Canucks at Oilers: Opening Night Preview & Who to Watch
No opening-night storyline is bigger than the one in Edmonton. After back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers were stunned in the first round last spring — and hired the polarizing Mike Babcock, back behind an NHL bench for the first time in years. His debut, against the rival Vancouver Canucks, is must-see for reasons well beyond the standings.
Edmonton's reset
The Oilers reached the Cup Final in both 2024 and 2025, then were upset in the first round by the Anaheim Ducks — a jarring step back that cost coach Kris Knoblauch his job. Enter Babcock, whose return is one of the most talked-about (and debated) hires in recent memory. What hasn't changed is the reason Edmonton is always a threat: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, two of the best players on the planet, are still driving the bus.
A rivalry renewed
Vancouver comes in off a difficult season that missed the playoffs, and with a new head coach of its own in Manny Malhotra. The Canucks-Oilers rivalry always has an edge, and opening the season against a desperate Edmonton team under a brand-new coaching staff is a stiff early test.
Ones to Watch
Our picks below are informed opinion based on the facts above — not a crystal ball.
Every Oilers game is appointment viewing because of McDavid. A new coach and a bad taste from last spring only sharpen the motivation.
Not a player, but the story. How Babcock deploys McDavid and Draisaitl — and how the room responds — is the through-line of Edmonton's entire season, and it starts here.
The other half of the league's most dangerous duo. If Edmonton's window is still open, Draisaitl is a big reason why.
How to watch: the opener airs on Sportsnet in Canada. For every way to follow the Oilers this season, see our How to Watch the NHL in 2026-27 guide.
Full game details & how to watch →
Results and standings verified as of publication (Wednesday, July 29, 2026). "Ones to watch" are our opinion — see our Editorial Policy. Start times shown in US Eastern; on the schedule they convert to your local zone.