It’s all about Connor McDavid.
The 2015 first overall pick is set to make his NHL debut when the Edmonton Oilers take the ice for the 2015-16 season. On the heels of an off-season that also saw the club add former Boston Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli to its front office, make a splash on the free agent market with Andrej Sekera, and take a stab at landing its next No. 1 goaltender with Cam Talbot in a trade with the New York Rangers…there’s reason for optimism in Edmonton.
Sportsnet will broadcast all 82 of the Oilers’ regular season games in 2015-16. The Oilers’ broadcast schedule, featuring 36 national games and 46 regional games, kicks off Thursday, Oct. 8, at 6 p.m. MT / 8 p.m. ET on Sportsnet 360 when McDavid is expected to make his regular season debut on the road versus the St. Louis Blues.
All national and regional Oilers games are also available on Rogers NHL GameCentre LIVE.
Here are five must-watch Oilers games for the 2015-16 season:
Edmonton Oilers vs. St. Louis Blues, Thursday, Oct. 8 (National – Sportsnet 360)
McDavid’s debut will likely be the most anticipated game of the NHL’s opening week. Head coach Todd McLellan will also make his debut behind the Oilers’ bench as the club travels to St. Louis to kick off the season.
The Blues’ $7.5 million man, Vladimir Tarasenko, is certainly worth the price of admission, too.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames, Saturday, Oct. 17 (National – Hockey Night in Canada)
The Battle of Alberta has life again.
The Flames were one of the league’s most surprising teams last season. They added defenceman Dougie Hamilton via trade in the off-season and signed analytics darling Michael Frolik to a five-year, $21.5-million contract.
The Oilers hope to mimic the Flames’ ascension up the standings following a decent off-season of their own. One of the game’s greatest rivalries may involve meaningful hockey for the first time in a while.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Edmonton Oilers, Friday, Nov. 6 (National – Sportsnet)
It was just over a decade ago when the Pittsburgh Penguins emerged from a run of losing seasons and financial uncertainty to become a perennial contender behind young superstars like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
Crosby will meet McDavid on NHL ice for the first time in November when the Penguins arrive in Edmonton for the first of two meetings in 2015-16.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs, Monday, Nov. 30 (National – Sportsnet)
Despite the Oilers and Maple Leafs playing for little more than the title of “who loses harder?” over the past few seasons, their fanbases’ distaste for each other is certainly palpable.
Now, there’s a new catalyst for the hatred.
Connor McDavid grew up a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs narrowly missed out on landing the first overall pick at the draft lottery in April.
McDavid will play before an Air Canada Centre crowd in the clubs’ first meeting in November.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Edmonton Oilers, Sunday, Dec. 6 (National – Sportsnet)
McDavid versus Eichel is the NHL’s next great manufactured rivalry. McDavid will face off against Jack Eichel, the No. 2 overall pick, for the first time when the Buffalo Sabres head to Edmonton in December.
Eichel is confident that he can be every bit the player McDavid will be. Even better. Get your popcorn ready.
