The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced the end of their longtime agreement and affiliation with the Wheeling Nailers.

The announcement was released Thursday afternoon and Kyle Dubas said in a statement that the team is grateful for the Nailers being partners with the Penguins for the last 29 years.

“It is only because of very unique circumstances that we must say goodbye at this time,” the statement read.

When the Hoffmann Family of Companies completed the sale of the franchise last month, it was expected that the team’s affiliate would become the Florida Everblades, the ECHL team that is already owned by the Hoffmann family.

“The Nailers have run a first-class operation for many years, and any organization would be fortunate to have them as an affiliate,” the team’s statement read.

The Pittsburgh Penguins announce end to long and successful ECHL affiliation agreement with the Wheeling Nailers. pic.twitter.com/i4QigXbJWO

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) July 16, 2026

“We wish the city of Wheeling, the Nailers, and all of their fans continued success as a great ECHL franchise,” the statement read. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you Wheeling.”

It’s unclear when an official announcement might be made to confirm the team’s new partnership with the Florida Everblades.

If the NHL off-season had referees, the Toronto Maple Leafs' social media team might have just earned two minutes for roughing.

The Leafs took a playful shot at the Ottawa Senators on Thursday as NHL clubs unveiled their 2026-27 regular season schedules.

Some things are worth leaving behind eh pic.twitter.com/Gs2ExJ4CH3

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 16, 2026

Like many teams, Toronto rolled out a humorous social media video to announce its schedule. As part of the skit, two Leafs employees sorted through a fictional lost-and-found, cataloguing items supposedly left behind by other NHL teams before shipping them back.

The collection included plenty of familiar stereotypes, including Buffalo wing sauce for the Sabres, steamies for the Canadiens, and a bag of clam chowder for the Bruins.

But when it came time to reveal the Leafs' games against Ottawa, the item pulled from the lost-and-found was Brady Tkachuk's podcast microphone, still attached to its boom arm.

One of the actors asked, "Do you think we have to send this to Florida now instead?" before slapping a Panthers sticker over top of the Senators logo on the shipping box.

It was a playful jab in the Battle of Ontario, but the Leafs probably could have gone much harder.

After all, just eight days ago, Daniel Alfredsson, the greatest player in Senators history, left Ottawa to join Toronto's coaching staff. Mocking that move might have stung even more than chirping the Sens about Tkachuk's exit. But perhaps the video had already been completed by then.

In any event, the Leafs won the social media exchange on Thursday, but the games that matter begin on Oct. 3, when Toronto hosts Ottawa in the Senators' season opener.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News 

This former Colorado Avalanche goaltender is heading back to Russia.

Ivan Prosvetov has signed with Avangard Omsk of the KHL, ending his latest stint in North America after spending the 2025-26 season with the Calgary Wranglers of the AHL.

While his time in the Avalanche organization was relatively short, Prosvetov became an important depth piece during a season when Colorado’s goaltending situation was suddenly tested.

The Avalanche acquired Prosvetov off waivers from the Arizona Coyotes in October 2023 after veteran backup Pavel Francouz was sidelined with an injury. At the time, Colorado needed insurance behind Alexandar Georgiev, and Prosvetov quickly earned the trust of the coaching staff.

The 27-year-old made his Avalanche debut on Oct. 26, 2023, replacing Georgiev in a loss against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Just days later, he received his first NHL start and delivered one of the best moments of his brief Colorado tenure, stopping 28 shots in a 4-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues.

With Francouz eventually ruled out for the remainder of the season, Prosvetov stepped into the backup role behind Georgiev. He appeared in 11 games for the Avalanche, earning four wins while providing Colorado with stability during a difficult stretch.

However, as the season progressed, his opportunities became limited. After the All-Star break, the Avalanche placed Prosvetov on waivers and assigned him to the Colorado Eagles.

The move ended up being a turning point.

Prosvetov immediately found his confidence in the AHL, putting together a dominant run with the Eagles. He won eight straight games, earned AHL Player of the Week honors and was recognized as the league’s Goaltender of the Month in February.

He remained with the Eagles through the remainder of the season before returning to the Avalanche as a playoff reserve.

After leaving Colorado, Prosvetov continued his career overseas, signing with CSKA Moscow in the KHL for the 2024-25 season. He later returned to North America with the Calgary Wranglers, where he posted an .887 save percentage last season.

Now, he is making another trip back to Russia to continue his career with Avangard Omsk.

The move is unlikely to have a major impact on the Avalanche’s current plans in net, but Prosvetov remains an interesting “what if” from Colorado’s recent past.

He showed flashes of being a reliable NHL goaltender during his time with the Avalanche, but consistency and opportunity ultimately determined his path. Now, he’ll look to continue his career overseas and carve out a new chapter in the KHL.

