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NHL Releases Full 84-Game 2026–27 Schedule

The earlier Sept. 29 start, two extra divisional matchups per team and a trimmed four-game preseason are meant to sharpen rivalries and expand national and European TV windows.

Overview

  • The league published the complete regular-season calendar on Thursday, July 16, confirming an 84-game schedule that begins Tuesday, Sept. 29 with a five-game opening night.
  • The two added games are built into divisional play so every team gets two extra home-and-home matchups against its seven division rivals, creating a balanced intradivision slate.
  • The preseason was cut to four games under the new collective bargaining terms, shortening training windows and increasing the importance of early roster moves and conditioning.
  • Broadcasters will feature national opening-night windows, with ESPN carrying a U.S. tripleheader and Sportsnet a Canadian doubleheader, and the schedule adds Monday matinees aimed at European prime time.
  • The calendar highlights marquee events and international stops, including three outdoor games, Global Series stops in Finland and Germany, and an All-Star Weekend at UBS Arena, with the regular season ending April 10 when all 32 teams will play.