The 2006–07 Edmonton Oilers season began on October 5, 2006. It was the Oilers' 35th season, 28th in the NHL. After making it to the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals, the club had a disappointing season, finishing out of the playoffs. Prior to the season the club experience the stunning loss of star defenceman Chris Pronger. After helping the Oilers to the Stanley Cup final in the 2005–06 season, Pronger requested a trade due to personal reasons. In early July, Pronger was sent to the Anaheim Ducks for Joffrey Lupul, Ladislav Smid and various draft picks.