NHL Sets 84-Game Schedule for 2026-27 Season, First Increase Since 1994

The NHL released its 2026-27 regular-season schedule on Thursday, expanding each team's slate to 84 games for the first time since the 1993-94 season. The league had maintained an 82-game schedule since 1995-96. Opening night falls at the end of September.

The Carolina Hurricanes open the season on Sept. 29 at 5 p.m. ET against the Florida Panthers on ESPN and will raise their Stanley Cup championship banner before the game. The New York Rangers visit the Boston Bruins at 8 p.m.

That night, and the Chicago Blackhawks travel to face the Vegas Golden Knights at 10:30 p.m. All 32 teams play on Oct. 1. The schedule features three outdoor games. The Winnipeg Jets host the Montreal Canadiens in the Heritage Classic on Oct.

25 at Princess Auto Stadium. The Utah Mammoth host the Colorado Avalanche in the Winter Classic on Dec. 31 at the University of Utah's Rice-Eccles Stadium. The Dallas Stars and Vegas Golden Knights meet on Jan.

20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The revamped All-Star Weekend takes place at UBS Arena on Long Island. A skills competition for 10 players age 25 and younger is set for Feb. 5. A 3-on-3 tournament involving teams from Canada, Finland, Sweden, the United States and a World squad follows on Feb.

6. Each team plays two home and two road games against its seven division rivals. Nearly two dozen Monday afternoon games will also air in primetime in European markets. "These games further the league's commitment to deepening its connection with international fans and growth in European markets, as well as driving brand awareness for NHL clubs internationally," the NHL said in a statement.