NHL Unveils Expanded 84-Game 2026-27 Schedule

The NHL has officially expanded its regular season schedule from 82 to 84 games starting with the 2026-27 season, marking the first increase since the league adopted the 82-game format in 1995-96. The change comes alongside a new four-year collective bargaining agreement set to take effect on September 16, partly in response to franchises' complaints about imbalanced divisional game scheduling. The season opener is set for September 29 on ESPN, featuring a tripleheader headlined by the reigning Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes, taking on the Florida Panthers.