NHL Schedule 2026-27 Released: Key Dates
The NHL has officially announced the 2026-27 regular season schedule, featuring 1,344 games with each of the league’s 32 teams playing 84 games, up from 82 last season. The regular season begins September 29, 2026, and ends with all 32 teams in action on April 10, 2027.
2026-27 NHL Season Highlights
- Season opens: September 29, 2026
- Regular season: 1,344 games
- Games per team: 84
- Season finale: April 10, 2027 (all 32 teams play)
- Stanley Cup champions Carolina Hurricanes raise their banner against the Florida Panthers in the opening game.
- The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Montreal Canadiens, while the Vancouver Canucks visit the Edmonton Oilers on opening night in Canada.
Special Events
- NHL Global Series Finland: November 12 & 14 (Hurricanes vs. Kraken)
- NHL Global Series Germany: December 18 & 20 (Blackhawks vs. Senators)
- Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic: October 25 (Jets vs. Canadiens)
- NHL Winter Classic: December 31 (Utah Mammoth vs. Avalanche)
- NHL Stadium Series: February 20, 2027 (Stars vs. Golden Knights)
NHL All-Star Weekend Returns
The NHL All-Star Game returns after a two-year break at UBS Arena in New York.
- Skills Competition: February 5, 2027
- All-Star Game: February 6, 2027
National TV Coverage
Fans in the United States can watch games throughout the season on ESPN, ABC, TNT, and HBO Max, while Sportsnet remains Canada’s national NHL broadcaster. The 2027 Stanley Cup Final will air exclusively on TNT in the U.S. and Sportsnet in Canada.
The 2026-27 season also introduces more Monday afternoon games designed to give European fans better viewing times, along with several marquee rivalry matchups and Stanley Cup Final rematches throughout the schedule.