NHL Expands 2026-27 Regular Season to 84 Games per Team

The NHL released its 2026-27 regular-season schedule on Thursday, expanding each team's slate to 84 games from the 82-game format used since 1995-96. ESPN reported the increase was agreed under the new four-year collective bargaining agreement with players that begins Sept. 16.

Each team will play two home and two road games against its seven division rivals. Teams will face four conference opponents in a two-home, one-road format and the other four conference opponents in a one-home, two-road format. Every team will play each opponent from the opposite conference once at home and once on the road, producing 42 home games and 42 away games.

The season opens Sept. 29 with a tripleheader on ESPN. The Carolina Hurricanes will raise their Stanley Cup championship banner before hosting the Florida Panthers at 5 p.m. ET. The New York Rangers visit the Boston Bruins at 8 p.m.

ET, and the Chicago Blackhawks face the Vegas Golden Knights at 10:30 p.m. ET. All 32 teams play on Oct. 1. The NHL All-Star Weekend is scheduled at UBS Arena on Long Island. Three outdoor games are set: the Winnipeg Jets host the Montreal Canadiens on Oct.

25 at Princess Auto Stadium, the Utah Mammoth host the Colorado Avalanche on Dec. 31 at Rice-Eccles Stadium, and the Dallas Stars face the Golden Knights on Feb. 20 at AT&T Stadium. Nearly two dozen Monday afternoon games will also air in primetime in European markets.

The NHL said the games advance its commitment to international fans and brand awareness for clubs overseas.