Sports

Oilers score 8 U.S. national TV dates, most among Canadian NHL teams

By
Craig Ellingson

Published: 

New goalie Frederik Andersen, defenceman Alec Regula and forwards Mattias Janmark and Matt Savoie will not take part in next month's Oilers training camp.

The Edmonton Oilers are Canada’s team on U.S. TV.

The Connor McDavid-led National Hockey League squad is scheduled to be broadcast nationally eight times on the two American networks that hold broadcasting rights south of the Canadian border.

ESPN is slated to show the Oilers against U.S. teams five times, while TNT has them slotted for three games vs. American opponents.

Connor McDavid Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid skates during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

McDavid is considered by many to be the world’s best hockey player. The 29-year-old earned the Art Ross Trophy last season as the NHL’s top scorer, an award he’s claimed six times over his 11-year pro career. Among his other league accomplishments, McDavid led the Oilers to two Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2024 and 2025, ultimately losing both to the Florida Panthers.

Of Canada’s seven NHL teams, only four will be getting broadcast time in America: the Oilers, the Montreal Canadiens (six games), the Toronto Maple Leafs (three) and the Winnipeg Jets once, on Oct. 25 against the Habs in the Heritage Classic on Oct. 25.

Shut out of national U.S. broadcasts for 2026-27 are the Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks and Ottawa Senators.

Following a training camp that begins in mid-September and four pre-season games, the Oilers begin the 2026-27 regular season at home on Sept. 29 against the Vancouver Canucks.

Oilers on American TV schedule

  • Nov. 3 at New Jersey Devils (ESPN);
  • Nov. 19 at Tampa Bay Lightning (ESPN);
  • Nov. 24 vs. Vegas Golden Knights (TNT);
  • Jan. 5 at Nashville Predators (ESPN);
  • Jan. 20 at Vegas Golden Knights (TNT);
  • Feb. 17 vs. Colorado Avalanche (TNT);
  • March 15 at Colorado Avalanche (ESPN);
  • March 25 at Minnesota Wild (ESPN).