Why are the Oilers not playing at home until October 18th?

[Fenway]

Today the NHL released the home opener dates for all 31 teams and Edmonton is not until October 18th, 2 weeks after the season starts.

Any reason?

2018-19 NHL home openers

FULL LIST OF HOME OPENERS, 2018-19 SEASON

Anaheim Ducks: Monday, Oct. 8 vs. Detroit
Arizona Coyotes: Saturday, Oct. 6 vs. Anaheim
Boston Bruins: Monday, Oct. 8 vs. Ottawa
Buffalo Sabres: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. Boston
Calgary Flames: Saturday, Oct. 6 vs. Vancouver
Carolina Hurricanes: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. New York Islanders
Chicago Blackhawks: Sunday, Oct. 7 vs. Toronto
Colorado Avalanche: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. Minnesota
Columbus Blue Jackets: Friday, Oct. 5 vs. Carolina
Dallas Stars: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. Arizona
Detroit Red Wings: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. Columbus
Edmonton Oilers: Thursday, Oct. 18 vs. Boston
Florida Panthers: Thursday, Oct. 11 vs. Columbus
Los Angeles Kings: Friday, Oct. 5 vs. San Jose
Minnesota Wild: Saturday, Oct. 6 vs. Vegas
Montreal Canadiens: Thursday, Oct. 11 vs. Los Angeles
Nashville Predators: Tuesday, Oct. 9 vs. Calgary
New Jersey Devils: Thursday, Oct. 11 vs. Washington
New York Islanders: Saturday, Oct. 6 vs. Nashville
New York Rangers: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. Nashville
Ottawa Senators: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. Chicago
Philadelphia Flyers: Tuesday, Oct. 9 vs. San Jose
Pittsburgh Penguins: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. Washington
San Jose Sharks: Wednesday, Oct. 3 vs. Anaheim
St. Louis Blues: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. Winnipeg
Tampa Bay Lightning: Saturday, Oct. 6 vs. Florida
Toronto Maple Leafs: Wednesday, Oct. 3 vs. Montreal
Vancouver Canucks: Wednesday, Oct. 3 vs. Calgary
Vegas Golden Knights: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. Philadelphia
Washington Capitals: Wednesday, Oct. 3 vs. Boston
Winnipeg Jets: Tuesday, Oct. 9 vs. Los Angeles

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[Del Preston]

They open the season in Sweden against the Devils. When that game was announced it was speculated the Oilers would go on an Eastern road trip once they flew back to North America.

 

[Fenway]

They open the season in Sweden against the Devils. When that game was announced it was speculated the Oilers would go on an Eastern road trip once they flew back to North America.

Ahhhh OK Thanks

 

[Jumptheshark]

dunno game in Germany and game in Sweden--easier to open out east then out west

 

[nexttothemoon]

Looking at things optimistically... this might be for the best... might be good for the team to start out with a long road stretch at the start of the season when most teams are likely still rusty rather than having a long homestand and having that pressure in front of the home crowd right off the bat to "be better" than last season.

 

[McDNicks17]

The game in Germany will basically be a home game, (hopefully).

 

[lakai17]

Revenue?

 

[guymez]

Looking at things optimistically... this might be for the best... might be good for the team to start out with a long road stretch at the start of the season when most teams are likely still rusty rather than having a long homestand and having that pressure in front of the home crowd right off the bat to "be better" than last season.

Thats a very good point although my first concern when I heard about the Europe trip was that the jet lag was likely going to cost them a few games when they get back.
I like your optimistic outlook better.

 

[The Hound]

McLellan’s trial by fire

 

[McJazz]

The game in Germany will basically be a home game, (hopefully).

The Gothenburg game too, I guarantee that my entire family will cheer like hell

 

[Spirit of 67]

That's a tough opening.

If y'all can survive, you should be in good shape.

 

[joestevens29]

Nice team bonding to start the year.

 

[Fenway]

They open the season in Sweden against the Devils. When that game was announced it was speculated the Oilers would go on an Eastern road trip once they flew back to North America.

I can confirm the Oilers are in Boston on October 11th

 

[Skolman]

I can confirm the Oilers are in Boston on October 11th

Weird that they play the Bruins twice in a week span to start the season