Overview
- Edmonton sits 5-4-3 through 12 games after a 6-3 comeback over Utah earlier in the week.
- The start continues a multi-year pattern of sluggish Octobers, with the Oilers trailing in eight of their first 12 games this season.
- Offseason exits of veteran scorers reshaped the lineup, and early production from newcomers and rookies has been inconsistent with Zach Hyman still out.
- Goaltending steadiness remains a priority after recent Octobers marked by sub-.900 save rates and ongoing lineup churn.
- Coach Kris Knoblauch has leaned on the McDavid–Draisaitl pairing and limited some rookie minutes, and Connor McDavid’s new two-year deal intensifies short-term expectations.