The 2025-26 Oilers schedule has arrived with a Battle of Alberta to open the season on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at Rogers Place
The wait is over. Fans of the Edmonton Oilers can now mark their calendars and start planning for what promises to be an exciting and action-packed 2025-26 NHL season. The team’s official schedule has just been released, and it comes with a bang—featuring a Battle of Alberta to kick off the campaign, scheduled for Wednesday, October 8, at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
The long-standing rivalry between the Oilers and the Calgary Flames is one of the most anticipated matchups of the season, and opening night is expected to deliver fireworks on and off the ice. With both teams gearing up for a competitive season, this divisional showdown will set the tone for the intense battles that lie ahead in what promises to be a thrilling Pacific Division race.
As the Oilers look to build on a strong 2024-25 campaign, expectations are high. After securing another playoff berth and reaching the Western Conference Finals, the team is primed for a deep run, led by Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and a core of talented players. The Oilers will be looking to take the next step this season, and the 2025-26 schedule features key matchups, both divisional and inter-conference, that could define their journey to the Stanley Cup.
It doesn’t get much better than this for Oilers fans. The season opener on October 8 will feature the Calgary Flames, Edmonton’s arch-rivals, coming to town for what is sure to be an electric night at Rogers Place. This long-standing rivalry has seen its share of epic moments over the years, with both teams often battling it out for supremacy in the Pacific Division.
The Battle of Alberta always brings out the best (and sometimes the worst) in both teams, and this year is expected to be no different. The Flames will be looking to spoil the Oilers’ season debut with a fast and physical game, while Edmonton will look to make an early statement about their intentions for the season ahead.
With both teams having solidified their positions as playoff contenders in recent years, this opening game could set the tone for the rivalry as the season progresses. It will also be a crucial game for Edmonton to start strong, as the team has high hopes of challenging for the division title and ultimately the Stanley Cup.
Fans of both teams are already gearing up for what promises to be a high-energy matchup, with both squads bringing a mix of veteran leadership and young talent to the ice. McDavid, Draisaitl, and the rest of the Oilers’ skilled forwards will face off against a Flames team that is known for its gritty play and well-rounded lineup.
Key Dates to Watch: Home and Away
While the Battle of Alberta might steal the spotlight on opening night, there are several other key dates throughout the 2025-26 season that Oilers fans should mark down in their calendars. These matchups will be critical for Edmonton as they aim to climb the standings and fight for home-ice advantage in the playoffs.
November 10: Oilers vs. Colorado Avalanche (Home)
The Colorado Avalanche are the defending Stanley Cup champions and will undoubtedly be a major contender in the 2025-26 season. With a roster that includes stars like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Mikko Rantanen, the Avs are a team that can challenge any opponent. This November 10th game at Rogers Place will be a good early test for the Oilers, as they look to see how they stack up against one of the league’s best.
The Avalanche and Oilers have had some thrilling games in recent seasons, and this game will likely be no different. Both teams play an up-tempo, skill-based game that makes for exciting hockey, and fans can expect another showdown between McDavid and MacKinnon—the two players often discussed as the league’s most electrifying talents.
December 1: Oilers vs. Vegas Golden Knights (Away)
The Vegas Golden Knights are another team that will be in the mix for the top spot in the Pacific Division. Known for their structured play and stingy defense, Vegas is a team that has given the Oilers trouble in recent seasons. This December 1 matchup will be crucial for Edmonton as they look to make a statement on the road against a divisional opponent.
With a playoff spot likely to be on the line as the season progresses, these divisional games could have serious implications for home-ice advantage later in the year. A win on the road in Vegas will give the Oilers much-needed confidence as they approach the midway point of the season.
January 18: Oilers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (Home)
A marquee matchup on the Oilers’ calendar is the January 18th game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs, led by Auston Matthews, John Tavares, and Mitch Marner, are one of the most talented teams in the NHL. Their high-powered offense presents a major challenge for the Oilers, who will need to match Toronto’s intensity if they want to secure the win at home.
This game will be a special one for McDavid, a Toronto native, who has often been compared to Matthews as the future face of the league. There’s always extra attention when McDavid faces off against the Leafs, and the game promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the league’s top teams.
March 25: Oilers vs. New York Rangers (Away)
The New York Rangers have a roster full of skill and firepower, including stars like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Igor Shesterkin in goal. A March 25th road game in Madison Square Garden will be one of the Oilers’ toughest tests of the season. The Rangers’ fast-paced style of play, combined with the intimidating atmosphere of MSG, will give the Oilers a real challenge as they look to fine-tune their game heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
April 7: Oilers vs. Calgary Flames (Home)
The final regular season Battle of Alberta on April 7 could have serious playoff implications, depending on how the standings are shaping up at that point. If both teams are fighting for playoff positioning, you can bet this game will be intense, physical, and filled with emotion. As the rivalry continues to heat up, this late-season matchup could be a preview of a playoff series to come.
As the 2025-26 season unfolds, there are a number of intriguing storylines for Edmonton Oilers fans to follow:
McDavid’s Quest for a Stanley Cup
After yet another dominant season in 2024-25, Connor McDavid remains the focal point of the Oilers’ franchise. With a Stanley Cup still the only missing piece from his legacy, McDavid will be more determined than ever to lead his team to the promised land. This could be the season where everything finally clicks, as the Oilers continue to build around him with players like Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
Improved Defense and Goaltending
One of the areas where the Oilers have struggled in recent seasons has been their defense and goaltending. While McDavid and Draisaitl can put up points with the best of them, the Oilers have often found themselves in shootouts rather than shutdown battles. Stuart Skinner, who emerged as the team’s number one goalie in 2024-25, will be under pressure to deliver consistently this season, while the defense corps will need to step up and play more physically to complement the team’s high-powered offense.
Depth and Role Players Rising to the Occasion
For the Oilers to take the next step, it’s crucial that their role players contribute at a high level. Players like Kailer Yamamoto, Darnell Nurse, and Evander Kane will need to continue playing key roles in all aspects of the game, whether it’s special teams, offensive zone presence, or providing stability on the back end. The team has an impressive array of talent, but it will be the depth players who could ultimately make the difference when it comes to a long playoff run.
The 2025-26 Edmonton Oilers schedule is full of exciting matchups and crucial games that will define the team’s success. With a Battle of Alberta to kick off the season and a host of other key matchups to look forward to, fans can expect another high-octane season of hockey in Edmonton. As the Oilers look to build on their recent playoff success and finally bring a Stanley Cup back to Edmonton, every game will be a battle, and every point will count. The stage is set for what could be the Oilers’ best season yet, and it all starts on October 8.
