The National Hockey League (NHL) has officially unveiled its complete schedule for the 2025–26 regular season, bringing fans another year of thrilling hockey action. This season is packed with notable highlights, including season-opening matchups, outdoor games, the return of NHL players to the Winter Olympics, and more. Hockey enthusiasts across North America can now begin preparing for an eventful year as all 32 teams embark on their respective journeys.
Opening Night: Banner Raising and All-American Matchups
The puck drops on the 2025–26 NHL regular season on Tuesday, October 7, with three all-American games scheduled to launch the new campaign. Among these games, the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, will celebrate their second consecutive title by raising their championship banner at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. This home opener marks a special moment for the franchise and its fans, as they commemorate back-to-back championships after defeating the Edmonton Oilers in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final.
Canadian Teams Kick Off the Action
Canadian hockey fans won’t have to wait long for their teams to hit the ice. Four of the seven Canadian NHL teams begin their seasons on October 8, with high-stakes, all-Canadian matchups scheduled: the Montreal Canadiens visit the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Calgary Flames take on the Edmonton Oilers in the iconic “Battle of Alberta.” These games will be broadcast nationally on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+, beginning with pre-game coverage on Hockey Central at 6:30 p.m. ET. The Canadiens-Leafs faceoff starts at 7:00 p.m. ET, followed by the Flames-Oilers clash at 10:00 p.m. ET.
The remaining three Canadian teams – the Vancouver Canucks, Winnipeg Jets, and Ottawa Senators – will open their seasons the following night on October 9.
Matthew Schaefer’s Anticipated NHL Debut
Another storyline fans will be watching is the potential NHL debut of Matthew Schaefer, the first-overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and a native of Hamilton, Ontario. Schaefer is expected to make his debut for the New York Islanders when they face the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 9. His transition from top prospect to professional will be under close scrutiny throughout the season.
Two Full-League Game Nights
This season features two nights where all 32 NHL teams will be in action — October 11 and October 28. These high-energy evenings are designed to provide fans with wall-to-wall hockey coverage, showcasing a wide range of matchups and talent across the league.
Stanley Cup Final Rematches
Fans of last season’s finalists can circle two key dates on their calendars: November 22 and March 19. The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers will face off for the first time since their dramatic Stanley Cup Final showdown in Florida on November 22. The rematch in Edmonton will come later in the season on March 19, offering the Oilers a chance to settle the score on home ice.
Outdoor Games: Sunshine and Stadium Lights
This season’s NHL outdoor games bring the action to sunny Florida. The annual Winter Classic will take place on January 2 in Miami, marking the first time this marquee event has been hosted in the city. One month later, on February 1, the Stadium Series heads to Tampa, further emphasizing the NHL’s continued growth and popularity in non-traditional hockey markets. These events will serve as festive showcases for the sport, blending entertainment and competition in unique outdoor settings.
Hockey Day in Canada: A Celebration of the Game
Scheduled for January 17, Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada promises a full day of celebration dedicated to the sport, with the 2025 event hosted in Moncton, New Brunswick. All seven Canadian NHL teams will participate in four nationally televised games, three of which will feature Canadian-versus-Canadian matchups.
The broadcast begins at 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT) with the Islanders visiting the Flames. Two all-Canadian tilts follow at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT): the Maple Leafs vs. Jets in Manitoba, and the Canadiens vs. Senators in Ottawa. The action concludes with a western showdown between the Oilers and Canucks at 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT). These games will be shown live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ as part of a special broadcast recognizing the cultural importance of hockey in Canada.
NHL Breaks for the Olympics
In a highly anticipated return, NHL players will participate in the Winter Olympics for the first time since 2014. As a result, the NHL will observe a pause in its regular season from February 6 to February 24 to accommodate the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy. This decision comes after years of uncertainty and negotiation between the league, players, and international hockey organizations. Fans around the world are eager to see the best NHL talent represent their countries on the Olympic stage once again.
A Historic Final Season Before Expansion
The 2025–26 season marks the final year of the current 82-game regular-season format. Starting with the 2026–27 season, the NHL will expand to an 84-game schedule per team, which could lead to shifts in travel dynamics, playoff implications, and player workload management. This season’s 1,312-game schedule will conclude on April 16, 2026, setting the stage for what is sure to be another exciting playoff race and eventual championship run.
Broadcast Details and More to Come
While the complete game schedule is now available, additional information regarding television coverage — including the return of Wednesday Night Hockey and Hockey Night in Canada — will be released later by Sportsnet. These broadcasts are integral to how fans experience NHL action throughout the season, offering analysis, highlights, and expert commentary alongside the live games.
Closing Thoughts
With a fresh season on the horizon, there’s plenty for NHL fans to look forward to. From the return of Olympic participation and high-profile rematches to historic outdoor games and young stars making their debut, the 2025–26 NHL schedule is stacked with excitement. Whether you’re tuning in for a rivalry game, following your favorite team’s journey, or watching the future of hockey unfold with rising stars like Matthew Schaefer, this season promises compelling stories and unforgettable moments across the league.
