Shawn Horcoff

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Horcoff played his first college season with Michigan State University in 1996. He was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in 1998. After leaving university, he failed to make the 2000–01 Oilers out of training camp and was assigned to the Hamilton Bulldogs. He was recalled on December 4, 2000, and scored his first NHL goal on December 13, 2000, against the Dallas Stars. He played his 100th NHL game in 2001–02. In 2003–04, he set career highs in goals, assists, and points and was named the Oilers' Outstanding Defensive Forward. During the NHL lockout, he played for Mora IK in Sweden. He returned to the NHL in 2005–06 and tied Wayne Gretzky's team record for most points in a period. On January 10, 2006, he scored his first career NHL hat-trick. He was part of the Oilers team that reached the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals. In July 2006, he re-signed with the Oilers on a three-year contract. In 2008, he was elected to the 56th NHL All-Star Game and won Fastest Skater in the Skills Competition. In February 2008, he underwent shoulder surgery, ending his 2007–08 season. On July 16, 2008, he signed a six-year, $33-million contract extension. On October 6, 2010, he was named the 13th captain in Oilers history. On March 3, 2011, he recorded his 400th career point. On July 4, 2013, he was traded to the Dallas Stars. On July 1, 2015, he signed a one-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks. On January 26, 2016, he was suspended 20 games for violating the NHL's performance-enhancing substance program. On September 16, 2016, he was named director of player development for the Detroit Red Wings. In 2022, he was named assistant general manager for the Red Wings and general manager of the Grand Rapids Griffins.

In Their Own Story

On January 10, 2006, Horcoff etched his name into the record books during a 3–1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. In a rare feat, he scored all three Oiler goals to complete his first career NHL hat-trick. Earlier that season, on November 18, 2005, he tied Wayne Gretzky's team record by assisting on four third-period goals against the Detroit Red Wings in a single period. His leadership was formalized on October 6, 2010, when he became the 13th captain in Oilers history, succeeding Ethan Moreau. Even after shoulder surgery ended his 2007–08 season early, he returned to sign a six-year, $33-million extension on July 16, 2008. His final seasons included a trade to Dallas on July 4, 2013, and a suspension of 20 games by the NHL on January 26, 2016, while playing for Anaheim.

Reader's Guide

Shawn Horcoff played 12 seasons with the Edmonton Oilers and served as team captain for three seasons. He also played for the Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks. After retiring, he became director of player development for the Detroit Red Wings, and later assistant general manager for the Red Wings and general manager of the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Did You Know?

• Horcoff was selected 99th overall in the fourth round of the 1998 NHL entry draft.
• He tied Wayne Gretzky's team record for most points in a period by assisting on four third-period goals against the Detroit Red Wings on November 18, 2005.
• He won Fastest Skater in the Skills Competition at the 2008 NHL All-Star Game.
• He was suspended 20 games in 2016 for violating the NHL's performance-enhancing substance program.
• His son, Will, is a college ice hockey player at Michigan and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2025 NHL entry draft.