NHL to unveil 2026-27 schedule amid 84-game season expansion

The National Hockey League will reveal the official schedule for the 2026-27 regular season at 1 p.m. ET on Thursday, 16 July. The announcement will be broadcast as a special edition of "NHL Tonight" on NHL Network, with streaming availability through the fubo platform.

The upcoming campaign introduces a structural change to the league’s format, expanding the regular season to 84 games per team. This represents an increase from the previous standard, with each team set to play two additional divisional matches as part of the revised schedule.

The 2026-27 season is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, 29 September. The opening day will feature a tripleheader, marking the start of the new regular season cycle for all participating clubs.

Viewers wishing to watch the schedule release can tune into NHL Network or access the broadcast via fubo. The streaming service provides access to the reveal show alongside other major networks, including ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC, subject to participating plan availability.

The release of the fixture list follows recent developments in collegiate sports, including the 2026 ESPY Awards ceremony held on 15 July, which recognised achievements in women’s collegiate athletics. The NHL’s schedule announcement continues the league’s preparation for the 2026-27 season.