NHL releases the 2025-26 schedule, the last 82-game season before new CBA increases it to 84
July 16, 2025
The NHL has released the full 2025-26 schedule. It is the final 82-game season before the new collective bargaining agreement kicks in and increases to 84. Alex Ovechkin begins his 21st season on Oct. 8 when he and the Washington Capitals host Boston. Ovechkin is at 897 career goals after breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record and can now surpass 900. After raising their second consecutive Stanley Cup banner on opening night Oct. 7 against Chicago, the back-to-back defending champion Florida Panthers host Philadelphia two days later. The league’s 32 teams will combine to play 1,312 games between Oct. 7 and April 16 with the playoffs to run from then through much of June.