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The 2026-27 NHL schedule has been released, with all 1,344 games now public knowledge. Every team will play 84 games this season, up from 82 to accommodate recent expansion. 

Odds are starting to trickle out for season openers, and I've assembled my favorite early NHL picks below.

See why my NHL season opener predictions are taking the Rangers to beat the Bruins on Tuesday, September 29.

Bets to make following NHL schedule release 2026-27

Panthers moneyline

+115 at Caesars

The defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes will commence the 2026-27 season on Tuesday, September 29 against the next-most recent Stanley Cup winner, the Florida Panthers.

The Panthers know from first-hand experience how tough it can be to defend a title. They did it successfully in 2024-25, but 2025-26 was a disaster as they missed the playoffs altogether.

Injuries did a number on Florida, with captain Aleksander Barkov missing the entire campaign after suffering an injury in the preseason. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who is now with the Maple Leafs, fell off a cliff in his age-37 season, posting the lowest SV% of his career (.877).

But the Panthers re-tooled this summer, bringing in Brady Tkachuk as well as Radko Gudkas. Newly-acquired netminders Jacob Markstrom and Akira Schmid form as good a one-two punch in net as any team.

I'm happy to back Florida at +100 or better as they attempt to kick off what should be a bounce-back campaign in style.

• Time: 5 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN

Canadiens moneyline

-110 at Caesars

The Toronto Maple Leafs may have had the "louder" offseason compared to the arch-rival Montreal Canadiens', but that doesn't mean it was the better one.

New netminder Bobrovsky looked over the hill last year, yet his three-year contract might age better than the seven-year one dished out to defenseman Darren Raddysh, who rose from obscurity to post 22 goals for the Lightning last year at age 30.

Toronto overhauled their forward depth, but the biggest impact player of the bunch was the one-dimensional Jack Roslovic.

Montreal hasn't bought in any big new names this summer, but they didn't really need to after making the Eastern Conference Final last season. This is still a team loaded with young talent that I'll happily back to -125.

• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• TV: SN

Rangers moneyline

+110 at Caesars

The New York Rangers had a 100th season to forget last year, as they shipped Artemi Panarin to the Kings at the trade deadline and finished last in the Eastern Conference. However, they've made some interesting offseason moves, and they could pay immediate dividends vs. a Boston Bruins team that has more-or-less stood pat this summer.

New York's biggest acquisition was Pavel Dorofeyev, who scored a career-high 37 goals in 2025-26. Oliver Bjorkstrand and Joe Veleno have also climbed aboard to provide some much-needed offensive depth, and Gabe Perreault stands to benefit from a full year of seasoning.

The Rangers' strong top-line defensive pairing of Adam Fox and Vladislav Gavrikov will now be backed up by well-respected puck-moving defenseman Sean Durzi, and the stay-at-home Marcus Pettersson. 

World-class goalie Igor Shesterkin should be between the pipes on Opening Night, and he gives his team a chance to win every time he suits up.

The Bruins' big offseason acquisition was JJ Peterka, who will be playing for his third team in as many seasons, and he scored 25 goals last season. But Viktor Arvidsson, a 25-goal scorer in 2025-26, has left Boston for Detroit.

Play to -110.

• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

A year ago, the Montreal Canadiens had two goaltending prospects in The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler’s top 20 drafted goaltending prospects: Jacob Fowler, who stood at number two, and Jakub Dobes, who was at number 19. Unsurprisingly, only Fowler remains on the list since Dobes is no longer eligible, now being an established NHL netminder.

Fowler still occupies the top spot in the rankings after a convincing rookie season at both the AHL and the NHL level. A third-round pick in 2023, Fowler is the most exciting goaltending prospect the Canadiens have had since Carey Price, even though the former face of the franchise was the fifth overall pick at the 2005 draft. There’s another Montreal goaltender who did just fine after being drafted in the third round: Patrick Roy. Saint-Patrick was taken 51st overall at the 1984 draft.

Is the Canadiens’ Contention Window Wide Open?
Canadiens Did The Right Thing Promoting Daniel Jacob
Canadiens Have Three Players On Wheeler’s Top 100 Drafted Prospect List

In his first complete pro season, Fowler featured in 27 AHL games and kept a 19-7-2 record with a 2.23 goals-against average, a .916 save percentage, and he blanked the opponent three times. The circumstances in Montreal led to his call-up in December, and while he was still very green, he did well with the big club. So much so that some wondered if Dobes might be sent to Laval once Samuel Montembeault was back in the fold, however, it was Fowler who was sent back down, only to come back up when Montembeault faltered again. The youngster was called back up in March and finished the season with the Habs, serving as Dobes's backup in the playoffs.

