Games to watch on the NHL’s 2026-27 calendar

The NHL is set to begin its 1,344game regular season next week, with all 32 teams playing 84 games for the first time since 199394. The schedule includes several notable matchups, special events and reunions across the league. Opening night features the Carolina Hurricanes raising their Stanley Cup banner before facing the Florida Panthers, while top draft pick Gavin McKenna is expected to make his debut when the Toronto Maple Leafs host the Montreal Canadiens. In Edmonton, Mike Babcock will begin his stint as head coach when the Oilers play the Vancouver Canucks. Other key dates include Brady Tkachuk’s return to Ottawa on Oct. 21, Leo Carlsson’s first game against the Philadelphia Flyers on Oct. 24, the Heritage Classic outdoor game in Winnipeg on Oct. 25, and Quinn Hughes’ return to Vancouver the same day. The league will also stage two more outdoor games later in the season, bring back the allstar game and skills competition at UBS Arena, and close out the headline slate with Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin meeting for what could be their final game against each other on April 4.