The NHL has unveiled its 2025-26 season schedule, featuring an exciting tripleheader on opening night. The Florida Panthers will raise their Stanley Cup banner for the second consecutive year before facing the Chicago Blackhawks on October 7. The opening night also highlights a matchup between the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins, alongside the Los Angeles Kings hosting the Colorado Avalanche.

On October 8, the league will showcase a nationally-televised doubleheader with the Boston Bruins visiting the Washington Capitals, followed by a match between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Kings. Among the key dates is the anticipated rematch between the Panthers and Edmonton Oilers on November 22 at Amerant Bank Arena, and a later clash at Rogers Place on March 19. The season also features the 2026 Winter Classic, where the Panthers will host the Rangers in Miami on January 2, marking the event's debut in Florida.

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.

The New York Rangers' cautious approach towards K'Andre Miller led to his unexpected shift to the Carolina Hurricanes, where he signed an impressive eight-year, $60 million contract. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman highlighted the divergent philosophies between the two teams regarding Miller's value. While the Rangers favored a short-term deal, the Hurricanes seized the opportunity, showcasing their commitment to building a strong core around players like Sebastian Aho and Jaccob Slavin.

This move signified Carolina's ambition, as head coach Rod Brind’Amour expressed excitement over landing a skilled defenseman. The Rangers, in response, opted for a different strategy by signing Vladislav Gavrikov to a $49 million contract, indicating a shift in their defensive mindset. General manager Chris Drury emphasized Gavrikov's reliability, marking a clear departure from the dynamic play Miller could have brought to New York.

The NHL season is heating up as teams finalize their rosters for the upcoming games. The Los Angeles Kings are making headlines with their impressive lineup, featuring high-profile players like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers are looking to maintain their momentum after a strong postseason run, with Aleksander Barkov leading the charge. The New York Rangers, bolstered by the dynamic duo of Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad, aim to secure a playoff spot with a consistent performance this year.

Fantasy managers should keep an eye on players like Connor Bedard, who is poised to make a significant impact in his rookie season with the Chicago Blackhawks. Additionally, with injuries sidelining key players in various teams, the waiver wire will be a crucial resource for fantasy owners seeking to fill gaps in their rosters. As the season progresses, strategic decisions will be vital for both fantasy leagues and sports betting enthusiasts.