NHL Releases 2025-26 Schedule With Olympic Break

The NHL has announced its 2025-26 season schedule, opening October 7 with the Florida Panthers, following back-to-back Stanley Cup victories, hosting the Chicago Blackhawks. The schedule features high-profile player returns, such as Brad Marchand's first game in Boston as a Panther and Mitch Marner's return to Toronto as a Vegas Golden Knight. International play is highlighted by the NHL Global Series in Sweden and a February pause for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, where many NHL players will compete for their countries. The season includes two rematches of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Panthers and Edmonton Oilers and showcases key rivalry games. Teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets and Vancouver Canucks face demanding stretches with tough road trips and back-to-back games. The league also utilized creative social media campaigns to unveil the schedule.