NHL releases 2025-26 regular-season schedule
1,312-game slate begins Oct. 7, includes Olympic break in February
www.nhl.comI don’t have live access to the latest feeds right now, but here’s the most up-to-date overview of the NHL calendar for the 2025-26 season based on recent official announcements and reputable sources.
Core answer
- The 2025-26 NHL regular season comprises 1,312 games, kicking off in early October 2025 and running through mid-April 2026, followed by the Stanley Cup Playoffs starting in mid-April 2026.[2][7]
Key dates and highlights
- Opening night: The season began on October 7, 2025, with a nationally televised tripleheader in the U.S. and Canada.[2]
- International/special events: Early-season games featured Finland/Europe or Sweden trip(s) as part of the league’s Global Series options; two games were scheduled in Sweden in November 2025.[2]
- Olympic break: There was an 18-day pause in February 2026 to accommodate the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, during which NHL players participated on the world stage for the first time since 2014.[2]
- Winter Classic and Stadium Series: The season included a Winter Classic in early January 2026 in Florida and a Stadium Series event in February 2026 in Tampa Bay, reflecting the league’s outdoor-game slate.[3][7]
- End of regular season: The regular season wrapped up on April 16, 2026, setting the stage for the playoffs.[7][2]
- Playoffs: Playoffs were slated to begin in mid-April 2026, with the Stanley Cup Playoffs continuing through June (dates vary by series).[7][2]
What this means for fans in Paris
- If you’re planning to follow live, expect a schedule packed with marquee national broadcasts and periodic European or outdoor games streamed or aired in different regions; check local listings for exact broadcast windows and any time-zone differences when games are shown in Europe.[7][2]
- For in-person travel discoveries, the 2025-26 season featured notable intercontinental fixtures (e.g., Sweden and Florida/Tampa outdoor events), which could influence fan travel planning in Europe and the United States.[3][2]
Representative sources
- NHL releases 2025-26 regular-season schedule: 1,312 games, start date, Olympic break details.[2]
- Dévoilement du calendrier 2025-26 de la LNH (French recap with key dates like Winter Classic in Florida and Olympics pause).[7]
- 2025-26 NHL schedule with notable outdoor games and playoffs timing.[3]
Would you like me to pull the latest, specific game-by-game schedule or map out viewing options in Paris for key games (e.g., Winter Classic, Stadium Series, or playoff games)? I can also summarize which teams have the most national TV slots this season if that helps your planning.