The Edmonton Oilers enter the 2026-27 NHL season facing one of the most important seasons in franchise history. After a disappointing first-round playoff exit in 2025-26, expectations remain sky-high for a team led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
While fans are still waiting for the complete Edmonton Oilers’ 2026-27 schedule, the club has already announced its preseason slate. The upcoming season will also mark the NHL’s transition to an expanded 84-game regular-season format.
Oilers Preseason Schedule for 2026-27
The Oilers have announced a four-game preseason schedule that will run from Sept. 19 through Sept. 26, 2026.
Due to the expanded 84-game regular season, Edmonton will play a streamlined four-game exhibition schedule featuring all three of its Western Canadian rivals.
Edmonton Oilers Preseason Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time (MT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 19, 2026 | Winnipeg Jets | Rogers Place, Edmonton | 6:00 PM |
| Sept. 22, 2026 | Winnipeg Jets | Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg | 5:00 PM |
| Sept. 24, 2026 | Vancouver Canucks | Vancouver | 7:00 PM |
| Sept. 26, 2026 | Calgary Flames | Rogers Place, Edmonton | 7:00 PM |
Fans unable to attend games in person can watch non-televised preseason contests through OilersPlus.com.
Edmonton Oilers’ 2026-27 schedule
The NHL has not yet released the full Oilers’ 2026-27 schedule for the regular season.
Once the league officially announces the schedule, this article will be updated with all regular-season games, key matchups, home openers, road trips, rivalry games, and nationally televised contests.
The 2026-27 season will be notable because the NHL is expanding the regular season from 82 games to 84 games, giving teams two additional games on the schedule.
NOTE: Check back for updates once the NHL releases the complete schedule.
Why the 2026-27 season matters for Oilerss?
The Oilers are coming off a frustrating 2025-26 campaign that fell far short of expectations.
After reaching consecutive Stanley Cup Finals in 2024 and 2025, Edmonton regressed significantly during the 2025-26 season. The club finished with a 41-30-11 record and 93 points, placing second in the Pacific Division and fifth in the Western Conference.
The disappointment continued in the playoffs, where the Anaheim Ducks eliminated Edmonton in six games during the opening round. It marked the first time since 2021 that the Oilers failed to advance beyond the first round.
Despite another elite offensive season led by McDavid’s 138 points, defensive inconsistencies and goaltending struggles proved costly. Edmonton ranked among the league’s lower defensive teams, while the acquisition of goaltender Tristan Jarry failed to provide stability.
The early exit ultimately led to the dismissal of head coach Kris Knoblauch.
Major Oilers Offseason Storylines
Several important developments could shape the Oilers’ 2026-27 season before the puck drops.
Coaching Search Continues
Edmonton is searching for a new head coach following Knoblauch’s departure. The organization is focused on finding a leader capable of maximizing the championship window surrounding McDavid and Draisaitl.
Potential candidates: Bruce Cassidy, Mike Babcock.
Darnell Nurse Requests Trade
Defenseman Darnell Nurse has reportedly requested a trade, creating a major offseason challenge for general manager Stan Bowman.
Moving Nurse’s contract could provide valuable salary-cap flexibility, though finding a trade partner may prove difficult.
Salary Cap Challenges
Even with a league-wide cap increase to $104 million, the Oilers must carefully manage their finances.
Large contracts for McDavid, Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard continue to limit roster flexibility, leaving management with important decisions regarding depth players and free-agent additions.
Limited Draft Assets
Years of aggressive win-now moves have reduced Edmonton’s draft capital. The organization currently lacks first-round selections in each of the next two NHL Drafts, increasing pressure on player development and smart roster management.
Expectations for the Oilers in 2026-27
Despite last season’s setback, the Oilers remain among the NHL’s most talented teams.
The franchise’s success will largely depend on three factors:
- Improving goaltending stability.
- Strengthening defensive play.
- Getting meaningful contributions from young players such as Matthew Savoie and Vasily Podkolzin.
With Connor McDavid entering the first year of his new 2 year, $25 million contract, the urgency around the organization continues to grow.
Anything short of a deep playoff run will likely be viewed as a disappointing result for a team built to compete for the Stanley Cup.
Will the Oilers return to Stanley Cup contention?
The Oilers still possess one of hockey’s most dangerous offensive cores, led by McDavid and Draisaitl. However, questions surrounding coaching, defense, goaltending, and roster depth remain unresolved.
As fans wait for the official Oilers’ 2026-27 schedule, the preseason will provide an early glimpse into how Edmonton plans to rebound from its disappointing 2025-26 campaign and re-establish itself as a Stanley Cup contender.
