NHL 2026-27 Season Guide: Schedule, Rivalries, Outdoor Games & Best Ticket Value
The 2026-27 NHL season is the biggest regular season in league history -- literally. For the first time since adopting the 82-game format in 1995-96, the NHL has expanded its schedule, this time to 84 games per team. Combined with a rebalanced divisional slate, three outdoor games spanning three different countries' worth of hockey history, and the return of the All-Star Game, 2026-27 is shaping up to be one of the most eventful seasons the league has put together in years.
This guide covers every team and arena, the full outdoor game and rivalry calendar, opening night, and everything you need to know about tickets, seating, timing, and game day at any NHL arena this season.
What's New in the NHL in 2026-27
The headline change is the schedule itself. Every team will play 84 regular-season games in 2026-27, up from 82 -- the first increase since the league adopted its current format three decades ago. The league says the move addresses years of complaints from teams about an imbalanced number of divisional games against rivals. Under the new format, every team plays two home games and two away games against each of its seven division rivals, evening out a schedule that had grown lopsided over time.
The expanded slate also comes bundled with the league's new four-year collective bargaining agreement with the players, which takes effect September 16 -- just before puck drop on the new season. The league is also leaning further into its international push, with two games in Finland in November, two games in Germany in December, and Monday matinee and European-primetime scheduling built in specifically for fans watching from overseas.
NHL Teams & Arenas
All 32 NHL franchises and their home arenas for the 2026-27 season.
2026-27 NHL Outdoor Games
Outdoor hockey is one of the NHL's signature events, and 2026-27 delivers three of them across three very different settings -- a Canadian football stadium, a college football stadium in the mountains, and an NFL stadium in Texas.
2026 Heritage Classic -- Winnipeg Jets vs Montreal Canadiens
The eighth Heritage Classic in NHL history and the season's first outdoor game, played at Princess Auto Stadium, home of the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers. An alumni game between Jets and Canadiens legends is scheduled for the day before.
Buy Tickets2027 Winter Classic -- Utah Mammoth vs Colorado Avalanche
Utah's first-ever outdoor game -- and the last team in the league to play one -- comes on New Year's Eve at Rice-Eccles Stadium on the University of Utah campus, site of the 2002 Winter Olympics opening and closing ceremonies. This will be the second time two Winter Classics have been held in the same calendar year.
Buy Tickets2027 Stadium Series -- Dallas Stars vs Vegas Golden Knights
The Stars host the Golden Knights at AT&T Stadium, home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, in the season's final outdoor showcase before the stretch run to the playoffs.
Buy Tickets2026 NHL Global Series
The NHL's international push continues in 2026-27 with two overseas series -- the league's fifth consecutive year sending regular-season games to Europe.
NHL Global Series Finland -- Carolina Hurricanes vs Seattle Kraken
The Hurricanes and Kraken play two regular-season games at Veikkaus Arena in Helsinki. Hurricanes forwards Sebastian Aho and Jesperi Kotkaniemi, both Finland natives, return home to play in front of family and fans for the first time in their NHL careers.
Buy TicketsNHL Global Series Germany -- Chicago Blackhawks vs Ottawa Senators
The Blackhawks and Senators play two regular-season games at PSD Bank Dome in Dusseldorf, marking the NHL's first regular-season games in Germany since 2011.
Buy Tickets2026-27 NHL Rivalry Games
With every division rival now guaranteed a full four-game season series, rivalry hockey has real balance again in 2026-27. A few matchups carry extra weight this season.
Battle of Alberta -- Calgary Flames vs Edmonton Oilers
Every meeting between the Flames and Oilers carries extra weight in 2026-27 -- it is the final season of NHL hockey at the 43-year-old Scotiabank Saddledome before Calgary moves into its new arena, Scotia Place. Fans should expect an emotional farewell tour for one of the league's most heated modern rivalries.
Buy TicketsOriginal Six Showcases
Boston Bruins vs Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks vs Detroit Red Wings, and New York Rangers vs Boston Bruins remain the league's deepest rivalries by history alone -- each of hockey's six founding franchises dating back to 1942.
Bruins vs Canadiens Leafs vs Canadiens Blackhawks vs Red Wings Rangers vs Bruins
Other Marquee NHL Matchups in 2026-27
Beyond the rivalries and outdoor games, a handful of nights on the 2026-27 calendar stand out as must-see events.
