The 2025-2026 NHL season kicks off with the Florida Panthers, the two-time reigning champions, hosting the Chicago Blackhawks on October 7. This game marks the Panthers' second consecutive championship banner hoisting after their triumph over the Edmonton Oilers in last month's Stanley Cup finals. The opening night will feature three key matchups, including the New York Rangers facing off against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden, where Sidney Crosby will lead the Penguins against new Rangers coach Mike Sullivan.

The final game on opening night showcases the Colorado Avalanche visiting the Los Angeles Kings. As excitement builds for the season, the full NHL schedule will be released on Wednesday, setting the stage for another thrilling year of hockey.

The Florida Panthers are gearing up to raise their second consecutive Stanley Cup banner as they kick off the NHL season against the Chicago Blackhawks. This much-anticipated event takes place at 5 p.m. EDT on October 7, marking the start of the league's opening night tripleheader. Following the Panthers' banner-raising ceremony, the New York Rangers will face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden, while the Colorado Avalanche will take on the Los Angeles Kings later that evening.

Having defeated the Edmonton Oilers in the Cup final rematch, the Panthers are now setting their sights on achieving the NHL's first threepeat since the New York Islanders' dynasty from 1980-83. This season will also feature an Olympic break for players participating in the Milan-Cortina Olympics, representing a notable return to international play for the NHL since 2014. Additionally, this marks the final 82-game regular season before an expansion to 84 games in the 2026-27 season, following a collective bargaining agreement extension between the league and the Players' Association.

The Florida Panthers are set to begin the NHL season by raising their second consecutive Stanley Cup banner before facing off against the Chicago Blackhawks on October 7. The Panthers, who defeated the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup final rematch, aim for a historic three-peat, a feat not achieved since the New York Islanders' dominance from 1980 to 1983. This season’s opener will be part of a tripleheader, featuring matchups between the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins, as well as the Colorado Avalanche against the Los Angeles Kings later that evening.

This season marks the last 82-game schedule before an expansion to 84 games in 2026-27, following a new collective bargaining agreement. Additionally, the upcoming schedule includes a break to accommodate players participating in the Milan-Cortina Olympics, marking the NHL’s return to the Olympics since 2014.

Charles Barkley's recent performance at the American Century Championship has garnered attention, showcasing a remarkable transformation in his golf game. Barkley, once ridiculed for his golfing skills, shot a personal best of 81, placing him tied for 24th in a competitive field that included prominent athletes. He expressed his excitement about the crowd's support and his hard work paying off. This year's performance marks a significant improvement compared to his previous finishes, where he often landed at the bottom of the leaderboard.

His dedication to the sport has been evident, as he has undergone training to improve his swing over the years. Barkley’s earlier struggles with golf, including a notorious swing hitch, had even led to professional coaching interventions. Now, as he prepares for future competitions, including a transition to ESPN for his basketball commentary, Barkley aims to keep his golf game on the upswing.

The NHL offseason is buzzing with significant player movements, highlighted by the Florida Panthers' success in retaining key figures Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand. Meanwhile, stars like Mitch Marner and Nikolaj Ehlers have found new homes, reshaping the league dynamics. Marner's blockbuster sign-and-trade with the Vegas Golden Knights signals their intent to contend again, while Bennett's playoff MVP performance solidifies his value for the Panthers. Ehlers joins the Carolina Hurricanes, aiming to enhance their scoring depth as they strive to compete with the Panthers in the Eastern Conference.

Other notable transactions include the Montreal Canadiens acquiring Noah Dobson, further bolstering their defense, and the New York Rangers signing Vladislav Gavrikov. Each move reflects teams' strategies to fortify their rosters and enhance their competitive standings as they look toward the upcoming season.