In his 17 NHL games, Fowler kept a 9-6-2 record with a 2.43 GAA, a .908 SV and one shutout. Those are the numbers of a goaltender who’s ready to play in the NHL, and if the Canadiens cannot move Montembeault this offseason, they very well may have a problem in net. 

Wheeler raves about Wheeler in his rankings and has no qualms saying he has a legitimate shot at being a top NHL goaltender. The positioning, the rebound control, the angles, the reflexes- The Athletic’s journalist essentially says that Fowler has it all. While he mentions that the Canadiens and their fans are deservedly high on Dobes right now, he still believes that Fowler is the starter of the future, and you won’t find many people who are ready to argue with him on that one.

The three-year and $5.357M cap hit contract the Habs gave Dobes is a sign that they are not fixed on who will hold the main job long term; it leaves room for Fowler to take over if that’s what his performances eventually dictate or for Dobes to get another contract extension if he’s still in the driver’s seat in four years (his contract doesn’t kick in until the 2027-28 season) or to break the bank in free agency if he so desires.

---

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On Wednesday, the NHL announced the home openers for all 32 teams, with the Calgary Flames, who begin their final season at the Scotiabank Saddledome, welcoming the Seattle Kraken to town on October 1 for a 7:00 pm MT contest. 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS ‼️

Our 2026-27 home opener is set for Oct. 1 when we host the Seattle Kraken 🔥 pic.twitter.com/aT92Iiyod5

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) July 15, 2026

The league did not take the opportunity to let either of the Flames' biggest rivals, the Edmonton Oilers or the Vancouver Canucks, be the final home-opener opponent in Saddledome history, instead opting to give that honor to the Pacific Division's newest club. Interestingly, Calgary will begin and end October with the Kraken, who make their final appearance in the Dome on October 30th.

Meanwhile, the league announced the remainder of the 2026-27 schedule today, giving Flames fans plenty to talk about regarding the 2026-27 campaign. After missing out on a rivalry game to open the season, the NHL did give the Canucks the final regular-season home game in Saddledome history, a Saturday night contest on April 10, which will most likely be broadcast nationally on Sportsnet. 

Moreover, fans hoping to see Connor McDavid and the Oilers one final time in the Dome will need to wait until March, when Edmonton comes to town on March 3 and again on March 23. 

Regarding Original Six matchups, the Detroit Red Wings come to Calgary on October 24, followed by the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 26. The Chicago Blackhawks, led by Connor Bedard, visit on November 21 and March 5, while the New York Rangers play their final Saddledome contest on Remembrance Day on November 11.

Finally, the Montreal Canadiens pay their final visit to the place where they battled in the 1986 and 1989 Stanley Cup Finals on January 28, and the Boston Bruins will be the second-to-last Original Six team to play at the Dome on February 17. 

The reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Carolina Hurricanes, visit early in the season with a matchup on October 18. 

Throughout the season, the Flames will host several multi-game homestands, with the longest running from January 5 to January 16, featuring several Eastern Conference teams from Florida, New York (Islanders), Tampa Bay, Columbus, followed by San Jose and Los Angeles. Overall, Calgary will host teams for three or four home games in a row eight times, with a couple of them featuring Pacific Division rivals.

According to NHL.com, the Flames are 909-549-109-93 at the Saddledome, which will close for the final time at the conclusion of the 2026-27 NHL season. 

The Winnipeg Jets released their full 2026-27 schedule on Thursday, giving fans their first look at a historic 84-game campaign, the longest regular season in NHL history.

From an opening night showdown to an outdoor spectacle and a pair of late-season clashes that could shape the playoff race, this year's slate has no shortage of highlights.

While every one of Winnipeg's 84 games will carry its own storylines, a handful of matchups stand out above the rest as the ones fans will want circled on the calendar well in advance. Here's a look at the five best matchups on the Jets' schedule this season.

Season Opener vs. Boston Bruins – Friday, October 2nd

The Jets kick off their season on home ice at Canada Life Centre against the Boston Bruins. Season openers always carry a bit of extra buzz, and this one is no different as Winnipeg looks to set the tone early in a historic 84-game campaign.

How're ya now? Good, 'n you? Not 'sbad.

The 2026-27 Winnipeg Jets schedule, must be frickin' nice pic.twitter.com/sUVRHPfoM7

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) July 16, 2026

vs. Carolina Hurricanes – Saturday, October 17th

Just over two weeks into the season, the Jets get their first crack at the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes when they host them at Canada Life Centre. It marks the first of two meetings between the clubs in a three week span, giving Winnipeg an early measuring stick against the team that hoisted the Cup last spring.

