The NHL released the complete 2025-26 regular season schedule on Wednesday, setting up what promises to be a memorable campaign filled with marquee matchups and storylines.
Opening Night Tripleheader
The season kicks off Oct. 7 with three games. The Florida Panthers host the Chicago Blackhawks in the opener, raising their second consecutive Stanley Cup banner before puck drop.
The Pittsburgh Penguins visit the New York Rangers in the second game.
The Colorado Avalanche close out the tripleheader against the Los Angeles Kings.
Oct. 8 features the Toronto Maple Leafs hosting the Montreal Canadiens, followed by the Battle of Alberta between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames.
This marks the NHL’s final 82-game season before expanding to 84 games in 2026-27 under the new collective bargaining agreement.
Home Openers Across the League
Every team’s home opener is spread across the first few weeks of October, giving fans across North America their first taste of hockey at home venues.
Notable Games and Storylines
Several compelling matchups highlight the schedule:
Oct. 11 and 28: All 32 teams play on these dates, creating league-wide hockey nights.
Oct. 21: Brad Marchand returns to Boston wearing a Panthers uniform for the first time since his offseason move.
Oct. 28: J.T. Miller faces his former Vancouver teammates as a member of the Rangers.
The league’s international presence continues Nov. 14 and 16 when the Penguins and Predators meet in Stockholm, Sweden.
Nov. 22: The Panthers host the Oilers in their first Stanley Cup Final rematch of the season.
Winter Marquee Events
Dec. 15: Chris Kreider plays his former Rangers teammates for the first time.
The Winter Classic takes place Jan. 2 at loanDepot Park in Miami, featuring the Panthers against the Rangers in an unconventional southern setting for the outdoor game.
Jan. 6: Mikko Rantanen returns to Carolina as a member of the Dallas Stars.
Jan. 15: Mitch Marner faces the Maple Leafs for the first time since joining the Golden Knights.
All seven Canadian teams play Jan. 17 for Hockey Day in Canada.
Jan. 19: Jonathan Toews returns to Chicago after his comeback season.
Jan. 23: Marner’s emotional return to Toronto takes place.
Special Events and Olympic Break
The Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins meet Feb. 1 in the Stadium Series at Raymond James Stadium.
The schedule pauses Feb. 6-24 for the 2026 Olympics, marking the NHL’s return to Olympic competition.
Spring Storylines
March 18: Trevor Zegras plays his first game in Anaheim as a Philadelphia Flyer.
March 19: The Oilers host the Panthers in their second Stanley Cup Final rematch.
The schedule potentially saves the best for last. April 11-12: The Penguins and Capitals play back-to-back games that could mark the final meetings between Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin.
Tap here to view every team’s full schedule.
