After scoring 90 points in 52 games as a 20-year-old, he signed a professional contract and was assigned to the Edmonton Flyers, an affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL).

line with wingers Johnny Bucyk and Tommy Williams, where he starred as a crafty stickhandler and patient playmaker.

[4] He was traded in 1967 to the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he centred a line for three years with Bob Pulford and Ron Ellis.

[3] Oliver was traded on May 22, 1970 (announced May 26) to the Minnesota North Stars in exchange for Terry O'Malley, the rights to Brian Conacher and cash.

In his debut, which was delayed because of a broken arm he suffered during the hockey season, he went hitless in three at-bats and committed one error.