Here is when Edmonton Oilers will make first training camp cuts
The Edmonton Oilers will be making cuts to their training camp roster this week, but not before a few more games.
A total of 55 players are participating in this year’s camp. A significant portion of which were in action during Sunday night’s split-squad games in Edmonton and Calgary. It was the tale of two games for the Oilers, as they won dominantly in Calgary by a score of 3-0, but dropped a 3-2 OT decision in the Alberta capital.
None of the big guns were playing, with both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl watching from the Rogers Place rafters. With that being the case, these games were big opportunities for players looking to make an impression on the Oilers coaching staff.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch will be responsible for cutting down this roster in the weeks to come. Following the loss in Edmonton, Knoblauch gave a rough timeline on when fans can expect the first round of cuts to be made.
“We have that day off on Thursday, and we’ll probably be sending some guys out then,” Knoblauch said.
"You're trying to get the guys to work hard, skate & play with a lot of pace… You're trying to get them familiar with the systems."
Coach Knoblauch on what he aimed to extract from game one of the #Oilers preseason.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/u45y9EDUEr
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) September 22, 2025
With Thursday being the likely day for first cuts, players will still have an opportunity to stick around longer. The Oilers have two more preseason games before then, including another home game on Wednesday night against the Seattle Kraken.
None of the bona fide NHL talent will be on the chopping block, and players sniffing around roster spots will likely get a longer look in camp. Players who are most at risk of getting cut include younger prospects and those signed to AHL contracts.
Of course, there is always the potential that a player in either one of those categories manages to stick around longer than expected.
The Oilers will continue training camp on Monday and prepare for Tuesday night’s preseason matchup in Winnipeg against the Jets.