NEW YORK -- The National Hockey League (NHL) announced today the 2025-26 regular season will open on Tuesday, Oct. 7 with an opening night tripleheader broadcast exclusively on ESPN in the U.S., and on Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada.

The two-time reigning National Hockey League champion Florida Panthers will host the Chicago Blackhawks on October 7 in the opening game of the 2025-2026 season, the league announced Monday.

The Chicago Blackhawks will go on the road to play the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers as part of the NHL’s season-opening tripleheader Oct. 7. The game will kick off ESPN’s slate at 4 p.