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.