NHL 2025–26 Season: What to expect, where to watch, key dates, Olympics break and other highlights

The 2025–26 NHL season, the 109th in league history, kicks off on October 7. This features defending champions, the Florida Panthers . Along with top contenders like the New York Rangers and Colorado Avalanche . The Panthers, led by Aleksander Barkov, aim for a third consecutive Stanley Cup after victories over the Edmonton Oilers in 2024 and 2025.
What to expect from Florida Panthers, New York Rangers, Colorado Avalanche in NHL 2025-26
The Rangers, anchored by Artemi Panarin and Igor Shesterkin. And the Avalanche, features Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon. They are expected to challenge the Panthers in high-stakes matchups across North America.

The season marks the final 82-game regular season before expansion to 84 games in 2026–27. Fans can anticipate competitive playoff races. And, intense matchups, and teams preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics break. Opening games include the Panthers hosting the Chicago Blackhawks, the Rangers visiting the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Avalanche traveling to face the Los Angeles Kings.

Training camps have started, which means...

NHL HOCKEY IS ALMOST HERE! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/87qCofYmXo

— NHL (@NHL) September 17, 2025

Where to watch upcoming NHL 2025–26 Season
In the U.S., games air nationally on ESPN , ABC , and TNT, with streaming on ESPN+, Hulu, and Max. Canadian viewers can watch on Sportsnet , CBC ’s Hockey Night in Canada, and TVA Sports, with Amazon Prime Video offering additional coverage. Out-of-market fans have access via NHL Center Ice or Sportsnet+, and international viewers can check NHL.com’s “Where to Watch” guide. Regional broadcasters also cover local favorites like the Panthers, Rangers, and Avalanche.
Key dates and special events of NHL 2025–26 Season

• Winter Classic: January 2, 2026 – Panthers vs. Rangers at LoanDepot Park, Miami.
• Stadium Series: February 1 – Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium. Florida hosts its first outdoor NHL games.
• Hockey Day in Canada: January 17 – all seven Canadian teams in action.
• NHL Global Series: November 14 & 16 – Penguins vs. Predators in Stockholm.
• Olympics break: Last games February 5; play resumes February 25 for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.

The regular season concludes April 16, with the Stanley Cup playoffs starting April 18. With star players, marquee teams, and high-profile events, the 2025–26 NHL season promises thrilling hockey action for fans worldwide.
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