What Happened
Edmonton Oilers forward Jason Dickinson is unlikely to be available for the start of the 2026-27 season after re-aggravating a foot injury. Head coach Mike Babcock confirmed the setback on Friday, saying Dickinson tweaked the same issue he dealt with during last year's playoffs. Dickinson left practice on Sept. 18 and was visibly hobbling as he came off the ice. Babcock said the injury had been improving before a difficult day.
Key Details
- Dickinson left practice on Sept. 18 and was hobbling off the ice.
- Babcock said the issue is the same one Dickinson dealt with in the playoffs.
- Dickinson, 31, signed a five-year deal with a $4 million cap hit in June.
- He was expected to fill a bottom-six role in Edmonton.
- He posted seven goals and 10 assists in 64 games last season.
What It Means
Dickinson was signed in June to add depth to Edmonton's bottom six, so his absence would force the club to reshuffle its forward lines to open the season. He is coming off a second consecutive campaign below 20 points, and a foot issue that first surfaced in the playoffs has now flared up again in camp.
What's Next
The Oilers will continue to evaluate Dickinson's foot during training camp. No timeline has been announced for his return, and the team has not said whether he will be placed on injured reserve to start the season.