Four Canadian teams make their debuts tonight on Day 2 of the 2025-26 NHL season.
The day’s schedule features two classic all-Canadian rivalries as the Edmonton Oilers welcome the Calgary Flames and the Toronto Maple Leafs host the Montreal Canadiens.
The Oilers, who finished runner-up to Florida in the last two Stanley Cup finals, enter the season as a championship favourite and are on a high after superstar captain Connor McDavid signed a team-friendly contract extension to keep him in Edmonton another two years.
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Edmonton Oilers lace up for 1st game of regular season after McDavid extends contract -
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McDavid and Walman sign extensions with Edmonton Oilers -
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Edmonton Oilers training camp begins amid McDavid contract limbo -
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Will he stay or go? Connor McDavid in no hurry to make Edmonton Oilers contract decision -
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Oilers playoff run generates $266M boost to Edmonton’s economy -
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Edmonton councillor calls for referendum ahead of CRL extension public hearing -
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Psychic predictions for the future of the Edmonton Oilers -
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Edmonton Oilers fans processing Stanley Cup final loss -
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Stanley Cup Game 6 recap with Adam Wylde -
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Edmonton Oilers fans heartbroken after Stanley Cup final loss
Their Alberta rivals from Calgary also enter the season with high hopes, looking to build on a positive 2024-25 season that saw them narrowly miss the playoffs.
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The Leafs begin the season looking for an elusive deep playoff run, but they will have to do it without departed star forward Mitch Marner.
The Canadiens, meanwhile, surprised many by making the playoffs last season and will be looking to take the next step with a talented young core.
Canada’s other three teams play their first games tomorrow as the Ottawa Senators visit Tampa Bay, the Winnipeg Jets welcome Dallas, and the Vancouver Canucks entertain Calgary.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 8, 2025.
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