The NHL's shortened preseason is over. Now the longer-than-usual regular season will get underway.
The 2026-27 NHL season was increased from 82 games to 84 in the collective-bargaining agreement so teams could play an even number of games against divisional opponents.
As a result, the season will open in September instead of its usual October starting date.
The first game will feature the defending champion Carolina Hurricanes raising their Stanley Cup banner before they play the Florida Panthers, who won back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025. The runner-up Vegas Golden Knights will also be in action on opening night, facing the Chicago Blackhawks.
Here's a look at opening night and key dates for the 2026-27 NHL season:
When does the NHL season open?
The 2026-27 NHL season opens
on Tuesday, Sept. 29 with five games, including an ESPN tripleheader.
Here's the full opening schedule, plus every team's home opener (all times Eastern):
- Florida Panthers at Carolina Hurricanes, 5, ESPN
- Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7
- New York Rangers at Boston Bruins, 8, ESPN
- Vancouver Canucks at Edmonton Oilers, 10
- Chicago Blackhawks at Vegas Golden Knights, 10:30, ESPN
The @NHL announced today the 2026-27 regular season, expanded to 84 games with the addition of two more divisional contests per team, will open on Tuesday, Sept. 29. In addition, the League announced each team’s home opener.
— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) July 15, 2026
Details: https://t.co/jMxZCwXZU6 pic.twitter.com/wfrDekHQs1
When is the NHL's roster deadline?
NHL teams have until 5 p.m. ET on Monday, Sept. 28 to submit their opening-day rosters. They must be compliant with the $104 million salary cap.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are among the teams that were over on Saturday, but they should be OK after placing 11-year veteran Miles Wood on waivers. More players will go on waivers on Sunday.
The New York Islanders signed defenseman Logan Stanley to a one-year contract on Sunday.
Key dates during 2026-27 NHL season
Sept. 29: Opening night
Oct. 25: The Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Canadiens will play in the outdoor Heritage Classic at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg.
Nov. 9: Patrice Bergeron, Carey Price, Pekka Rinne, Cindy Curley, Keith Tkachuk and Brian Burke will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Nov 12 and 14: The Hurricanes and Seattle Kraken will play in Helsinki, Finland.
Dec. 18 and 20: The Ottawa Senators and Blackhawks will play in Dusseldorf, Germany
Dec. 31: The Winter Classic will be held at University of Utah’s Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. The Utah Mammoth will host the Colorado Avalanche.
Feb. 5-6: The NHL All-Star weekend will held at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. The skills competition is on the 5th and the All-Star Game will be on the 6th. There are new formats this season.
March 1: NHL trade deadline is at 3 p.m. ET
April 10: The regular season ends with all 32 teams in action.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When does NHL season start? What to know about 2026-27 season
