Excitement Builds as 2025 Oilers Preseason Schedule Features Split-Squad Battle of Alberta, Canucks, Jets and Kraken Showdowns

The countdown to hockey season is officially underway in Edmonton as the Oilers have released their highly anticipated 2025 preseason schedule. Fans across Alberta and beyond will get their first glimpse of the next iteration of the Oilers, with the slate highlighted by the always-intense Battle of Alberta, as well as competitive matchups against familiar Western Conference foes — the Vancouver Canucks, Winnipeg Jets, and Seattle Kraken.

The preseason action begins in dramatic fashion with a split-squad Battle of Alberta on September 21, reigniting one of hockey’s fiercest rivalries. With players divided between rosters, both Oilers and Flames fans can expect a double dose of action as the two provincial rivals square off in different locations on the same night. It’s the perfect way to test the roster depth of both clubs while also stoking the flames — quite literally — of one of the NHL’s most heated showdowns.

These split-squad games have become a tradition of sorts during preseason play, offering coaches a unique opportunity to evaluate veterans, prospects, and players on the bubble simultaneously. But for fans, it means twice the drama, twice the hits, and twice the entertainment — especially when it involves bragging rights across Alberta. The Battle of Alberta rarely disappoints, whether it’s the preseason or the playoffs, and Oil Country will be watching closely to see how the team sets the tone for the months ahead.

Following the Battle of Alberta, the Oilers will enter a steady rhythm of home-and-away matchups designed to fine-tune their systems and provide players with opportunities to earn their place in the final lineup. First up, the Vancouver Canucks await. Edmonton will face Vancouver both at home and on the road in a pair of games that should give a clear indication of how each roster is shaping up for the regular season.

The Canucks, like the Oilers, are entering this season with heightened expectations. After years of restructuring and developing young talent, Vancouver believes they have the pieces to challenge for playoff positioning in the competitive Pacific Division. That makes these preseason contests more than just tune-ups — they’re early measuring sticks for teams with postseason aspirations.

Up next, Edmonton squares off with the Winnipeg Jets in another home-and-away series. The Jets, known for their speed, defensive structure, and one of the league’s top goaltenders, provide a perfect test for Edmonton’s offensive firepower. These games will be especially intriguing for Oilers fans eager to see how newcomers and young prospects adapt to NHL competition against a hard-nosed opponent like Winnipeg.

While preseason games may not count in the standings, coaches and players alike understand the importance of these contests. It’s not just about knocking off the offseason rust; it’s about building chemistry, implementing systems, and, perhaps most importantly, identifying the players ready to take the next step. The Jets’ matchups will serve as a key barometer for evaluating roster depth, particularly among Edmonton’s bottom-six forwards and defensive pairings.

Finally, the Oilers will round out their preseason slate with home-and-away games against the Seattle Kraken — a team that has quickly developed into a worthy adversary in the Pacific Division. Since joining the league, the Kraken have built a reputation for disciplined play, balanced scoring, and a physical edge, making them an ideal final opponent for Edmonton before the games start to matter.

Facing the Kraken provides the Oilers with a valuable opportunity to simulate the grind of divisional play. Seattle’s structured approach challenges teams to stay focused, win battles along the boards, and capitalize on limited scoring chances — all key ingredients for success during the regular season. It also offers Edmonton’s coaching staff one last opportunity to solidify special teams units, experiment with line combinations, and evaluate players battling for the final roster spots.

Beyond the matchups themselves, the 2025 preseason offers no shortage of storylines for Oilers fans to follow. With expectations sky-high following last season’s playoff run, all eyes will be on superstar captain Connor McDavid as he leads a team determined to make another deep postseason push. McDavid, entering his prime years, remains the heartbeat of the franchise, and the preseason will serve as an early glimpse into how the Oilers plan to maximize his talents this year.

Of course, it won’t just be about the stars. The preseason represents a critical proving ground for prospects and newcomers looking to crack the NHL roster. Young talents from recent drafts, including those from the 2023, 2024, and 2025 classes, will be eager to showcase their skills, while veterans on professional tryout contracts aim to earn a place within the organization. Every shift, every battle along the boards, and every shot on goal carries weight as players strive to impress the coaching staff and management.

For the Oilers coaching staff, led by head coach Kris Knoblauch, the preseason is invaluable. It’s a chance to experiment with line combinations, integrate offseason acquisitions, and fine-tune the special teams units that have often been the difference-maker for Edmonton. With an evolving defensive core and several key role players vying for expanded responsibilities, these games will offer insight into the Oilers’ strategic approach for the upcoming campaign.

Additionally, the goaltending battle will be under the microscope. After last season’s ups and downs between the pipes, preseason performances could influence the crease hierarchy heading into the regular season. Whether it’s a familiar face or an emerging prospect, the Oilers need consistency and confidence in net, and these exhibition games provide the perfect stage to build that foundation.

For Oilers fans, the preseason isn’t just about evaluating players — it’s about reconnecting with the team after a long offseason, reigniting passion for the game, and soaking in the energy that only hockey in Edmonton can deliver. Rogers Place is sure to be buzzing with excitement when the Oilers hit the ice, and road games offer dedicated fans a chance to travel and support the team as they prepare for another grueling NHL season.

Moreover, the split-squad Battle of Alberta ensures that preseason hockey arrives with fireworks right from the opening puck drop. There’s simply nothing like the rivalry between Edmonton and Calgary, and even in preseason form, the intensity, physicality, and emotion run high. These games offer the perfect appetizer before the main course of regular-season hockey.

As the Oilers embark on their 2025 preseason journey, the expectations are clear — this is a team built to contend. The combination of generational talent, a deep supporting cast, and lessons learned from past playoff battles have positioned Edmonton as one of the league’s most dangerous teams. But to meet those expectations, the foundation must be laid now, in training camp and throughout the exhibition schedule.

The upcoming games against the Canucks, Jets, and Kraken will provide critical opportunities to evaluate progress, identify areas for improvement, and build momentum ahead of the season opener. Meanwhile, the Battle of Alberta ensures that the Oilers start their preseason with intensity and purpose, setting the tone for the months to come.

Hockey is nearly back, Oil Country — and with rivalries renewed, prospects eager to shine, and championship dreams alive, the 2025 preseason promises to be anything but ordinary. The road to the Stanley Cup begins now, and it all starts with the split-squad showdown on September 21.