Oilers announce first roster cuts at training camp, coach reveals more incoming

The Oilers invited a total of 55 players to their training camp this season, and only around 23 players will make the NHL roster for opening night. Many players will be cut, but are needed to fill out the early preseason games.

Coach Knoblauch spoke about more roster cuts incoming, but the team has also just announced their first two cuts this year: 2025 draft picks David Lewandowski and Tommy Lafrenière.

Speaking to the media after the first preseason games yesterday, Coach Knoblauch revealed the first cuts are expected on their off-day on September 25th.

Fans can expect the first round of cuts to be largely players who had almost no chance to make the NHL roster, and didn't do much to stand out in their preseason efforts. It can be interesting to read into any prospects included in the first round of cuts - and who stays around longer than expected.

However, the Oilers still have 6 more preseason games to get through until their regular season opener on October 8th. It's beneficial to keep some prospects on the training camp roster to limit the risk of injuries to NHL players. It also gives these prospects a showcase to management, and serves as a measure for their development.

The Oilers' preseason will continue tomorrow night with a home game against the Winnipeg Jets. As the preseason moves on the quality of the hockey will improve until the bang of opening night, which can't come soon enough.