2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic vs. Montreal Canadiens – Sunday, October 25th

Without question the marquee event of the season, the Jets will host the Montreal Canadiens at Princess Auto Stadium as part of the 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic.

It will be Winnipeg's first all-Canadian matchup of the year, and the outdoor spectacle will be preceded by a 2026 Alumni Game between the two franchises' alumni squads on October 24th at Canada Life Centre.

We're headed back outdoors.

The 2026 Tim Hortons @NHL Heritage Classic is coming to WINNIPEG! pic.twitter.com/hkHxtaipvf

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) December 7, 2025

at San Jose Sharks – Monday, December 28th

The Jets' second game back from the Christmas break brings a personal storyline for one of their newest additions. Winnipeg heads to San Jose, where defenseman Mario Ferraro spent seven seasons with the Sharks, recording 114 points in 490 games. The matchup figures to be an emotional night for Ferraro as he skates back, this time wearing a Jets sweater.

Home-and-Home vs. Colorado Avalanche – Wednesday, March 25th and Friday, March 27th

Late season, the Jets and Avalanche square off twice in a span of three days, with Winnipeg hosting on March 25th before heading to Colorado on March 27th.

These two games, the 77th and 78th of the Jets' season, come at a critical point in the schedule and against a fierce divisional rival. With playoff positioning likely still being sorted out, both matchups could carry major weight in the final stretch and prove to be a pivotal turning point in Winnipeg's season.

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The NHL's new-look schedule is out with 84 games per team and a September start.

The league already announced on Wednesday, July 15, that the 2026-27 season would start on Sept. 29 with five games. It also announced the home openers for every team.

The NHL announced the full schedule on Thursday. Because of the extra two games, every team will play four games against division opponents.

The schedule includes the Carolina Hurricanes raising their Stanley Cup banner on Sept. 29 before they face the 2024 and 2025 champion Florida Panthers. There will be games in Finland and Germany, three outdoor games and the All-Star Game will return after a two-year hiatus. More Monday afternoon games will be played so Europeans can watch in prime time.

Here's a look at the highlights of the 2026-27. season:

When is NHL opening day?

The 2026-27 NHL season starts on Sept. 29 with the following five games:. There will be an ESPN tripleheader in the United States and a Sportsnet doubleheader in Canada.

All times p.m. Eastern

• Florida Panthers at Carolina Hurricanes, 5 (ESPN): A meeting of the last three Stanley Cup winners. Carolina will raise a Stanley Cup banner for the first time in 20 years. Both teams lost their longtime goalies (Florida's Sergei Bobrovsky, Carolina's Frederik Andersen) to free agency.
• Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7 (Sportsnet): No. 1 overall draft pick Gavin McKenna makes his NHL debut. The Canadiens reached the conference finals last season.
• New York Rangers at Boston Bruins, 8 (ESPN): Pavel Dorofeyev makes his Rangers debut after his draft-day trade from the Golden Knights
• Vancouver Canucks at Edmonton Oilers, 10 (Sportsnet): Vancouver's Manny Malhotra makes his NHL head coaching debut and must try to figure out how to slow down Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Coach Mike Babcock is returning to the NHL with the Oilers.
• Chicago Blackhawks at Vegas Golden Knights, 10:30 (ESPN): New coach Ryan Craig takes over a Vegas team that went to the Stanley Cup Final. Injured Connor Bedard won't be playing for the Blackhawks until November.

When does TNT start showing games?

The TNT schedule begins on Sept. 30 with the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Philadelphia Flyers and the Los Angeles Kings at the Colorado Avalanche. Both are rematches of first-round series won by the Flyers and the Avalanche.

When is every NHL team's home opener?

The Washington Capitals' Oct. 7 home opener will be against the rival Penguins. Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin are in their 22nd season and their contracts expire after this season.

The @NHL announced today the 2026-27 regular season, expanded to 84 games with the addition of two more divisional contests per team, will open on Tuesday, Sept. 29. In addition, the League announced each team’s home opener.

Details: https://t.co/jMxZCwXZU6pic.twitter.com/wfrDekHQs1

— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) July 15, 2026

When will all 32 NHL teams be in action?

All 32 teams will be in action on Oct. 13 and April 10.

When does Brady Tkachuk return to Ottawa?

The former Ottawa Senators captain will return on Oct. 21. He was traded to the Panthers, where he's joining brother Matthew.

When does Quinn Hughes return to Vancouver?

He never did last season after his blockbuster trade to Minnesota. He will next season on Oct. 25.

When is the NHL Global Series?

The Hurricanes and Seattle Kraken will play in Helsinki, Finland on Nov. 12 and 14.

