Feb 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; NHL commissioner Gary Bettman speaks during media availabilities before the Los Angeles Kings play against the Utah Hockey Club at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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NHL Sets October 7 Start Date for 2025-26 Season

The NHL confirms the 2025-26 regular season will begin on October 7, shifting slightly from previous years with no early Global Series games.

Hockey fans can mark their calendars. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has confirmed that the 2025-26 regular season will begin on Tuesday, October 7. This marks a slight shift from last year’s start date, which was earlier due to overseas games in the Global Series. This time, there are no international matchups scheduled for early October, pushing the season opener a few days later than usual.

For years, the NHL season traditionally kicked off on the first Wednesday of October, a trend that had remained consistent since the 2004-05 lockout, except for disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, after securing broadcasting deals with ESPN and Turner Sports in 2021, the league adjusted its schedule to start on the second Tuesday of October, ensuring a high-profile launch with multiple nationally televised games.

The 2025-26 NHL season will begin on October 7, commissioner Gary Bettman announced pic.twitter.com/pfBE2QnHNy
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 19, 2025

Although some had hoped for a shortened preseason, given the extended Stanley Cup playoffs in recent years, no such changes are planned for 2025–26. Adjustments to the preseason length would require modifications to the league’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which won’t be up for negotiation until 2026-27.

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The NHL has also continued its pattern of alternating years for Global Series games. In recent years, the league has opted out of hosting early-season overseas matchups in odd-numbered years (2021, 2023, and now 2025). This means that, unlike previous seasons where international games kicked things off, the 2025–26 campaign will begin with a more traditional start.

While details on the full schedule and opening-night matchups are yet to be revealed, the confirmation of the season start date gives fans something to look forward to as teams prepare for another exciting year of NHL action.

Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!