This past summer saw the Edmonton Oilers lose a number of players as the team maneuvered one of the last years they’ll be tight to the salary cap for the foreseeable future.
While the team had to move out the likes of Evander Kane and Viktor Arvidsson for salary cap purposes, the Oilers were also outbid by a number of other teams. And with the NHL’s salary cap rising, several players were able to cash in on deals the Oilers simply couldn’t afford.
The NHL released the full 2025-26 schedule this past week, giving us a chance to look at when six former Oilers will face their old team for the first time and at when they’ll return to the Rogers Place ice.
Evander Kane – Vancouver Canucks
First time playing against Edmonton: October 11th
First time playing in Edmonton: October 11th
The Oilers traded Kane to the Canucks in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick, later using it to select forward David Lewandowski. Kane was a salary cap casualty after missing the entire regular season, and disappointing in the playoffs.
Edmonton’s second regular-season game of the season will be hosting the Canucks, just two nights after opening their season at home against the Calgary Flames.
Connor Brown – New Jersey Devils
First time playing against Edmonton: October 18th
First time playing in Edmonton: January 20th
Brown was lost in free agency to the Devils, who signed him to a four-year deal carrying a $3-million cap hit. While Brown was a solid player for the Oilers, especially this past season, the deal was simply too much for Edmonton.
After the Oilers open their season against Calgary and Vancouver, they head out for a five-game eastern road trip, including an October 18th stop against the Devils. New Jersey will come to Edmonton on January 20th.
Corey Perry – Los Angeles Kings
First time playing against Edmonton: January 10th
First time playing in Edmonton: January 10th
I still can’t wrap my head around why, beyond financial reasons, Perry chose the Kings. He must be very appreciative of Ken Holland giving him another shot, as Perry signed a one-year deal with a $2-million cap hit, and up to an additional $2-million in bonuses. No matter how solid Perry was for the team, they couldn’t offer a similar deal, especially since Perry played for $1.15-million last year.
It will be a wait until Perry sees the Oilers, as the two teams will meet in Edmonton on January 10th.
Viktor Arvidsson – Boston Bruins
First time playing against Edmonton: December 18th
First time playing in Edmonton: December 31st
Arvidsson, much like Kane, was a salary cap casualty, getting dealt to the Bruins for a 2027 fifth-round pick. The Oilers hoped he would come in and find his game in the top-six, and while he had some solid stretches for the team, a lack of consistency was a major issue.
He’ll see the Oilers twice in December, first when Edmonton travels to Boston for a December 18th game, and then the two teams will meet on New Years Eve in Alberta’s capital.
John Klingberg and Jeff Skinner – San Jose Sharks
First time playing against Edmonton: January 29th
First time playing in Edmonton: January 29th
Klingberg and Skinner both had solid seasons in Edmonton in their own right, and both were able to cash in on some nice one-year deals in San Jose. Klingberg will earn $4-million and Skinner $3-million, both carrying no-trade clauses through January 30th.
And one day before those clauses kick in, the Sharks will pay visit to Edmonton.
