NHL · 2026-27 · Opening Week
NHL Season Opener 2026 Date
2026-27 opening week · Global Series TBA · ESPN / ABC / Max
Season
2026-27 NHL (82-game regular season)
Expected Opening
Early–mid October 2026 (TBA)
Opening Week TV
ESPN, ABC, Hulu / Max (national games)
Global Series
Possible European or international openers (TBA)
The NHL season opener 2026 starts the 2026-27 regular season, usually with a full opening week in October plus possible Global Series games overseas. This page tracks opening night dates, TV channels, and start times in ET when the NHL publishes the schedule.
NHL Opening Week 2026 — Quick Facts
Season
2026-27 NHL (82-game regular season)
Expected Opening
Early–mid October 2026 (TBA)
Opening Week TV
ESPN, ABC, Hulu / Max (national games)
Global Series
Possible European or international openers (TBA)
Stanley Cup
2025-26 playoffs & finals run through June 2026
Schedule Hub
Daily NHL games on SportBusy
NHL Season Opener 2026 FAQ
When is the NHL season opener 2026?
The 2026-27 NHL season opener is expected in early–mid October 2026. The league may stage Global Series games abroad before the North American opening night. Exact dates and matchups are announced in the summer.
What is NHL Opening Night?
Opening Night is the first major slate of regular-season games after training camp and preseason. The NHL often spreads games across several days in October, with national TV windows on ESPN, ABC, or streaming on Max.
What channel is the NHL season opener on?
Under the current U.S. deal, national games air on ESPN, ABC, and streaming on ESPN+/Hulu/Max. Canadian games air on Sportsnet and TSN. Regional U.S. games use local RSN or streaming rights holders.
What is the NHL Global Series?
The NHL Global Series brings regular-season games to international venues (often Europe) before the domestic schedule ramps up. If the NHL schedules Global Series games for 2026, dates and teams will be listed here when announced.
How does the NHL opener relate to the Stanley Cup playoffs?
The 2025-26 Stanley Cup playoffs and finals conclude in June 2026. The next season's opener in October 2026 starts the 2026-27 campaign. See our Stanley Cup playoffs and finals hubs for the current postseason.
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