The 1980–81 Edmonton Oilers season was the Oilers' 2nd season in the NHL, and they finished with 74 points, a 5 point improvement from their 1st season. Wayne Gretzky would run away with the Art Ross Trophy, awarded to the leading scorer, as he finished with 164 points, 29 points ahead of runner-up Marcel Dionne of the Los Angeles Kings. Gretzky would also win his 2nd straight Hart Trophy, awarded to the MVP of the NHL. His 164 points were an NHL record, previously held by Phil Esposito of the Boston Bruins in the 1970–71 NHL season when he scored 152 points. Youngsters Jari Kurri and Mark Messier would have very good offensive seasons, finishing 2nd and 3rd on the Oilers scoring list.