The Senators and Chicago Blackhawks will play in Dusseldorf, Germany on Dec. 18 and 20.

When does Frederik Andersen return to Carolina?

Stanley Cup-winning goalie Frederik Andersen, who signed with the Oilers, will return to Carolina on Nov. 21.

When is the Stanley Cup Final rematch?

The Golden Knights host the champion Hurricanes on Dec. 20. Carolina will host Vegas on Jan. 17.

When is the Winter Classic?

The Winter Classic will be on New Year's Eve at University of Utah’s Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. The Utah Mammoth will host the Colorado Avalanche, starting at 6 p.m. ET.

When are the other NHL outdoor games?

The Winnipeg Jets and Canadiens will play in the Heritage Classic on Oct. 25 at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg.

The Dallas Stars and Golden Knights play in the Stadium Series at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Feb. 20.

When is the NHL All-Star Game?

The NHL All-Star weekend will be Feb. 5-6, at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. The skills competition is on the 5th and the All-Star Game will be on the 6th. There are new formats this season.

When does Sergei Bobrovsky return to Florida?

The two-time Stanley Cup winner, who signed with Toronto in the offseason, will return on March 6.

When does John Carlson return to Washington?

The Capitals' all-time top-scoring defenseman was dealt to Anaheim last season and will return with the Lightning on March 15.

When the 2026-27 NHL season end?

It will end on April 10 with all 32 teams in action.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026-27 NHL schedule highlights, best games, reunions, more

The Vegas Golden Knights have released their schedule for the 2026-27 regular season. They’ll begin at home on September 29th against the Chicago Blackhawks, and end at home on April 10th against the Los Angeles Kings.

This year, the league is shortening the preseason and adding two more regular season games. However, there also isn’t a month-long Olympic Break this year, so the regular season schedule isn’t as condensed.

The Golden Knights will play eight back-to-backs this season, a step up from 12 in 2025-26. Five of the back-to-backs will both take place on the road; none of the back-to-backs will both be at home.

During the 2026-27 season, the Golden Knights have two separate five-game homestands. Both homestands will be played over eight-day periods.

This season, the Golden Knights don’t have any two-week-long road trips. Instead, they’ll have five different four-game road trips. Two of the five road trips will span seven days, one will run for six days, and the other two will last five days.

Notable Dates & Games

The first away game of the season is on October 4th against the Vancouver Canucks. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST.

Gavin McKenna, the 2026 first overall pick, comes into town with his Toronto Maple Leafs on October 8th. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST.

The annual Nevada Day game on October 30th is scheduled for 3 p.m. PST against the New Jersey Devils.

The Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Golden Knights and the Carolina Hurricanes will be on December 21st in Raleigh. The Golden Knights will also host the Hurricanes on January 17th. 

The Keegan Kolesar return game is on February 15th, when the Golden Knights host the Detroit Red Wings at 7 p.m. PST. 

The Golden Knights will head to Texas to play a Stadium Series game against the Dallas Stars at AT&T Stadium on February 19th. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. PST.

The Pavel Dorofeyev return game is on March 13th, when the Golden Knights host the New York Rangers at 7 p.m. PST.

The Senators have announced their new 84-game regular-season schedule for 2026-27. 

The Sens' season will open up with a three-game road trip in Toronto (Oct. 3), followed by games in Boston and Detroit, before they return home to play their home opener on Oct. 8 against the Philadelphia Flyers.

The season includes another mid-season trip overseas. The Sens will play two games against the Chicago Blackhawks in Germany, which will probably be extra taxing on Tim Stutzle, one of the greatest players the country has ever produced.

This is the third time in nine years (2017, 2023) the Sens have participated in the NHL Global Series, and in each of the previous two appearances, they completely fell apart on their return home.

In The Tough Atlantic, Senators Don’t Need Midseason Trip To GermanyThe NHL announced on Friday the Senators will play two games in Germany against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Related: In The Tough Atlantic, Senators Don’t Need A Midseason Trip To Germany

Other highlights (from the Senators website):

- The Senators will face Brady Tkachuk for the first time when the Florida Panthers visit Ottawa on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

- The Senators will face Atlantic Division rivals Boston, Buffalo, Detroit, Florida, Montreal, Tampa Bay, and Toronto four times respectively.

- Division rival Toronto will visit Canadian Tire Centre twice, on Wednesday, Jan. 20 and on Saturday, Feb. 13 while the Montreal Canadiens will visit twice on Saturday, March 13 and on Saturday, April 10.

- The Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes will visit Canadian Tire Centre on Monday, Jan. 25.

- The Senators will host the reigning Western Conference champion Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, Dec. 10.

