Overview

• The 2025–26 campaign opens with defending champion Florida facing Chicago in the league’s first game.
• The NHL will halt play in February for the Milan–Cortina Olympics, releasing players to their national teams.
• Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl says he is excited and available to represent Germany as he pursues a long Olympic run and a Stanley Cup breakthrough.
• Germany expects a deep NHL contingent that could include Moritz Seider, Tim Stützle, JJ Peterka, Lukas Reichel, Philipp Grubauer, Nico Sturm and prospect Josh Samanski.
• Former national coach Marco Sturm begins his first NHL season as Boston’s head coach, underscoring Germany’s growing imprint on the league.