JUST IN : Edmonton Oilers history: Kirk Maltby scores in first career NHL game, Oct. 8, 1993.see more details.
JUST IN: Edmonton Oilers History — Kirk Maltby Scores in First Career NHL Game, October 8, 1993
In a moment that would mark the beginning of a long and respectable NHL career, Kirk Maltby made an immediate impact during his first-ever National Hockey League game on October 8, 1993, by scoring a goal for the Edmonton Oilers. It was a debut that hinted at the grit, determination, and hockey IQ that would later define his 16-year professional career.
The Oilers were undergoing a transition period in the early 1990s, having moved past their dynasty years of the 1980s when legends like Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Jari Kurri led the team to multiple Stanley Cups. The team was searching for new identity and leadership, and players like Maltby were part of the franchise’s renewed focus on youth development and depth.
On that fateful night against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, a brand-new expansion team also making its NHL debut, Maltby didn’t take long to make his presence known. In the second period of the game, the 21-year-old winger found the back of the net, putting his name on the scoresheet and sending the Edmonton crowd into a frenzy. His goal not only added to the team’s early momentum but also provided a glimpse into the kind of hard-nosed, opportunistic hockey that would become his signature style.
Maltby was selected 65th overall in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft by Edmonton and spent time with the Cape Breton Oilers (AHL affiliate) honing his game. Known for his relentless forechecking, penalty killing, and willingness to stand up for his teammates, Maltby was never a flashy scorer. Still, his early offensive contributions gave fans and coaches alike hope that he could become a versatile piece of the roster.
Despite showing promise in Edmonton, Maltby’s time with the Oilers was relatively short. He played parts of three seasons with the team before being traded to the Detroit Red Wings in March 1996 in exchange for defenseman Dan McGillis. It was in Detroit where Maltby would flourish as part of the legendary “Grind Line” alongside Kris Draper and Darren McCarty—a unit instrumental in the Red Wings’ four Stanley Cup championships (1997, 1998, 2002, and 2008).
Still, his first goal with the Oilers remains a notable footnote in team history. It underscores the franchise’s ability to identify and develop talent, even if that talent goes on to make their greatest impact elsewhere.
Today, Kirk Maltby is remembered not only for his four Stanley Cups but also for the fiery, defensive-minded game he brought to every shift. His NHL debut with a goal on October 8, 1993, remains a proud moment for the Edmonton Oilers and a memorable start to an enduring NHL career.