com. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
"2001-02 Edmonton Oilers Roster, Stats, Injuries, Scores, Results, Shootouts". Hockey-Reference.com. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
National Hockey League Guide & Record Book 2007

^ "09/27/2001 - SMITH NEW OILERS CAPTAIN". Edmonton Oilers. September 27, 2001. Archived from the original on June 5, 2002. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
^ "2001-2002 Conference Standings Standings - NHL.com - Standings". NHL.
^ "2001-02 Edmonton Oilers Schedule". Hockey-Reference.com. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
^ "NHL All-Star Game Historical Summaries - 2002". NHL.com. Retrieved March 22, 2023.
^ "Salo named Player of the Week". TSN.ca. March 25, 2002. Archived from the original on June 15, 2002. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
^ "NHL - 2002 YoungStars rosters". ESPN.com. January 30, 2002. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h 2014–15 Edmonton Oilers Media Guide, p.173
^ "Hockey Transactions Search Results". www.prosportstransactions.com. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
^ "ZHOLTOK DEALT TO WILD". Edmonton Oilers. June 29, 2001. Archived from the original on August 15, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
^ "Blues Acquire Doug Weight, Michel Riesen". St. Louis Blues. July 1, 2001. Archived from the original on August 13, 2004. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
^ "Oilers deal Brown to Bruins". TSN.ca. March 19, 2002. Archived from the original on May 20, 2002. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
^ "NHL - Rangers trade York for Oilers' Poti, Murray". ESPN.com. March 19, 2002. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
^ "STAIOS SAYS YES TO OILERS". Edmonton Oilers. July 12, 2001. Archived from the original on August 14, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c "TRANSACTIONS". The New York Times. July 18, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023. EDMONTON OILERS--Signed D Alexander Lyubimov to a three-year contract. Agreed to terms with C Jan Benda and C Greg Leeb on one-year contracts.
^ ^a ^b "OILERS SIGN AHL STARS". Hamilton Bulldogs. August 9, 2001. Archived from the original on September 3, 2001. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
^ ^a ^b "Edmonton Journal from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on May 29, 2002 · 33". Newspapers.com. May 29, 2002. Retrieved March 16, 2023. OILERS SIGN PROSPECTS: Bishai, DiCasmirro both college players
^ ^a ^b "2001 NHL free agent list". ESPN.com. July 12, 2001. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
^ Patrick Cote career statistics at EliteProspects.com, retrieved March 16, 2023
^ Frank Musil career statistics at EliteProspects.com, retrieved March 16, 2023
^ Dominic Roussel career statistics at EliteProspects.com, retrieved March 16, 2023
^ "Rangers Ink Defensemen Ulanov and Karpa". New York Rangers. July 1, 2001. Archived from the original on April 30, 2004. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
^ Brian Urick career statistics at EliteProspects.com, retrieved March 16, 2023
^ Brett Hauer at Hockey-Reference.com, retrieved March 16, 2023
^ "TRANSACTIONS". The New York Times. July 25, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS--Signed F Paul Healey
^ "PANTHERS SIGN TRIO". Florida Panthers. July 27, 2001. Archived from the original on June 3, 2002. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
^ "New blueliner for Harp Giants". Belfast Giants. August 2, 2001. Archived from the original on June 19, 2002. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
^ Joaquin Gage at Hockey-Reference.com, retrieved March 16, 2023
^ "TRANSACTIONS". The New York Times. August 15, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023. BUFFALO SABRES--Signed D Rory Fitzpatrick.
^ "SPORTS TRANSACTIONS FOR FRIDAY, AUGUST 31+ - UPI Archives". UPI. August 31, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023. Edmonton Oilers -- Announced the retirement of center Paul Comrie.
^ "BC ICEMEN - Press Releases". BC ICEMEN. Archived from the original on June 7, 2002. Retrieved March 16, 2023. The ICEMEN acquired Heffler from the New Haven Knights on December 15th for future considerations.
^ "SPORTS TRANSACTIONS FOR TUESDAY, JUNE 12+ - UPI Archives". UPI. June 13, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023. Edmonton Oilers -- Signed center Fernando Pisani.
^ "FLYING FINN JOINS OILERS". Edmonton Oilers. July 14, 2001. Archived from the original on August 14, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c "SPORTS TRANSACTIONS FOR MONDAY, JULY 16+ - UPI Archives". UPI. July 16, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023. Edmonton Oilers -- Signed goaltender Jussi Markkanen and defenseman Kari Haakana and Ales Pisa
^ "Oilers lock up Jochen Hecht". TSN.ca. July 30, 2001. Archived from the original on August 2, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
^ ^a ^b "CLEARY REACHES NEW DEAL, HAJT BACK IN THE FOLD". Edmonton Oilers. July 31, 2001. Archived from the original on August 14, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c "OILERS CONTINUE POSITIVE SIGNINGS". Edmonton Oilers. August 1, 2001. Archived from the original on August 14, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
^ "NIINIMAA AGREES TO THREE-YEAR DEAL". Edmonton Oilers. August 3, 2001. Archived from the original on August 6, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
^ ^a ^b "SPORTS TRANSACTIONS FOR THURSDAY, AUGUST 9+ - UPI Archives". UPI. August 10, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023. Edmonton Oilers -- Signed forward Brian Swanson to a two-year contract and defenseman Alain Nasreddine to a one-year contract.
^ "Oilers sign Brewer to one-year contract". TSN.ca. August 15, 2001. Archived from the original on November 19, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
^ "10/17/2001 - POTI AGREES TO TERMS ON ONE-YEAR DEAL". Edmonton Oilers. October 17, 2001. Archived from the original on August 11, 2002. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
^ "Markkanen back with Oilers next season". TSN.ca. June 5, 2002. Archived from the original on June 14, 2002. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
^ "2001 NHL Entry Draft Picks at hockeydb.com". www.hockeydb.com. Retrieved March 22, 2023.

