The Edmonton Oilers are heading into the final stretch of their 2025 training camp season. The club has already cut 14 players from its original 55 names. As such, the remaining players include a mix of incumbents with a handful of hopefuls still vying for a roster spot.
So, here’s a look at the three potential dark horse candidates to crack the Edmonton Oilers’ Opening Night Roster when they take on the Calgary Flames on October 8.
3 Oilers dark horse candidates for 2025-26 opening night lineup
Riley Stillman
Riley Stillman has been a journeyman defenseman throughout his career. The former fourth-round pick of the Florida Panthers in the 2016 NHL Draft has bounced around various organizations.
His best season came in 2021-22 with the Chicago Blackhawks when he appeared in 52 games, scoring two goals and 12 points. Last season, he played all of five games for the Carolina Hurricanes, failing to register a point.
This offseason, the Oilers signed him to a two-year deal. The signing was likely a depth move aimed to bolster the AHL crew. Nevertheless, Stillman could squeak himself into a seventh or eighth defenseman role.
Stillman could push Troy Stecher for the seventh blueline spot, or perhaps hang around on the sidelines as an eighth defenseman. The Oilers, however, don’t have the cap space to carry an eighth defenseman unless another player is cut.
Fans should keep an eye out for the 27-year-old, who has decent size and can move the puck well enough to provide a decent defensive presence for the club moving forward.
Alec Regula
Like Stillman, Alec Regula could be another depth defenseman who might push himself into the seventh or eighth defenseman role. Regula was a waiver claim last season for the Oilers. He failed to play a game due to a knee injury.
Still, the 25-year-old former third-round pick of the Detroit Red Wings in the 2018 NHL Draft could find a role in Edmonton. He’s played just 22 NHL games, but has shown plenty of promise in the AHL.
He scored four goals and 26 points for the Providence Bruins in 2023-24. So, Regula could become a mainstay for Bakersfield this season. If he can stay healthy, the Oilers could be tempted to give Regula a shot to see what they have.
His 6’4”, 212-pound frame makes him a fantastic shutdown defenseman. He could pair with someone like Brett Kulak or Jake Walman to create a solid defensive pair. Ultimately, it all depends on Regula being healthy following a year-long absence.
Noah Philp
Noah Philp has been on the cusp of earning a regular role with the club. Last season, he appeared in 15 games, collecting assists.
This season, Philp could nab a bottom-six job, considering his versatility. He can suit up down the middle or on the wing. That’s a useful skill to have as the Oilers are currently dealing with injuries.
Most notably, Zach Hyman’s uncertain status could open up a roster spot for now. According to Daily Faceoff, he’s slated to be the fourth-line center. That could change, however, if the Oilers choose to deploy Leon Draisaitl as a center and not a winger playing with Connor McDavid.
Philp could also be on the outside looking in once Hyman returns. For now, Philp looks like he’s got a leg up. But other forwards like Mattias Janmark and Curtis Lazar could still push him out of a spot by Opening Night.