Jari Kurri
Finnish legend who formed one of hockey's greatest duos with Wayne Gretzky.
Jari Pekka Kurri (Finnish pronunciation: [ˈjɑri ˈpekːɑ ˈkurːi]; born 18 May 1960) is a Finnish former professional ice hockey player. Beginning in 1980, he played right wing for five National Hockey League (NHL) teams: the Edmonton Oilers, the Los Angeles Kings, the New York Rangers, the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, and the Colorado Avalanche. Prior to his NHL career, Kurri excelled for Jokerit in the SM-liiga, and he rose from playing in the Finnish junior ice hockey team to the country's national hockey team in two years. He was drafted in the fourth round of the 1980 NHL draft by the Oilers and immediately played for the team that year.
- NHL Seasons
- 17
- Career Goals
- 601
- Stanley Cups
- 5
- Lady Byng Trophy Wins
- 1
- Postseason Goal Record (tied)
- 19
- Draft Year
- 1980
- Jersey Number Retired
- #17
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Kurri played 17 seasons in the NHL, along with one season in Serie A for Devils Milano. Armed with a quick release for his shot, Kurri recorded a 30-goal season in each of his first ten seasons in the NHL, which included being the NHL goal scoring leader in the 1985–86 season. Kurri led all skaters in goals in the Stanley Cup playoffs on four occasions, including tying the all-time postseason record with 19 in 1985. While he never won the Frank J. Selke Trophy for his defensive skill, he won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for his sportsmanship in 1985. He won the Stanley Cup five times, all with the Oilers, as one of just seven players to be part of all five Cup-winning teams with Edmonton. He was the 18th player in NHL history and first Finnish player to score 500 goals, doing so in 1992, and he became the eighth player to score 600 goals, doing so in his final season in 1997.
In Their Own Story
On November 26, 1980, Kurri recorded his first hat trick against the Chicago Black Hawks with Tony Esposito in goal. During that same postseason against the Chicago Blackhawks, he scored two goals in Game one, a hat trick in Game two, three goals in Game five, and four goals in Game six to send Edmonton to the Final. In the decisive Game five of the Stanley Cup Final against Philadelphia, Kurri scored the opening goal and added three assists for an 8–3 victory, tying Reggie Leach's record with 19 total playoff goals.
Reader's Guide
Kurri's No. 17 jersey was retired by the Edmonton Oilers and Jokerit. Internationally, Kurri played on the Finland men's national ice hockey team, winning a bronze medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics. He was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001. After his playing career ended, Kurri served as the general manager of the Finnish national team from 2003 to 2014 before becoming GM of Jokerit in 2013; he became owner in 2019 before selling the team in 2022. In 2017, Kurri was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history.
Did You Know?
- Kurri led all skaters in playoff goals on four occasions, including tying the all-time postseason record with 19 in 1985.
- He was the 18th player in NHL history and first Finnish player to score 500 goals.
- Kurri scored his 600th goal in his final season in 1997.
- He played one season in Serie A for Devils Milano.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jari Kurri?
He was a Finnish right winger who spent the majority of his career with the Edmonton Oilers starting in 1980. Known for his quick release and consistency, he became one of the league's most prolific scorers during the dynasty era.
How many Stanley Cups did Jari Kurri win?
Kurri won five Stanley Cup championships while playing alongside Wayne Gretzky in Edmonton. This success solidified his legacy as a key member of one of hockey's greatest dynasties.
What is Jari Kurri's career goal record?
He retired after accumulating 601 career goals across seventeen seasons. His scoring achievements made him the first Finnish athlete to ever hit the 500-goal mark.
Did Jari Kurri hold any playoff records?
Yes, he shares the record for most goals scored in a single postseason with 19 during his time with the Oilers. This feat highlights his exceptional performance when it mattered most on the ice.
What individual awards did Jari Kurri win?
In addition to his scoring consistency, he received the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship and fair play. He maintained a remarkable streak by scoring over 30 goals in every one of his opening decade seasons within the league.
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