The 2026-27 NHL season marks a historic shift for the league. Under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, the regular season has expanded from 82 to 84 games for the first time since the mid-90s. To accommodate the extra games, the season will begin in late September 2026, with the Stanley Cup awarded by mid-June.
Below, you can access our signature low-ink printable schedules for all 32 teams (including the newly rebranded Utah Mammoth) and the updated national TV broadcast windows for ESPN, TNT, and ABC.
Is there a Mid-Season International Break in the 2026-27 NHL Schedule?
With the Winter Olympics not scheduled until 2030, there will be no mid-season international break during the 2026-27 NHL schedule. This ensures a smoother flow from opening night through the playoffs. Expect an All-Star Weekend (location and dates TBD) and the return of outdoor events like the Winter Classic and Stadium Series. National TV partners (ESPN/ABC, TNT, and potentially others) will broadcast key games, with streaming options via ESPN+ and regional networks.
Key Dates for the 2026-27 NHL Regular Season
Key Known Dates for 2026-27 (as of January 2026; subject to official confirmation):
- Regular season expected start → Late September 2026 (likely around September 24-30, to accommodate the extra games)
- Regular season expected end → Mid-April 2027 (around April 12-18)
- Stanley Cup Finals → Expected to conclude in mid-to-late June 2027
- Schedule release → Typically in mid-to-late June 2026 (often the third week, e.g., Tuesday or Thursday around June 20-27)
Full team schedules, including opponent matchups, start times, national TV broadcasts, and streaming details, will be updated here once the NHL releases the official slate in summer 2026. In the meantime,bookmark our schedule articles as we post them up for you. We include the 2025-26 regular season schedule printable for you until its time for the updated one.
How to Watch: NHL TV & Streaming Partners
In the United States, national coverage remains split between The Walt Disney Company (ESPN/ABC) and Warner Bros. Discovery (TNT/TBS/TruTV).
- Streaming: Out-of-market games are available on ESPN+ (NHL Power Play).
- National Broadcasts: TNT holds the rights to the 2027 Stanley Cup Final.
- Early Season: Look for the season-opening tripleheaders on ESPN in late September.
2026-27 NHL Team Schedules Grid
Ahead of the NHL schedule release, we’ll update the team schedule outline with all of the information that we know first. We’ll also include the printable for the 2025-26 season for the team that you can print or save to PDF format. Once the 2026-27 schedule is confirmed by the league, we’ll update the printable for you.
Western Conference
Eastern Conference
All team schedules: Coming Summer 2026
Stay tuned to SportsBrackets.net for printable PDFs, TV grids, and full breakdowns as soon as the NHL releases the official 2026-27 schedule. We’ll have team-by-team pages ready to go! In the meantime, check out our 2025-26 NHL hub for current season coverage. You can also checkout the 2026 NHL Playoff and Stanley Cup Schedule here too if you are getting all set for watching the playoffs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did the NHL move to an 84-game schedule?
The expansion to 84 games was part of the new CBA ratified in 2025. The extra two games are designated as divisional matchups to increase regional rivalries and league revenue.
When is the 2026-27 NHL schedule officially released?
While we know the opponents and the 84-game format, the full week-by-week calendar with specific kickoff times is expected to be released in late June or early July 2026.
Does the 84-game season change the playoff format?
No. The Stanley Cup Playoff format remains the same, with 16 teams qualifying for a four-round, best-of-seven series.
