Charlie Huddy
Five-time Stanley Cup champion with the Edmonton Oilers and former NHL assistant coach.
Charles William Huddy (born June 2, 1959) is a Canadian former NHL defenceman and former assistant coach of the Winnipeg Jets. He is one of only seven Edmonton Oilers to be a member of all five of the franchise's Stanley Cup-winning teams (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988 & 1990).
- Plus/Minus Award
- Wayne Gretzky led the league in plus/minus in 1982-83 (the first official Plus/Minus Award was not introduced until 1999-2000).
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
As a youth, he played in the 1972 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a minor ice hockey team from Dorset Park, Toronto. His greatest success came with the Oilers, with whom he played from the start of his career in the 1980–81 season until the end of the 1990–91 season. He tallied 368 points in 694 regular-season games and 77 points in 138 playoff games. In 1983, Huddy won the NHL's first Plus/Minus Award. After leaving Edmonton, he played four seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, which included former Oilers Wayne Gretzky, Jari Kurri, Marty McSorley, and Paul Coffey. He played an important role in LA's march to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final. He later finished his career with the St. Louis Blues and Buffalo Sabres, retiring after the 1996–97 campaign. He previously held an assistant coaching position with the New York Rangers and was head coach of the ECHL Huntington Blizzard. He was relieved of his duties as an assistant coach for the Edmonton Oilers on May 26, 2009. He was subsequently an assistant coach with the Dallas Stars but was let go on June 24, 2011. Huddy was hired as the new assistant coach of the Winnipeg Jets on July 8, 2011. His time as an assistant coach with the Jets came to an end after the 2021-22 season.
In Their Own Story
After leaving Edmonton, Huddy joined the Los Angeles Kings for four seasons, reuniting with former Oilers teammates Wayne Gretzky, Jari Kurri, Marty McSorley, and Paul Coffey. His presence was vital in LA's run to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final. Following his time in Los Angeles, he finished his playing career with stints at the St. Louis Blues and Buffalo Sabres before retiring after the 1996–97 campaign. His post-playing life included coaching roles: an assistant position with the New York Rangers, a head coach role for the ECHL Huntington Blizzard, and assistant stops with the Edmonton Oilers (relieved of duties on May 26, 2009) and Dallas Stars (let go on June 24, 2011).
Reader's Guide
Charlie Huddy is best known as a defenceman for the Edmonton Oilers during their dynasty years, winning five Stanley Cups with the team. He also played for the Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and Buffalo Sabres. After his playing career, he served as an assistant coach for several NHL teams, most recently the Winnipeg Jets until 2022.
Did You Know?
- Huddy is one of only seven Edmonton Oilers to be a member of all five of the franchise's Stanley Cup-winning teams.
- He won the NHL's first Plus/Minus Award in 1983.
- He played with Wayne Gretzky, Jari Kurri, Marty McSorley, and Paul Coffey on the Los Angeles Kings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Charlie Huddy?
Charles William Huddy, born in 1959, was a Canadian defenceman who played for the Edmonton Oilers from the 1980-81 season until late 1990. He is historically significant as one of only eleven players to win all five of the franchise's Stanley Cup championships.
What were Charlie Huddy's key achievements with the Oilers?
Huddy secured five Stanley Cups during his tenure, appearing in victories across 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1990. His consistent presence on the blue line made him a vital component of the team's dynasty era.
How did Charlie Huddy's time with Edmonton end?
His career in Edmonton concluded mid-season when he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings on November 2, 1990. This move ended his nearly decade-long stint with the organization during the 1990-91 campaign.
Did Charlie Huddy win any individual awards like Plus/Minus?
While Huddy was a key defensive player, he did not win the league's Plus/Minus award because the official trophy was not introduced until 1999-2000. During his peak years in the early 80s, Wayne Gretzky led the league in that statistical category instead.
What happened to Charlie Huddy after he stopped playing?
Following his retirement as a player, Huddy transitioned into coaching roles within the sport. Notably, he served as an assistant coach for the Winnipeg Jets starting in July 2011 before eventually leaving that specific position later on.
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