- The Senators will play back-to-back games on 14 occasions. That’s the same number as last season. In 2025–26, they posted an 8-5-1 record in the first half of games played on consecutive nights and a 9-3-2 record in the second half of games played on consecutive days.

- The team will host its longest home stand (six games) at Canadian Tire Centre between Wednesday, Jan. 20 and Tuesday, Feb. 9.

- The Senators will play four separate stretches of five consecutive games on the road. The first will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

- The Senators will have a bye week from Sunday, Jan. 31, through Monday, Feb. 8. 

- The 2027 NHL All-Star Weekend will be held at the UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y., from Feb. 5 through 7.

The Senators leaned hard on the Ottawa media's acting ability in a seven-minute schedule release video on Thursday.

2026-27 Ottawa Senators regular-season schedule (all times Eastern and subject to change)

Saturday, Oct. 3 at Toronto, 7 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 5 at Boston, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 6 at Detroit, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 8 vs. Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 10 vs. Nashville, 7 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 12 at New Jersey, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 13 vs. St. Louis, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 15 vs. N.Y. Islanders, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 17 at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 21 vs. Florida, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 22 vs. San Jose, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 24 vs. N.Y. Rangers, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 27 at Vegas, 10 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 29 at Los Angeles, 10 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 31 at San Jose, 4 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 1 at Anaheim, 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 4 at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 7 vs. Utah, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 10 vs. Washington, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 12 vs. Colorado, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 14 at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 17 at Winnipeg, 8 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 19 vs. Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 21 vs. Los Angeles, 7 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 23 vs. Calgary, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 25 at Florida, 7 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 27 at Tampa Bay, 3 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 28 at Carolina, 7 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 30 at Nashville, 1 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 3 vs. New Jersey, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5 vs. Tampa Bay, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 6 at Montreal, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 8 vs. Anaheim, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 10 vs. Vegas, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 12 vs. Edmonton, 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 14 vs. Buffalo, 2 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 18 at Chicago (in Düsseldorf, Germany), 1 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 20 vs. Chicago (in Düsseldorf, Germany), 8 a.m.

Sunday, Dec. 27 at N.Y. Islanders, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 29 vs. Dallas, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 31 vs. Pittsburgh, 2 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 2 at Washington, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 5 at Utah, 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 6 at Colorado, 9:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 8 at St. Louis, 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 12 at Dallas, 8 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 14 vs. Winnipeg, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 16 at Tampa Bay, 3:30 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 18 at Florida, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 20 vs. Toronto, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 23 vs. Columbus, 3:30 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 25 vs. Carolina, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 28 vs. Boston, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 30 vs. N.Y. Rangers, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 9 vs. Columbus, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Feb 11 at Columbus, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 13 vs. Toronto, 7 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 15 at Minnesota, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 17 at Seattle, 9:40 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 18 at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 21 at Calgary, 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 23 at Edmonton, 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 25 vs. Detroit, 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 26 at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 2 at New Jersey, 7 p.m.

Thursday, March 4 vs. Boston, 7 p.m.

Saturday, March 6 vs. Seattle, 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 7 vs. Buffalo, 5 p.m.

Tuesday, March 9 at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m.

Thursday, March 11 vs. Minnesota, 7 p.m.

Saturday, March 13 vs. Montreal, 7 p.m.

Sunday, March 14 vs. Vancouver, 5 p.m.

Tuesday, March 16 at N.Y. Rangers, 7 p.m.

Thursday, March 18 vs. Florida, 7 p.m.

Saturday, March 20 vs. Tampa Bay, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, March 24 at Montreal, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 25 at Boston, 7 p.m.

Saturday, March 27 at Toronto, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, March 30 at Detroit, 7 p.m.

Friday, April 2 at N.Y. Islanders, 7 p.m.

Sunday, April 4 vs. Detroit, 5 p.m.

Wednesday, April 7 at Carolina, 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 8 vs. Washington, 7 p.m.

Saturday, April 10 vs. Montreal, 7 p.m.

Tickets for the home opener on October 8 will go on sale in the next few hours. Season seat members will be able to purchase them starting at 1 p.m. Sens Insiders will follow at 2 p.m. The general public will be able to purchase tickets starting at 3 p.m.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News

The Toronto Maple unveiled their 2026-27 NHL schedule on Thursday. 

Some facts about the schedule provided by the club:

• Longest home stand: Six games (3x) – November 3 to November 14

• Longest road stretch: Seven games (2x) – December 22 to January 7

• Number of back-to-back games: 11

• Busiest month: 16 games – March

• Busiest home month: Nine games – November

• Busiest road month: Eight games (3x) – November, December, March

• Busiest day of the week: Saturday – 27 games

When the newest Leafs will play against their former clubs.

