2026-27 NHL Season Kicks Off with Expanded Schedule and Key Player Moves

The National Hockey League's 2026-27 season begins today, September 29, 2026, featuring an expanded 84-game schedule. Opening night includes a tripleheader on ESPN, highlighted by the reigning champion Carolina Hurricanes. Notable player transactions include the Toronto Maple Leafs acquiring forward Kirill Marchenko in a six-player deal, Matthew and Brady Tkachuk uniting on the Florida Panthers after a blockbuster trade, and three-time Stanley Cup champion Patrick Kane starting his second tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks.