NHL Unveils Expanded 84-Game 2026-27 Schedule

The NHL has officially expanded its schedule from 82 to 84 games for the 2026-27 season. According to the league, the decision was to address multiple franchises’ complaints regarding the “imbalanced number of divisional games against rivals.” The league’s new four-year term collective bargaining agreement with the players is set to take effect on Sept 16. And with it, the expanded schedule.

The 2026-27 season opener kicks off on Sept. 29 on ESPN with a tripleheader, headlined by the reigning Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes, facing off against the Florida Panthers at 5 p.m. ET.

The remainder of the tripleheader will see the New York Rangers against the Boston Bruins at 8 p.m. ET in Boston, followed by the Chicago Blackhawks on the road to face the Vegas Golden Knights at 10:30 p.m. ET.

This will be the first time that the NHL has increased the number of games played since adopting the 82-game season in 1995-96. Before that, the National Hockey League played 84 games from 1992 to the 1994 season, after the league implemented two neutral-site games in every team’s schedule. For the 2026-27 season, though, teams will now play two home and two away games against each of their seven division rivals, bringing more balance to the NHL’s long season.

Additionally, as per the press release, there will be numerous Monday weekday matinee/European primetime games, allowing fans in Europe to watch their favorite teams and the NHL’s biggest stars in prime time during the week. The schedule also includes two games in Finland in November, two games in Germany in December, three outdoor games and the first All-Star Game since 2024.

“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 about the new game expansion

As a result of the expanded season, there will be two days where all 32 teams will be in action; Oct. 13 and April 10.