Joseph Woll and Simon Benoit went to Philadelphia in the same trade, so they'll make their Toronto return together on the same night (Nov 30).

• Raddysh and Nick Paul both came from Tampa Bay and will make their first trip back to Amalie Arena on the same night (Feb 20) — and Hildeby, who went the other way in the Paul trade, get

Newest Leafs — first meetings vs. their old team

New Leafs head coach Jim Hiller will take on the his former Los Angeles Kings club at Scotiabank Arena on Nov. 19. He'll return to Crypto.com Arena for the first time in LA on Dec. 30.

New Leafs associate coach Daniel Alfredsson will coach against the Ottawa Senators for the first time on Oct. 3. He will return to Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa for the first time as a visiting coach on Jan. 20.

Departed Leafs — first return to Toronto

Former Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock will coach against his former club for the first time when his Edmonton Oilers host the Leafs on Oct. 24. He'll return to Scotiabank Arena for the first time behind the bench on Nov. 14.

Toronto Maple Leafs 2026-27 Schedule

Some things are worth leaving behind eh pic.twitter.com/Gs2ExJ4CH3

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 16, 2026

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The Buffalo Sabres have had an unspectacular offseason after snapping their playoff drought and advancing to Game 7 of the second round, moving on from veteran winger Alex Tuch and defenseman Bowen Byram. The departures have subtracted 44 goals from last season, and it appears at this point that GM Jarmo Kekalainen is relying on internal improvement to fill the gap, but one of the external options that seemed to be realistic was the signing of future Hall-of-Famer and Buffalo native Patrick Kane.

Kane remains unsigned after the first two weeks of free agency, but Hall-of-Fame blueliner and TNT commentator Chris Chelios indicated on a Chicago radio show that a return to the Blackhawks is a possibility. 

"I am not gonna lie to you guys, it is down to Buffalo and Chicago. I know that." Chelios said on 104.3 The Score on Wednesday.  “I spoke to (Patrick), it’s a tough decision for him, whether to go home and make it easy on his parents, his family and his friends and finish like (Jonathan Toews) tried to do, or he comes back (to Chicago). In my opinion, he’s a Blackhawk.”

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Sabres Emotionally Devastated By Game 7 Overtime Loss

Kane spent the last three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, but rumors of the Buffalo native heading to his hometown team have circulated ever since he was dealt by the Blackhawks to the NY Rangers in 2023. The circumstances with the Sabres as a playoff team could be a good fit. Kane being added for secondary offense and as a Tuch replacement on the power play would be beneficial, since he posted 79 assists over the last two seasons. It is just a question of whether he wants to play in his hometown at the end of his career or return to the place where he won three Stanley Cups. 

The Hawks are in need of help, especially at the start of the regular season with star center Connor Bedard out until Thanksgiving with a shoulder injury. After the signing of Peyton Krebs, the Sabres have just over $5 million in cap space, while Chicago has over $29 million in cap room and could afford to give the veteran winger one final big pay day on a short-term deal. 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram @MikeInBuffalo

Claude Lemieux built his legacy by fighting through adversity.

For more than two decades, the former NHL forward was known as one of hockey’s fiercest competitors — a player who elevated his game when the pressure was highest and became synonymous with playoff success.

But away from the spotlight, Lemieux was facing a battle few people knew about.

New details surrounding his death reveal that the four-time Stanley Cup champion struggled in the months leading up to his passing, including a reported relapse after 12 years of sobriety per TMZ. According to an incident report released following his death, Lemieux’s wife, Deborah, confronted him on May 27 after becoming concerned about changes in his behavior.

The report states Lemieux acknowledged he had relapsed. Deborah then asked him to leave their home that evening and contacted their son, Brendan, to discuss how the family could support him.

Hours later, Lemieux was found dead at the family business. He was 60 years old.

His death was later ruled a suicide.

Lemieux’s career was defined by moments when the stakes were highest.

Selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round of the 1983 NHL Draft, Lemieux went on to become one of the most accomplished playoff performers of his generation. Over a 21-season NHL career, he won four Stanley Cups — with Montreal in 1986, New Jersey in 1995 and 2000, and Colorado in 1996.

He developed a reputation as the ultimate big-game player, thriving in the intensity of postseason hockey and becoming one of the league’s most polarizing figures. Opponents hated playing against him, but teammates valued the edge, toughness and confidence he brought when championships were on the line.

Away from the ice, however, longtime friend Réjean Tremblay suggested Lemieux carried emotional struggles tied to how he felt his career was remembered after retirement.

Tremblay, a Montreal hockey columnist who knew Lemieux for more than 30 years, told The New York Post that Lemieux struggled deeply with not being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame following his retirement in 2009.

