Flames Set to Face Oilers in 2025-26 Season Opener

EDMONTON, Alberta — The Calgary Flames open their 2025-26 NHL season Wednesday night against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place, starting at 10 p.m. ET.

This contest, known as the Battle of Alberta, features a Flames lineup filled with young talent and a few question marks. The Flames will be without key forwards Jonathan Huberdeau and Martin Pospisil, who are on the injured list.

Flames forwards Joel Farabee, Nazem Kadri, and Adam Klapka headline the top line, while Matvei Gridin, a first-round pick from 2024, is expected to make his NHL debut.

Calgary’s lineup for tonight includes:
Forwards:
Joel Farabee – Nazem Kadri – Adam Klapka
Matvei Gridin – Morgan Frost – Matt Coronato
Connor Zary – Mikael Backlund – Blake Coleman
Ryan Lomberg – Justin Kirkland – Yegor Sharangovich

Defensemen:
Joel Hanley – MacKenzie Weegar
Kevin Bahl – Rasmus Andersson
Jake Bean – Brayden Pachal

Goaltenders:
Dustin Wolf and Devin Cooley.
Scratched are Samuel Honzek, Daniil Miromanov, and Zayne Parekh.

On the other side, the Oilers will field a potent lineup led by superstar Connor McDavid, who recently signed a two-year, $25 million contract extension. Edmonton’s lineup includes McDavid centering Leon Draisaitl and Trent Frederic.

Flames head coach Ryan Huska highlighted the importance of a strong start to the season. ‘We’re ready to give it our all despite the injuries,’ he said.

Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch expressed enthusiasm about his team’s revamped lineup after a promising training camp. ‘We want to start strong at home,’ Knoblauch said.

As the two rivals clash tonight, the Flames will seek their first win of the season, while the Oilers aim to make an early statement as Stanley Cup contenders.