Oilers’ Jason Dickinson unlikely to start season

Some unwanted news for one of the top teams in the Western Conference.

When speaking to the media on Friday, Edmonton Oilers head coach Mike Babcock revealed that defenseman Jason Dickinson has suffered a setback during the preseason and is unlikely to be in the lineup for the opening night of the 2026-27 regular season.

While he didn’t give specifics about what is ailing Dickinson, it seems the rearguard’s issues are more short-term than long-term, though no timeline was given.

There are some high expectations for Dickinson heading into his first full season with the Oilers. He was acquired by the team ahead of last year’s trade deadline from the Chicago Blackhawks, as he was meant to add some insurance to the back end. While the move didn’t lead to immediate success, with Edmonton getting bounced in the first round by the Anaheim Ducks, the Oilers believed Dickinson should be part of the franchise’s future and signed him to a five-year contract extension in June. The deal carries an AAV of $4 million through the 2029-30 campaign.

Dickinson posted just a goal and four points in 17 regular-season games with the Oilers, giving him a total of seven goals and 17 points overall. He was hit by the injury bug during the playoffs, playing in four of the team’s six games, but managed to score two goals and an assist against the Ducks. The 31-year-old’s production isn’t the same as it was early in his tenure with the Blackhawks, when he posted back-to-back 30-point seasons in 2022-23 and 2023-24. Yet, he can still be a reliable player in his own zone, something the Oilers desperately need.

In 566 regular-season games in the NHL, Dickinson has scored 75 goals and 97 assists for 172 points, with another 12 points in 44 postseason contests.