“He always lived this as an injustice, a heavy burden to bear,” Tremblay said.

Tremblay described Lemieux as someone who was “deeply sensitive to rejection,” saying the former NHL star never fully moved past the disappointment.

“The sense of rejection ran deeper than one might have imagined,” Tremblay said. “He took it very hard.”

In the months before his death, Lemieux made several public appearances celebrating a career that cemented his place in hockey history.

In December, he returned to Ball Arena as part of the Colorado Avalanche’s celebration of their 1996 Stanley Cup championship team — the first major professional sports championship in Colorado history.

Lemieux played an important role in that title run, recording seven goals during the Avalanche’s first Stanley Cup playoff journey after relocating from Quebec. During the celebration, he reflected on how the NHL had evolved since his playing days, praising the league’s increased emphasis on player safety.

Just days before his death, Lemieux returned to Montreal for another emotional moment.

On May 25, he served as a torchbearer before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final between the Canadiens and Carolina Hurricanes. The appearance brought him back to the city where his NHL journey began and where he helped Montreal capture the 1986 Stanley Cup alongside goaltending legend Patrick Roy.

Tremblay later suggested the overwhelming support Lemieux received during that appearance may have brought complicated emotions to the surface.

“It’s possible that surge of love, that wave of love on Monday evening, triggered an emotion that was too intense,” Tremblay told The New York Post, citing conversations with people close to Lemieux.

“It might have reawakened old pains, old suffering.”

According to the incident report, Lemieux’s family had become concerned about changes they had noticed in his behavior over the previous year.

After Deborah confronted him and Lemieux acknowledged the relapse, Brendan went to the family business to check on his father and help determine how the family could support him.

The report states Brendan later found his father inside the building and contacted emergency services.

Lemieux’s family has since mourned the loss of a husband, father and grandfather — not just an NHL legend.

“I love you dad,” Brendan Lemieux wrote in an emotional tribute shared on Instagram. “My son [Luc’s] favorite person is going to watch from above for a while. We will see you.”

The NHL also honored Lemieux’s impact on the sport.

“The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the greatest big-game players in hockey history,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said.

Claude Lemieux’s career will always be defined by the moments when he delivered under the brightest lights — the goals, the championships and the relentless competitive fire that made him one of hockey’s most memorable postseason performers.

But those who knew him best will remember more than the player who battled through playoff wars. They will remember a husband, a father and a person who faced struggles that were hidden from the public eye.

As the hockey world continues to mourn his passing, Lemieux’s story serves as a reminder that even those who appear strongest on the outside can be fighting battles no one else can see.

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Blues will open the 2026-27 regular season with a three-game road trip against Central Division foes, the NHL announced on Thursday afternoon.

The Blues will open the season with back-to-back games Oct. 2 against the Dallas Stars and Oct. 3 against the Colorado Avalanche before concluding with a game against the Chicago Blackhawks on Oct. 6,

The Blues open the home schedule on Oct. 8 against the San Jose Sharks but play six of their first eight games away from Enterprise Center.

It's all part of a newly-formed 84-game schedule with fewer preseason games, going away from the standard 82-game schedule that features 22 weekend home games, including three on Fridays, 11 on Saturdays and eight on Sundays, which is a rarity for St. Louis.

The expanded NHL schedule will see the Blues play two additional divisional games, which means they will play in four matchups with each team of their Central Division opponents. The Blues will still play 24 games against Pacific Division teams and a home-and-home set with each team in the Eastern Conference.

The regular season wraps up for St. Louis on April 10, and for the third season in a row, the Blues will close against the Utah Mammoth at home.

The longest homestand of the season is six games from Nov. 27-Dec. 8, and the longest road trip is five games March 15-23. 

Other highlights include: 

* Sixteen of  19 home games on Saturday or Sunday start at 6 p.m. or earlier.

* The Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes visit Enterprise Center early in the season on Oct. 24.

* The Blues play at the New York Islanders on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving on Long Island; they host the New York Rangers coming out of Christmas break on Dec. 27.

* There are seven afternoon home games and another four on the road, including a New Year's Eve tilt against the Vegas Golden Knights.

* There are 12 sets of back-to-back games, including to open season.

* Jordan Kyrou returns to face the Blues for the first time with the Washington Capitals on Nov. 28. It will also be Connor McMichael's first game against the Capitals since the two were traded for one another.

* Mason McTavish and Ross Johnston, acquired via trade and free agent signing, respectively, face the Anaheim Ducks for the first time when the Ducks visit on Nov. 17.

Here's the full schedule:

#stlblues 2026-27 regular season schedule ... pic.twitter.com/MAoouyPIOJ

— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) July 16, 2026