[4] Murray wore number 17 in the season opener.

[10] 7th-round pick in 2002

[20] In parentheses is the player's free agency group on July 1 if applicable.^[17]

[26] Urick retired.^[22]

[1] "09/27/2001 - SMITH NEW OILERS CAPTAIN". Edmonton Oilers. September 27, 2001. Archived from the original on June 5, 2002. Retrieved March 16, 2023.

[2] "2001-2002 Conference Standings Standings - NHL.com - Standings". NHL.

[3] "2001-02 Edmonton Oilers Schedule". Hockey-Reference.com. Retrieved March 16, 2023.

[5] "NHL All-Star Game Historical Summaries - 2002". NHL.com. Retrieved March 22, 2023.

[6] "Salo named Player of the Week". TSN.ca. March 25, 2002. Archived from the original on June 15, 2002. Retrieved March 23, 2023.

[7] "NHL - 2002 YoungStars rosters". ESPN.com. January 30, 2002. Retrieved March 23, 2023.

[p173-8] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h 2014–15 Edmonton Oilers Media Guide, p.173

[pst-9] "Hockey Transactions Search Results". www.prosportstransactions.com. Retrieved March 16, 2023.

[11] "ZHOLTOK DEALT TO WILD". Edmonton Oilers. June 29, 2001. Archived from the original on August 15, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023.

[12] "Blues Acquire Doug Weight, Michel Riesen". St. Louis Blues. July 1, 2001. Archived from the original on August 13, 2004. Retrieved March 15, 2023.

[13] "Oilers deal Brown to Bruins". TSN.ca. March 19, 2002. Archived from the original on May 20, 2002. Retrieved March 16, 2023.

[14] "NHL - Rangers trade York for Oilers' Poti, Murray". ESPN.com. March 19, 2002. Retrieved November 25, 2023.

[15] "STAIOS SAYS YES TO OILERS". Edmonton Oilers. July 12, 2001. Archived from the original on August 14, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023.

[717signings-16] "TRANSACTIONS". The New York Times. July 18, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023. EDMONTON OILERS--Signed D Alexander Lyubimov to a three-year contract. Agreed to terms with C Jan Benda and C Greg Leeb on one-year contracts.

[816signings-17] "OILERS SIGN AHL STARS". Hamilton Bulldogs. August 9, 2001. Archived from the original on September 3, 2001. Retrieved September 17, 2023.

