The full 2025-26 NHL schedule has been released at long last, and the countdown to opening night can finally begin. The first three NHL games are set for Oct. 7, which is 83 days away -- but who's counting?
This will be the last 82-game season before the NHL expands to 84 games for the 2026-27 campaign. Each team will face off against its divisional rivals 26 times in total, which works out to either three or four matchups against each inter-divisional opponent.
Teams will also play three games against the opposite division of the same conference -- for example, the Atlantic Division teams will play three games facing Metropolitan Division squads. Finally, every team will have two matchups against each clubs from the opposing conference, one at home and one on the road.
Major milestone seasons for NHL clubs
The Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and New York Rangers will be celebrating a landmark campaign as 2025-26 will be all three teams' 100th year in the NHL. The League itself celebrated its centennial in 2017, which came with a ton of fanfare and even a special outdoor game, so expect lots of excitement to build up around the three teams. That could include ceremonies to honor the rich history of the organizations, and perhaps some guest appearances from franchise legends.
The Minnesota Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets also have cause to celebrate as they enter their 25th season in the NHL. Keep an eye out for their home openers on Oct. 11 and Oct. 13, respectively, for a potential special tribute to the quarter-century birthday.
NHL goes global in Stockholm, Sweden
The Nashville Predators and Pittsburgh Penguins will play two regular-season games at Stockholm’s Avicii Arena on Nov. 14 and 16, 2025. This is the 15th season to feature an international matchup, marking the 47th and 48th games held outside of the US and Canada.
Sweden has hosted more NHL games than any other international destination, and the passion of Swedish fans never disappoints. Players like Pittsburgh's Erik Karlsson and Nashville's Filip Forsberg will be headlining the event in their home country, receiving nothing short of a hero's welcome. Nearly 14,000 fans are expected to be in attendance for the globe-trotting event.
Outdoor games reign supreme in Florida
The upcoming season is going to feature two outdoor games in the Sunshine State as the NHL continues to further its goal of expanding outdoor events to non-traditional hockey markets. Remember in 2015 when the Los Angeles Kings faced the San Jose Sharks in Levi's Stadium? How about the 2020 Winter Classic in Dallas between the Stars and Nashville Predators?
This year, both the Winter Classic and the Stadium Series will be hosted in Florida. Keeping with the New Year's tradition of playing on the first or second day of the calendar year, the Winter Classic will be held in Miami on Jan. 2, 2026 when the Panthers will act as the home team against the Boston Bruins in Loan Depot Park. The following month, the Lightning will host the Rangers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay in the 2026 Stadium Series matchup.
There were some hiccups in the other outdoor games held in more southern locations, so it'll be interesting to see how Florida's mild winter will affect ice conditions. Although, there will undoubtedly be great fan turnout for that very reason as Bruins and Rangers fans flock to escape the cold weather of the Northeast.
Rivalries continue to heat up
The Edmonton Oilers will be seeking revenge on Nov. 22 after falling to the Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final. It'll be the first time these two teams battle it out since the Cats raised their second straight Cup in June, and Connor McDavid will certainly be attempting to lead his team to victory (in a more moral sense) in this regular season thriller.
Several star players will make emotional returns to their previous teams, so get ready for some video tributes. Brad Marchand will make his return to Boston as a member of the Panthers on Oct. 21, while Mitch Marner visits Toronto for the first time on Jan. 23 with the Vegas Golden Knights since his dramatic exit from the Maple Leafs.
Of course, clear your schedule on Oct. 11 and Oct. 28 when all 32 NHL teams will be in action. All in all, this season is filled to the brim with exhilarating matchups that won't disappoint, and Oct. 7 can't come soon enough.