NHL Releases 2026-27 Schedule Amid Exciting Changes
The NHL announced the 2026-27 schedule, marking the introduction of an 84-game regular season. Highlights include the Heritage Classic between the Montreal Canadiens and the Winnipeg Jets, and the Winter Classic between the Utah Mammoth and the Colorado Avalanche. A standout event for the Chicago Blackhawks will be the 2026 NHL Global Series against the Ottawa Senators in Düsseldorf, Germany, on December 18 and 20. Additionally, the Blackhawks have adjusted their home game start times to 7 p.m., with weekend games starting at 6 p.m. or earlier. The team will also enjoy two seven-game homestands from October 10-27 and February 17-March 1. Fans will watch how the Hawks perform without star Connor Bedard, anticipate visits from former players, and speculate about the team’s season finale standing.
Key Games to Watch in 2026-27
September 29: The season opener against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena at 9:30 p.m. marks the ninth consecutive year the Hawks start on the road. With Connor Bedard sidelined due to left shoulder surgery, the Blackhawks will rely on Frank Nazar, 22, and Anton Frondell, 19, to lead the first and second lines. Roman Kantserov, 21, is expected to make his NHL debut. Historically, the Golden Knights have dominated the series against the Blackhawks, maintaining a 17-3-4 record.
October 3: The Hawks face the Buffalo Sabres at 6 p.m. Defenseman Bowen Byram, who signed a six-year, $75 million extension, returns to his former stadium. Byram, who now plays a crucial role with the Hawks, left Buffalo due to limited opportunities. The Sabres have performed well against the Hawks, winning both games in their last meetings.
November 17: A home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at 6:30 p.m. features Leafs left wing Gavin McKenna, the 2026 No. 1 pick, who shares familial ties with Bedard. McKenna looks to apply insights shared by Bedard as he navigates the NHL.
December 6: The Edmonton Oilers return to the United Center at 6 p.m. The Hawks traded Jason Dickinson, Connor Murphy, and Colton Dach for Andrew Mangiapane and future draft picks. The Oilers offer the former Hawks a chance at a Stanley Cup amid their loss to Anaheim. The Hawks aim for similar opportunities in the future.
December 18 and 20: The Global Series games in Düsseldorf mark the Hawks’ first overseas matches in seven years. Previous international games include matches in Prague in 2019 and Helsinki in 2009.
January 30: The Hawks contend with the San Jose Sharks at 3 p.m. Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini, both No. 1 picks, meet again. The matchup provides Chicago with a potential glimpse of Ivar Stenberg, a top draft choice they considered.
March 28: The Blackhawks face the Seattle Kraken at home at 2 p.m. With just six games remaining, they aspire to compete for a playoff slot this time, contrasting their previous early elimination from playoff contention.