NHL sets 2025-26 opener: Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup banner vs. Chicago Blackhawks, full schedule out Wednesday
While the rest of the schedule will officially drop on Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET, the league's initial release offers some early drama: a banner-raising ceremony in Florida, a classic showdown in New York, and a late-night clash on the West Coast. All eyes will be on where star players have landed in free agency, setting the table for big-time matchups as the season unfolds.
NHL unveils first games ahead of full 2025-26 schedule release
The NHL confirmed the first three games of its 2025-26 regular season slate, setting the tone for what promises to be an eventful year.
On Tuesday, league officials announced that the full schedule—including every team's complete 82-game journey—will be unveiled Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET.
Fans can expect a busy opening night on October 7. The
Florida Panthers
will host the Chicago Blackhawks in a special 5 p.m. ET game at home. That early start is no accident—it gives Florida time to honor their 2025 Stanley Cup win by raising their championship banner before the puck drops in front of a raucous crowd.
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Later that evening, at 8 p.m. ET, the
Pittsburgh Penguins
will visit Madison Square Garden to face off against the New York Rangers. It's a matchup designed to bring immediate Original Six energy and playoff-level tension to night one.
Capping off the triple-header will be the Colorado Avalanche taking on the Los Angeles Kings in California, with the puck dropping at 10:30 p.m. ET.
When asked about the staggered times, a league source told reporters on Tuesday, 'We want opening night to feel like a celebration coast to coast.
Fans will have hockey on their screens from early evening until late at night, no matter where they live.'
The full reveal on Wednesday will also include teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets, whose supporters are eager to see how their 82-game slate takes shape.
What to expect beyond NHL opening night
The schedule has taken a little longer to finalize this year than usual. While the NHL hasn't officially explained the delay, there's a good reason: the 2026 Winter Olympics are on the horizon, and their inclusion in planning has added layers of complexity.
One executive, speaking anonymously on Tuesday, explained, 'It's not just about cramming 82 games in anymore. You have to account for a break if there's Olympic participation.'
Others have floated a simpler, more strategic reason for the wait. By delaying the full release, the league could see where high-profile free agents like Mitch Marner and Nikolaj Ehlers signed. That way, they could highlight juicy matchups pitting players against their former teams, boosting ticket sales and TV interest.
For now, fans have three compelling games to circle on their calendars, and the promise of much more detail coming midweek. The NHL's slow-roll announcement strategy seems to be building anticipation the old-fashioned way. By Wednesday afternoon, every team—from the reigning champion Panthers to rebuilding clubs like the Blue Jackets—will know exactly where and when they'll be chasing their 2025-26 dreams. Stay tuned.
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For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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