Opening Night Tripleheader
The season kicks off with a nationally televised ESPN tripleheader. The 2025-26 Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes raise their championship banner and host the Florida Panthers at Lenovo Center (5 p.m. ET), followed by the New York Rangers visiting the Boston Bruins (8 p.m. ET), and the Chicago Blackhawks traveling to face the 2025-26 Western Conference champion Vegas Golden Knights (10:30 p.m. ET).
Hurricanes vs Panthers Bruins vs Rangers Golden Knights vs Blackhawks
NHL All-Star Weekend -- UBS Arena
The All-Star Game returns for the first time since 2024 after being replaced by the 4 Nations Face-Off in 2025 and the Winter Olympics in 2026. The Skills Competition is February 5 and the All-Star Game is February 6, both hosted at UBS Arena, home of the New York Islanders.
Buy TicketsRoad to the Stanley Cup Playoffs
The 2026-27 regular season sets up a long road to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, which begin in April following the conclusion of the 84-game slate -- the first time a full 84-game regular season will play out before a Cup run in the modern era. The Carolina Hurricanes enter the season as defending champions after their 2025-26 Stanley Cup victory, while the Vegas Golden Knights return as the reigning Western Conference champions looking to get back to the Final.
The Stanley Cup Final remains the biggest event on the hockey calendar, and every team's playoff push starts the moment the regular season opens. As the postseason picture comes into focus in the season's final months, ticket demand for both the first-round matchups and a potential Final run climbs quickly.
NHL Arena Seating Guide
Every NHL arena has its own layout and character -- from the century-old sightlines at Madison Square Garden to the newest buildings in Seattle and Elmont -- but most seating falls into a few general categories. Here is what to expect from each, regardless of which arena you are attending.
Lower Bowl
Closest to the ice with the clearest sightlines and easiest access to concourses and restrooms. Lower bowl seating is typically the most premium tier at any NHL arena and carries the highest demand for rivalry and outdoor-adjacent games -- SOLDOUT.COM regularly has lower bowl inventory available even for the biggest nights of the season.
Upper Bowl
Higher up but still inside the arena, upper bowl seating gives you a wide view of the entire ice surface and is usually the most accessible price point for marquee games. A strong option if you want to be in the building for a big matchup without paying lower-bowl prices.
Club Level
Premium seating with access to club lounges and upgraded concessions. Nearly every modern NHL arena has a dedicated club tier, sitting between standard seating and full suites in both price and amenities.
Center Ice vs End Boards
Center ice seats offer the best overall view of both ends of the rink and are the most in-demand seats in any arena. End boards seating is generally the most affordable and still delivers a full game-night atmosphere, especially if your section is behind a goal your team is attacking twice.
Best Seats for Your Budget
| Budget | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Lower budget | Upper bowl end boards seating -- full arena atmosphere at the most accessible price point |
| Mid-range budget | Upper bowl center ice or lower bowl end boards -- a strong balance of view and value |
| Higher budget | Lower bowl center ice seating -- the best combination of proximity and sightline for the price |
| Premium / no limit | Club level or suite seating -- the most comfortable, amenity-rich way to experience a game |
When to Buy Your NHL Tickets
The short answer is as soon as you know you are going. Ticket prices for outdoor games, rivalry matchups, and games with playoff implications tend to climb as the date approaches -- not fall -- and the three outdoor games in particular are historically among the fastest-selling tickets on the entire NHL calendar.
Buying early also gives you the widest selection of seating. Center ice seats are the most in-demand seats in any NHL arena, and the earlier you buy, the more center ice and lower bowl options you have to choose from. For opening night, the outdoor games, and the season's biggest rivalry matchups, buying early gives you first pick of the best available seating before demand pushes prices up.
Game Day Tips
Parking and rideshare
Most NHL arenas are in dense downtown areas with a mix of arena-owned garages, nearby lots, and street parking. SOLDOUT.COM sells parking passes for many NHL arenas alongside game tickets. Rideshare is also a strong option in most NHL markets -- nearly every arena has a dedicated rideshare pickup zone to keep traffic moving after the final horn.
Arrive for warmups
Player warmups typically start around 20 minutes before puck drop and are a great time to get a close-up look at your favorite players before the crowd noise builds. Arriving early also means an easier time finding your seat and grabbing food before the first period gets underway.
