Honestly, if you're an Oilers fan right now, you’re probably refreshing your feed every five minutes. The schedule is packed, the division is tight, and the team is navigating some of the weirdest roster fluctuations we've seen in years. So, to answer the burning question: when is the next oilers game? The Edmonton Oilers are set to host the St. Louis Blues tonight, Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Rogers Place. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:00 PM MST (8:00 PM ET).
It’s a big one. Not just because every point in the Pacific Division feels like a life-or-death struggle this year, but because tonight is actually a massive milestone for the franchise. The team is officially celebrating Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ 1,000th NHL game. "The Nuge" has been the backbone of this city through the darkest "decade of darkness" and the brightest playoff runs, so expect the atmosphere in the building to be electric—and maybe a bit emotional.
Watching the Oilers: Schedule and Broadcast Details
If you aren't heading down to Ice District to freeze your face off, you’ve got plenty of ways to catch the action. In Canada, the game is being carried by Sportsnet and TVA Sports. For the fans south of the border, you can find the broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Midwest (for the Blues feed) or stream it via NHL Power Play on ESPN+.
This game kicks off what is basically a marathon at home. The Oilers are starting a staggering eight-game homestand. That is a lot of hockey in one building. If they can’t find their rhythm now, with the comforts of home cooking and their own beds, the road ahead gets a lot steeper.
Upcoming January 2026 Schedule
After the Blues tonight, the schedule doesn't let up. Here is a look at the immediate slate:
👉 See also: Was Bill Belichick Ever Married? What Most People Get Wrong
- Tuesday, Jan 20: New Jersey Devils at Oilers (8:00 PM MST)
- Thursday, Jan 22: Pittsburgh Penguins at Oilers (7:00 PM MST)
- Saturday, Jan 24: Washington Capitals at Oilers (8:00 PM MST)
- Monday, Jan 26: Anaheim Ducks at Oilers (6:30 PM MST)
The Draisaitl Absence: What’s Really Going On?
You can’t talk about the next Oilers game without addressing the elephant in the room—or rather, the superstar not in the room. Leon Draisaitl is currently on a leave of absence. He flew back to Cologne, Germany, on Friday to deal with a family illness.
It’s a tough blow. Draisaitl is arguably the best passer on the planet and his chemistry with McDavid on the power play is practically telepathic. But as Connor McDavid told reporters in Vancouver yesterday, "The job comes second." The team has been very tight-lipped about the specifics, asking for privacy, which we should respect.
The silver lining? The depth players are actually stepping up. In their last outing—a dominant 6-0 thrashing of the Canucks—Jack Roslovic and Kasperi Kapanen looked like different players. When the big dogs are away, the "middle six" has to eat.
The Goaltending Carousel: Jarry vs. Ingram
If you've been following the Oilers since the fall, you know the net has been a bit of a soap opera. After moving on from Stuart Skinner earlier this season, the Oilers banked hard on Tristan Jarry.
✨ Don't miss: Vertical Leap: What Most People Get Wrong About Jumping Higher
Jarry just posted a 31-save shutout against Vancouver on Saturday. It was his first "statement" game as an Oiler. However, for tonight’s game against St. Louis, the word is that Connor Ingram will get the start.
Management just made a big decision on Ingram. Saturday was the final day they could have sent him down to Bakersfield without waivers. They kept him. That tells you they trust him to be more than just a backup. It looks like we’re heading into a "1A/1B" situation where Jarry and Ingram split the load while Calvin Pickard waits in the wings as the veteran insurance policy.
What to Watch for Against the Blues
The St. Louis Blues aren't exactly world-beaters this year, but they are getting a major boost tonight. Dylan Holloway is returning to the lineup after missing 15 games with an ankle injury.
Yeah, that Dylan Holloway.
🔗 Read more: U of Washington Football News: Why Jedd Fisch’s Roster Overhaul Is Working
Seeing him back in Edmonton in a Blues jersey still feels a bit wrong to some fans. He’s going to be hungry to prove something against his former squad. On the St. Louis side, Jordan Binnington is expected to start in net. Binnington is the definition of a "wild card"—he can either steal a game or lose his cool in the first period.
The Oilers’ power play is currently operating at a league-high 33%. Even without Draisaitl, McDavid and Evan Bouchard are findng ways to make teams pay for taking penalties. If the Blues play a physical, chippy game, they might find themselves in the box, and that's usually where games at Rogers Place go to die.
Actionable Strategy for Fans
If you’re looking to follow the team through this homestand, keep an eye on the roster wire. With the trade deadline looming on March 6, rumors are swirling that GM Stan Bowman is looking for a third-line center. Names like Jesperi Kotkaniemi have been floated.
Next Steps for the Die-Hards:
- Check the Injury Report: Adam Henrique is still "out" with an undisclosed issue, but could return later this week.
- Watch the Waiver Wire: Now that Ingram is officially staying, the Oilers have a logjam at goalie. A trade involving Pickard wouldn't be shocking.
- Monitor the Standings: The Oilers are currently sitting 2nd in the Pacific. With Vegas on a 7-game win streak, these home games against non-divisional opponents like St. Louis are "must-wins" to keep pace.
The "when is the next oilers game" question is easy to answer, but the "how will they play" part is where it gets interesting. Grab your jersey, get some snacks, and get ready for a night celebrating Nugent-Hopkins. It’s going to be a wild ride through the end of January.