NHL's New 84-Game Schedule Brings More Rivalries and Global Matchups in 2026–27
Stuart Skinner warms up before the Pittsburgh Penguins faced the Seattle Kraken on Jan. 20, 2026, at Climate Pledge Arena. (Photo: Jenn G.)
Written By Gina Anton
The NHL is adding two regular-season games, more divisional battles, and taking the game overseas as part of a new era beginning in 2026–27.
The NHL is officially expanding its regular season from 82 games to 84 beginning with the 2026–27 campaign, marking the league's first 84-game schedule since the 1993–94 season.
The change is part of the new collective bargaining agreement between the NHL and the NHL Players' Association and is designed to create more meaningful games throughout the season.
The biggest scheduling change comes within each division. Every team will now face each of its seven divisional opponents four times, bringing the total number of divisional games to 28 and adding more rivalry matchups to the calendar.
To make room for the additional regular-season contests, the NHL has shortened the preseason and moved Opening Night to late September instead of the beginning of October, allowing the league to maintain its traditional playoff schedule.
The 2026–27 season will also continue the NHL's global expansion with four regular-season games in Europe, giving international fans the opportunity to experience NHL hockey in person while helping grow the league's worldwide presence and inspire the next generation of players.
The defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes will face the Seattle Kraken in the 2026 NHL Global Series Finland, with games scheduled for Nov. 12 and Nov. 14 at Veikkaus Arena in Helsinki.
Later in the season, the Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks will square off in the 2026 NHL Global Series Germany, playing a two-game series on Dec. 18 and Dec. 20 at PSD Bank Dome in Düsseldorf.
The NHL has continued to invest in international events over the past several years, using the Global Series to strengthen its connection with fans across Europe while showcasing the sport on a global stage. With an expanded regular season, renewed emphasis on divisional rivalries, and marquee games overseas, the 2026–27 season is shaping up to be one of the league's most exciting and internationally focused campaigns.