Dress in layers
NHL arenas are kept cold to protect the ice, typically in the mid-60s Fahrenheit. A light jacket or layered clothing makes a real difference over a two-and-a-half-hour game, especially in upper bowl sections further from the ice.
Outdoor game specifics
Outdoor games add a layer of planning on top of a normal night at the arena -- stadium-style entry, exposure to actual weather, and significantly larger crowds than a standard game. Dress for the forecast, arrive earlier than usual, and expect longer walks from parking or transit than at a standard indoor arena.
Arena Entry
Mobile tickets and Apple/Google Wallet
Nearly every NHL arena uses mobile-only entry. Add your ticket to your phone's wallet app before you leave for the arena -- cell service near a packed arena can be unreliable, and having your ticket already loaded avoids delays at the gate.
Bag policy
Most NHL arenas follow a clear-bag or small-bag policy similar to other major sports leagues. Policies vary by arena, so check your specific team's gameday policy in advance -- some buildings allow small non-clear bags, others require clear bags only.
Allowed items
Most NHL arenas do not allow outside food or drink, and rules on sealed water bottles vary building to building. Small binoculars and seat cushions are generally allowed. Check your specific arena's policy in advance rather than assuming, especially for outdoor games where rules can differ from the team's regular home arena.
Arrive early
Security lines move slowly for rivalry games, outdoor games, and opening night. Arriving at least 45-60 minutes before puck drop for a big game gives you time to clear security, find your seat, and catch warmups without rushing.
Why Buy Your NHL Tickets on SOLDOUT.COM
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NHL 2026-27 Season FAQ
How many games are in the 2026-27 NHL season?
Each team plays 84 regular-season games in 2026-27, up from 82 -- the first increase since the league adopted its current 82-game format in 1995-96. The change gives every team two home and two away games against each of its seven division rivals.
When does the 2026-27 NHL season start?
The season opens September 29, 2026, with a nationally televised ESPN tripleheader in the United States and a Sportsnet doubleheader in Canada. The 2025-26 Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes host the Florida Panthers to open the night.
What outdoor games are on the 2026-27 NHL schedule?
Three outdoor games: the 2026 Heritage Classic (Winnipeg Jets vs Montreal Canadiens, October 25, Princess Auto Stadium), the 2027 Winter Classic (Utah Mammoth vs Colorado Avalanche, December 31, Rice-Eccles Stadium), and the 2027 Stadium Series (Dallas Stars vs Vegas Golden Knights, February 20, AT&T Stadium).
What Global Series games are on the 2026-27 NHL schedule?
The Carolina Hurricanes play the Seattle Kraken in Helsinki, Finland at Veikkaus Arena on November 12 and 14. The Chicago Blackhawks play the Ottawa Senators in Dusseldorf, Germany at PSD Bank Dome on December 18 and 20.
Is this Utah Mammoth's first outdoor game?
Yes. The 2027 Winter Classic against Colorado on December 31 will be Utah's first-ever outdoor game, making them the last franchise in the NHL to play in one.
When is the NHL All-Star Game in 2027?
The Skills Competition is February 5, 2027, and the All-Star Game is February 6, 2027, both at UBS Arena, home of the New York Islanders. It is the first All-Star Game since 2024 after being replaced by the 4 Nations Face-Off in 2025 and the Winter Olympics in 2026.
When should I buy NHL tickets?
As soon as you know you are attending. Prices for outdoor games, rivalry matchups, and games with playoff implications typically rise as the date approaches. Buying early also gives you the widest choice of seating, especially center ice and lower bowl seats.
Are NHL tickets on SOLDOUT.COM guaranteed?
Yes. Every order is backed by the SOLDOUT.COM 100% Fan Guarantee -- verified tickets, instant digital delivery, and a full refund if the event is permanently canceled. A flat $9.95 fee applies per order.
Bottom Line
The 2026-27 NHL season is a genuinely historic one -- the first 84-game slate in three decades, a rebalanced divisional schedule, and three outdoor games spread across a Canadian football stadium, a college campus in the mountains, and an NFL stadium in Texas. Add a farewell season for the Scotiabank Saddledome, the return of the All-Star Game, and a defending champion in Carolina looking to go back-to-back, and this is shaping up to be one of the most compelling seasons in recent NHL history. Whether you are chasing the Heritage Classic, the Winter Classic, or a rivalry night close to home, buying early and knowing your seating options will make the difference between a good seat and a great one.