The NHL launches its 84-game regular season on Sept. 29 with a tripleheader on ESPN highlighted by the Maple Leafs hosting the Canadiens.
Key reunions set tone for divisional play
Bowen Byram returns to Buffalo on Oct. 3 against the Sabres after the team traded him for the fourth and 45th overall picks in the 2026 draft plus Louis Crevier. Byram signed a six-year extension worth 12.5 million annually with Chicago. The Sabres face the new Blackhawks defenseman in their home opener.
John Carlson faces Washington on Oct. 3 for the first time after 17 seasons with the Capitals. The Capitals traded him to the Ducks on March 5 for a first-round and third-round pick before he signed a two-year deal worth 8.5 million annually with Tampa Bay.
Alex Ovechkin hosts Pittsburgh on Oct. 7 after re-signing for one year. This matchup follows their April game that many expected would be their last.
Radko Gudas likely plays against Anaheim on Oct. 4 after his signing rights moved to Florida. Gudas signed a six-year contract at 1.5 million per year.
Championship rematches open the schedule
Carolina hosts Florida on Sept. 29 in the first game of the season. Florida reached the final from 2023 to 2025 and won in 2024 and 2025. The matchup pits the past three Stanley Cup champions against the past four Eastern Conference final teams.
Montreal hosts Carolina on Oct. 6. The Canadiens won Game 1 of their prior Eastern Conference final series before Carolina won the next four.
Toronto opens against Montreal on Sept. 29 under new coach Jim Hiller and GM John Chayka. The Original Six game may also feature first-overall pick Gavin McKenna in his NHL debut.
Edmonton faces Vancouver on Sept. 29 to start its campaign.
Outdoor and international events add context
Utah hosts Colorado on Dec. 31 at Rice Eccles Stadium for the Winter Classic, its first NHL outdoor game. Winnipeg hosts Montreal on Oct. 25 at Princess Auto Stadium for the Heritage Classic. The Hurricanes and Kraken travel to Helsinki on Nov. 12 and 14. Ottawa and Chicago visit Dusseldorf on Dec. 18 and 20.
All-Star Weekend occurs Feb. 5 and 6 at UBS Arena. The shortened preseason allows the regular season to begin a week earlier than prior years.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.