Isaac Howard leads a seasoned prospect group into Calgary as roster hopefuls fight to prove they belong in Edmonton’s lineup ahead of the new NHL campaign.
As the Edmonton Oilers rookies travel to Calgary for their first "action" of the 2025-26 season, a more veteran Oilers squad will take the ice. There are several names on the roster that have a shot at playing meaningful minutes in the NHL this season.
"I think I definitely can, and I don’t have to overthink it or do anything like that,” said Ike Howard on Friday as he talked about getting ready for the season. “I just have to come ready, play hard, compete hard, and just showcase myself.” Howard had 24 goals and 26 assists over 47 games in Bakersfield last season.
The entire top line for the Oilers includes players projected to get looks in the regular season.
Quinn Hutson has the longest odds, so he's just going to go out there and play his game. "Only three practices together, we're not too focused on systems. If we can go out there and play a good game, I think we'll have a good chance." He spoke with the media on Monday morning and talked about his season in the AHL. After putting up 30 goals and 33 assists in the AHL last season, Hutson is looking to keep producing offensively.
Forwards
Isaac Howard - Josh Samanski - Quinn Hutson
Rhett Pitlick - Viljami Marjala - David Lewandowski
Will Nicholl - Owen Michaels - Simon Tassey
Ryan Cameron - Rudolfs Berzkalns - Caden Harvey
Olli Wahlroos
Defence
Damien Carfagna - Beau Akey
Andrew Robinson - Tomas Cibulka
Samuel Sjolund - Zach Bookman
Kyle Heger
Goalies
Nathaniel Day
Eemil Vinni
Samuel Jonsson
According to the Flames' official NHL.com site:
As per the line rushes at Monday's morning skate, here's how the Flames stand to line up this evening:
FORWARDS
Matvei Gridin - Tyson Gross - Aydar Suniev
Andrew Basha - Jonathan Castagna - Chase Harrington
Simon Katolicky - Riley Boychuk - Joe Iginla
Ryder Boulton - Carter Wilkie - Brett Olson
Will Dineen
DEFENCE
Abram Wiebe - Kent Anderson
Axel Hurtig - Jakob Leander
Mace'o Phillips - Bode Laylin
Kyle Walker
GOALTENDERS
Arsenii Sergeev
Kirill Zarubin
The game can be streamed live for free on Oilers+ at 6:00 PM MT.
