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last mo.

NHL Unveils Final 82-Game Schedule with Olympic Hiatus and Showcase Events

Stakeholders sort through the full slate’s feature dates in preparation for an expanded 84-game campaign.

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Winnipeg Jets' Nikolaj Ehlers (27) celebrates his goal on the Dallas Stars with Mark Scheifele (55), Haydn Fleury (24) and Dylan Demelo (2) during first period NHL playoff action in Winnipeg, on May 9, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Greenslade

Overview

  • The 1,312-game regular season runs Oct. 7 through April 16 as the last 82-game slate before next season’s increase to 84 games under the new CBA.
  • Opening night on Oct. 7 features an ESPN tripleheader and the Florida Panthers raising their Stanley Cup banner against the Chicago Blackhawks, followed by Alex Ovechkin’s 21st-season debut on Oct. 8 versus the Bruins.
  • The NHL will pause Feb. 6–24 for the Milan 2026 Winter Olympics, marking its first Olympic break since the 2014 Games under the collective bargaining agreement.
  • Outdoor showpieces include the inaugural Winter Classic in Miami at loanDepot Park on Jan. 2 and the Stadium Series at Tampa Bay’s Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 1.
  • Global outreach is emphasized with Penguins-Predators games in Stockholm on Nov. 14 and 16 and all-32-team action days on Oct. 11 and 28 to boost viewership and fan engagement.