2026-27 NHL schedule has plenty of must-see games

The NHL released its 1,344-game 2026-27 regular-season schedule on Thursday, with the season opening on September 29 featuring a tripleheader on ESPN. Highlights include the Carolina Hurricanes raising their first Stanley Cup banner since 2006 against the Florida Panthers, after Carolina defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in six games to claim the championship. The opening night also features the potential NHL debut of Gavin McKenna, the 18-year-old No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, who signed his entry-level deal on July 3 and will play for the Toronto Maple Leafs against the Montreal Canadiens.