[528signings-18] "Edmonton Journal from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on May 29, 2002 · 33". Newspapers.com. May 29, 2002. Retrieved March 16, 2023. OILERS SIGN PROSPECTS: Bishai, DiCasmirro both college players

[falist-19] "2001 NHL free agent list". ESPN.com. July 12, 2001. Retrieved March 1, 2023.

[21] Patrick Cote career statistics at EliteProspects.com, retrieved March 16, 2023

[22] Frank Musil career statistics at EliteProspects.com, retrieved March 16, 2023

[23] Dominic Roussel career statistics at EliteProspects.com, retrieved March 16, 2023

[24] "Rangers Ink Defensemen Ulanov and Karpa". New York Rangers. July 1, 2001. Archived from the original on April 30, 2004. Retrieved November 5, 2023.

[25] Brian Urick career statistics at EliteProspects.com, retrieved March 16, 2023

[27] Brett Hauer at Hockey-Reference.com, retrieved March 16, 2023

[28] "TRANSACTIONS". The New York Times. July 25, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS--Signed F Paul Healey

[29] "PANTHERS SIGN TRIO". Florida Panthers. July 27, 2001. Archived from the original on June 3, 2002. Retrieved March 10, 2023.

[30] "New blueliner for Harp Giants". Belfast Giants. August 2, 2001. Archived from the original on June 19, 2002. Retrieved March 16, 2023.

[31] Joaquin Gage at Hockey-Reference.com, retrieved March 16, 2023

[32] "TRANSACTIONS". The New York Times. August 15, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023. BUFFALO SABRES--Signed D Rory Fitzpatrick.

[33] "SPORTS TRANSACTIONS FOR FRIDAY, AUGUST 31+ - UPI Archives". UPI. August 31, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023. Edmonton Oilers -- Announced the retirement of center Paul Comrie.

[34] "BC ICEMEN - Press Releases". BC ICEMEN. Archived from the original on June 7, 2002. Retrieved March 16, 2023. The ICEMEN acquired Heffler from the New Haven Knights on December 15th for future considerations.

[35] "SPORTS TRANSACTIONS FOR TUESDAY, JUNE 12+ - UPI Archives". UPI. June 13, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023. Edmonton Oilers -- Signed center Fernando Pisani.

[36] "FLYING FINN JOINS OILERS". Edmonton Oilers. July 14, 2001. Archived from the original on August 14, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023.

[716signings-37] "SPORTS TRANSACTIONS FOR MONDAY, JULY 16+ - UPI Archives". UPI. July 16, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023. Edmonton Oilers -- Signed goaltender Jussi Markkanen and defenseman Kari Haakana and Ales Pisa

[38] "Oilers lock up Jochen Hecht". TSN.ca. July 30, 2001. Archived from the original on August 2, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023.

[731signings-39] "CLEARY REACHES NEW DEAL, HAJT BACK IN THE FOLD". Edmonton Oilers. July 31, 2001. Archived from the original on August 14, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023.

[801signings-40] "OILERS CONTINUE POSITIVE SIGNINGS". Edmonton Oilers. August 1, 2001. Archived from the original on August 14, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023.

[41] "NIINIMAA AGREES TO THREE-YEAR DEAL". Edmonton Oilers. August 3, 2001. Archived from the original on August 6, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023.

[809signings-42] "SPORTS TRANSACTIONS FOR THURSDAY, AUGUST 9+ - UPI Archives". UPI. August 10, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023. Edmonton Oilers -- Signed forward Brian Swanson to a two-year contract and defenseman Alain Nasreddine to a one-year contract.

[43] "Oilers sign Brewer to one-year contract". TSN.ca. August 15, 2001. Archived from the original on November 19, 2001. Retrieved March 16, 2023.

[44] "10/17/2001 - POTI AGREES TO TERMS ON ONE-YEAR DEAL". Edmonton Oilers. October 17, 2001. Archived from the original on August 11, 2002. Retrieved March 16, 2023.

[45] "Markkanen back with Oilers next season". TSN.ca. June 5, 2002. Archived from the original on June 14, 2002. Retrieved March 16, 2023.

[46] "2001 NHL Entry Draft Picks at hockeydb.com". www.hockeydb.com. Retrieved March 22, 2023.

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