Oilers opening night lineup starting to take shape ahead of division rival matchup

National Hockey League (NHL) training camps are coming to an end with the 2025-26 season right around the corner leading teams to make tough choices. The Edmonton Oilers are no different.

They have made a large number of cuts in recent days, sending many depth players and prospects to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors. Trimming their roster has allowed the team's top lines to take shape as they enter Sunday night's match against their Pacific Division rival, Vancouver Canucks.

This is the Oilers final preseason game at home and looking at the lines, it seems to be a good indication of what to expect come opening night on October 8th against the Battle of Alberta rivals Calgary Flames.

The team has two more exhibition games left after this, against the Seattle Kraken and Flames on October 1st and 3rd next week.

Where to watch

The game will be played at the Oilers home arena, Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta. The game starts at 6:00 PM Mountain Standard Time (MST) and 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time (PST).

The game can be see on TV on Sportsnet and streamed on SportsnetPlus, OilersPlus and on radio on CHED880.

Lines

The Oilers lines seem eerily close to their projected opening night lineup, per Bob Stauffer from yesterday. It is an extended look but gives a good idea for who will be playing in tonight's match.

Canucks beat reporter, Jeff Paterson seemed to indicate the Canucks would ice a slightly less complete lineup based on their Saturday morning skate.

Players to watch

There are plenty of interesting storylines related to players, especially with the small battles throughout camp that are being completed very soon.

Trent Frederic

With Zach Hyman out, Frederic seems to be the player most likely to take on his role alongside the reunited pairing of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. He is a player to watch to see how well he meshes with the two Oilers stars and as they play together more and become more familiar with one another.

Adam Henrique & David Tomasek

Given they will both be occupying the third line in this game, it is likely they will be splitting draws and alternating the centre position. They are the two players in a most furious battle for this position and it will be a good dynamic to keep an eye on to see how either one fits in this role.

Matt Savoie

The Oilers coaching staff seems to have found a role for the team's No. 1 ranked prospect Matt Savoie to be playing as a play driving winger in the team's middle-six. He is a good player to watch due to his skill level and his abilities to control the pace of play. It will be interesting to see his potential chemistry with either of the above mentioned Henrique and Tomasek.

Stuart Skinner

The Oilers netminder is the presumptive starter in tonight's game and will definitely draw a lot of attention. He entered training camp with plenty of hype having worked closely with new goaltending coach Peter Aubry and coming to camp in better shape. However, he had a poor performance in his last outing against the Kraken this preseason.

As the Oilers creases faces a lot of questions and criticism, it will be important for the goalie -- who has been given a lot of faith by Oilers brass -- to hit the ground running and dispel any fears the fans and media may have.