The National Hockey League has unveiled the schedule for the 2025-26 hockey year, and every supporter has meticulously examined their preferred team’s lineup for unmissable contests. Similarly, we have analyzed the schedule to identify the most eagerly awaited clashes.
The 2025-26 season commences on Oct. 7 as the Florida Panthers hoist another Stanley Cup banner while facing the Chicago Blackhawks in a game set to begin at 5 p.m. ET, marking the initial game of a back-to-back-to-back tripleheader. (A heads-up: That particular game didn’t quite make the cut for the most highly anticipated list.)
2025-26 NHL schedule release: Panthers to raise Stanley Cup banner vs. Blackhawks on opening night
Chris Bengel
There will be poignant homecomings of various sorts (e.g., Mitch Marner and Brad Marchand). Alex Ovechkin will be pursuing his 900th goal very early in the season. The NHL is venturing outdoors in Florida, actually twice.
All hockey possesses a certain allure, but undeniably, some games generate more anticipation than others. Certain matchups are likely to be universally considered essential viewing.
We have endeavored to pinpoint those matchups, among others, in our selection of the top 10 most highly anticipated NHL games of 2025-26.
Predicting potential occurrences at the conclusion of the NHL season in mid-July is a speculative venture. As one engaged in such speculation, I feel secure in forecasting that this game on the regular season’s concluding day will determine the final playoff berth in the Western Conference. Both of these squads are quite intriguing, and should this game indeed determine the playoff destiny of both, my focus will be unwavering.
Speaking of predictions, there’s a significant likelihood that Ovechkin will be striving to become the NHL’s inaugural 900-goal scorer on Halloween night. The coincidence that he might have the opportunity to surpass Wayne Gretzky’s record and attain No. 900 against the Islanders again adds a humorous element.
8. Stars at Jets (Oct. 9)
Jonathan Toews has been absent from gameplay since April 13, 2023. That will change on this night as he enters the rink for his hometown Jets. Having battled illness for the past two years, Toews will stage an NHL comeback, and observing the performance of the 37-year-old three-time Stanley Cup champion in his Winnipeg debut will be captivating.
One day following the NHL’s Opening Night, the Canadiens have the chance to enter Toronto and make a statement. Montreal was among the league’s most compelling narratives last season, and now it seeks to validate that it wasn’t merely a stroke of luck. Conversely, the Leafs will be striving to establish an identity in a fresh era.
6. Stars at Avalanche (Oct. 11)
Merely a few days into the new season, the Avalanche will encounter Mikko Rantanen for the first time since he essentially prepared their demise, sealed their fate, and buried them in Game 7 of the first round of the playoffs. I intend to watch every contest between these rivals in 2025-26, but the initial one should be particularly engaging, especially given that it’s in Denver.
5. Oilers at Panthers (Nov. 22)
Yes, we have witnessed this matchup 13 times in the playoffs over the past two seasons. And, no, I am not weary of it. This championship rematch is scheduled five days before Thanksgiving, promising a feast for hockey enthusiasts. If recent history serves as any indication, this will likely be a preview of the Stanley Cup Final.
This will not mark the inaugural outdoor NHL game in Florida, but it will be the first held in a stadium boasting a pirate ship complete with a partially operational cannon. This factor significantly enhances its appeal, in my perspective. The Lightning are afforded the opportunity to host their first outdoor game, a deserving honor considering they initiated Florida’s streak of hockey supremacy.
3. Rangers at Panthers (Jan. 2)
This will represent the NHL’s inaugural outdoor venture in Florida. The 2026 NHL Winter Classic is slated to occur at LoanDepot Park in Miami, with the reigning Stanley Cup champions participating outdoors for the first time in their franchise history. While the Winter Classic has become somewhat predictable for some, the novel setting and the home team’s caliber should inject renewed excitement. If only a rink could be established outside the Elbo Room.
2. Panthers at Bruins (Oct. 21)
Having departed the Bruins via trade and secured a Stanley Cup victory with the Panthers, Brad Marchand will make his triumphant return to Boston. Marchand is a legendary figure within the Bruins franchise, promising an emotionally charged atmosphere at TD Garden. This will rank among the most captivating early-season atmospheres we’ll encounter.
The last instance of Mitch Marner’s presence in Toronto was marked by jeers from his own supporters as the Maple Leafs were eliminated from the playoffs. Now affiliated with the Golden Knights, it will be interesting to observe the reception he receives at Scotiabank Arena. Irrespective of the reception, Marner has the opportunity to demonstrate to the Maple Leafs the talent they are missing.
