When does the 2026-27 NHL season start? Here are the key dates
The start of the NHL regular season is rapidly approaching. Here are the key dates for the 2026-27 season.
The 2026-27 NHL season kicks off on September 29, 2026, heralding a new era for the league with an extended 84-game schedule. The opening games will feature the Florida Panthers against the Carolina Hurricanes at 5 p.m. (ESPN), the Montreal Canadiens facing the Toronto Maple Leafs at 7 p.m. (Sportsnet), and the New York Rangers encountering the Boston Bruins at 8 p.m. (ESPN).
Each of these matchups will mark significant milestones, such as the debut of NHL rookies and the return of key players. Following the regular season, which concludes on April 10, 2027, several notable events are scheduled. The NHL All-Star Game, returning for the first time since 2024, will be held in New York on February 5-6, featuring a revamped format.
The Winter Classic will see the Utah Mammoth host the Colorado Avalanche on New Year's Eve in Salt Lake City, while the Stadium Series game will take place on February 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The season will conclude with the Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Golden Knights and the Hurricanes on December 20, followed by the Carolina Panthers hosting the Edmonton Oilers on January 17.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
