Open the TV Guide →
Hockey is back. The 2026-27 NHL season — the first with an expanded 84-game schedule — opens Tuesday 29 September US time (Wednesday 30 September AEST). Carolina raises the Stanley Cup banner as they host Florida in the marquee opener. Toronto hosts Montreal in a rivalry game potentially featuring the NHL debut of #1 overall pick Gavin McKenna. Brady Tkachuk makes his Florida Panthers debut against Carolina after being traded from Ottawa. Mike Babcock is back as Edmonton’s head coach. And the ramp-up preseason has delivered exactly the storylines a shorter camp promised. Here’s the state of the NHL heading into opening night.
Opening night — Tuesday 29 September (Wednesday 30 September AEST)
The NHL’s first-night tripleheader:
- Florida Panthers @ Carolina Hurricanes — Cup banner raising, 5pm ET
- New York Rangers @ Boston Bruins — Original Six rivalry
- Chicago Blackhawks @ Vegas Golden Knights — Marner-Eichel top line debut for Vegas
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens plays simultaneously at 7pm ET on Sportsnet in Canada — potentially featuring the NHL debut of Gavin McKenna, the 2026 #1 overall pick.
Brady Tkachuk to Florida — Panthers make their move
The offseason trade nobody predicted: Brady Tkachuk was traded from Ottawa to Florida over the summer, joining his brother Matthew Tkachuk on the two-time defending champions. Matthew remains sidelined through approximately December after offseason surgery. Brady’s debut against Carolina will be one of hockey’s most-watched season openers.
For Florida, this is a genuine title-defence upgrade despite losing Matthew for the opening two months. Brady adds another elite two-way top-six forward in the meantime.
Babcock returns as Oilers coach
Mike Babcock — one of the most decorated coaches in NHL history, but with high-profile exits from both Toronto and Columbus — is back as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers. Connor McDavid remains unsigned beyond this season and the pressure to finally win a Cup with McDavid and Draisaitl has never been higher. The Oilers host Vancouver — with new coach Manny Malhotra — in their opener.
Ovechkin’s 22nd home opener
Alex Ovechkin‘s Capitals face Pittsburgh in their home opener on Tuesday 7 October. Ovechkin is playing what may be his final full NHL season on his 22nd year in the league. His pursuit of the 940-goal milestone continues; Washington’s “Stanley Cup or bust” 2026-27 begins in earnest.
Schaefer opens as reigning Rookie of the Year
Matthew Schaefer — the 2026 Calder Trophy winner — opens the season at home for the New York Islanders against New Jersey on Friday 3 October. Schaefer’s follow-up season will be one of the storylines to watch.
Around the league heading into opening night
- Dylan Larkin — Red Wings captain-less, Larkin sidelined by upper-body injury heading into camp
- Connor McDavid — still unsigned beyond this season
- Connor Hellebuyck — trade request unresolved in Winnipeg
- Cutter Gauthier — signed with Anaheim in mid-September, ending the summer’s longest RFA standoff
- Ryan Leonard — signed 8-year extension with Washington
- Cale Makar — injury situation to monitor in Colorado
Australian viewing on opening night
Wednesday 30 September AEST — Carolina vs Florida broadcasts on ESPN via Kayo Sports and Disney+. NHL Network Australia coverage will follow. For the full week’s schedule with AEST tip-off times, use our live TV Guide.
One email per day at 7:00pm AEST. NHL schedule confirmations and pick of the day. Free.
Season storylines
Panthers three-peat bid. Two-time defending Cup champions add Brady Tkachuk but lose Matthew until December.
McDavid’s contract year. Unsigned beyond 2026-27. His extension talks will define Edmonton’s season.
Carolina’s title defence. Ehlers signed, Carlson acquired, core intact.
Ovechkin’s farewell run. Chasing 940 goals in what may be a final full season.
What’s next?
- Live US Sports TV Guide
- Previous NHL Wrap — 20 September 2026
- 2025-26 Season Retrospective — Hurricanes Champions
- How to Watch NHL in Australia 2026
All information accurate as of Sunday 27 September 2026 US time. All times AEST. Mac Johannson covers US sports for Australian fans.