The NHL has launched the schedule for the 2025-26 season and each fan has combed their favourite group’s slate for must-see video games. Likewise, we now have gone via the slate to search out essentially the most extremely anticipated matchups.
The 2025-26 marketing campaign opens on Oct. 7 because the Florida Panthers increase one other Stanley Cup banner in opposition to the Chicago Blackhawks in a recreation scheduled to start out at 5 p.m. ET, the primary recreation of a back-to-back-to-back tripleheader. (Spoiler alert: That one didn’t take advantage of extremely anticipated checklist.)
2025-26 NHL schedule release: Panthers to raise Stanley Cup banner vs. Blackhawks on opening night
Chris Bengel
There will probably be emotional homecomings of various varieties (see: Mitch Marner and Brad Marchand). Alex Ovechkin will probably be looking his 900th aim very early within the season. The NHL is taking it outdoors in Florida, twice really.
All hockey is gorgeous not directly, however there is not any query everyone seems to be trying ahead to sure video games greater than others. There are most likely some that we are able to all agree will probably be appointment viewing.
We tried to establish these matchups and extra in our prime 10 most extremely anticipated NHL video games of 2025-26.
Projecting what may occur on the finish of the NHL season in mid-July is a idiot’s errand. As a type of fools, I really feel snug forecasting that this recreation on the ultimate day of the common season will probably be for the final playoff spot within the West. Each of those groups are very fascinating, and if this does determine the playoff destiny of either side, my eyes will probably be glued to the display.
Talking of projecting, there’s a very actual likelihood that Ovechkin will probably be seeking to grow to be the NHL’s first 900-goal scorer on Halloween night time. The truth that he would have the chance to interrupt Wayne Gretzky’s report and hit No. 900 in opposition to the Islanders once more is only a humorous quirk.
8. Stars at Jets (Oct. 9)
Jonathan Toews hasn’t performed a recreation since April 13, 2023. That can change on this night time when he takes the ice for his hometown Jets. After battling sickness for the final two years, Toews will make an NHL comeback and it is going to be very fascinating to see what the 37-year-old three-time Stanley Cup champion appears like in his Winnipeg debut.
Sooner or later after the NHL’s Opening Evening, the Canadiens have the possibility to enter Toronto and make an announcement. Montreal was one of many league’s greatest tales final season, and now it is seeking to show that wasn’t a fluke. The Leafs, however, will probably be looking for an identification in a brand new period.
6. Stars at Avalanche (Oct. 11)
Only a few days into the brand new season, the Avalanche will see Mikko Rantanen for the primary time since he constructed their coffin, hammered it shut and threw filth on their heads in Recreation 7 of the primary spherical of the playoffs. I plan to observe each recreation between these rivals in 2025-26, however the first one must be plenty of enjoyable, particularly contemplating it is in Denver.
5. Oilers at Panthers (Nov. 22)
Sure, we now have seen this matchup 13 occasions within the playoffs during the last two seasons. And, no, I’m not bored with it. This championship rematch will probably be performed 5 days earlier than Thanksgiving, and it is going to be a feast for all hockey followers. I imply, if current historical past has taught us something, this will probably be a Stanley Cup Last preview.
This won’t be the primary out of doors NHL recreation in Florida, however it is going to be the primary one performed in a stadium that includes a pirate ship with a semi-functional cannon. That counts for lots in my e-book. The Lightning get the possibility to host their first out of doors recreation, and it is well-deserved contemplating they kicked off the state of Florida’s run of hockey dominance.
3. Rangers at Panthers (Jan. 2)
This would be the first time the NHL has taken it outdoor in Florida. The 2026 NHL Winter Traditional will probably be performed at LoanDepot Park in Miami, and the defending Stanley Cup champions will take it outdoors for the primary time in franchise historical past. The Winter Traditional has gotten stale for some, however the brand new locale and the standard of the house group ought to present a breath of recent air. If solely they may arrange a rink outdoors the Elbo Room.
2. Panthers at Bruins (Oct. 21)
After leaving the Bruins by way of commerce and profitable a Stanley Cup with the Panthers, Brad Marchand will make his triumphant return to Boston. Marchand is a Bruins franchise legend, so this must be an emotional scene at TD Backyard. This will probably be probably the greatest early-season atmospheres we get.
The final time Mitch Marner was in Toronto, he was booed off the ice by his personal followers because the Maple Leafs have been eradicated from the playoffs. Now a member of the Golden Knights, it is going to be very fascinating to see what sort of reception he will get at Scotiabank Enviornment. No matter how he is acquired, Marner can present the Maple Leafs what they’re lacking.