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When Does The NHL Season Start? Your Guide To The Next Puck Drop

The Journey: Storylines to Start the NHL Season – DobberHockey

Jul 31, 2025
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The Journey: Storylines to Start the NHL Season – DobberHockey

Hockey fans, get those team jerseys ready because the NHL regular season is about to start. The wait is almost over, but when does the real action return to the ice? A new NHL season looms with reshuffled rosters, rising stars, and an Olympic twist that shakes up everything, so you might be wondering about the exact dates.

It's time to mark your calendars, hockey fans. The NHL season is right around the corner, and people are quite eager for it. Everything you need to know ahead of the start of the National Hockey League regular season is here for you, in fact.

The first puck will drop soon, and fans are really looking forward to seeing their favorite teams back in action. Commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed the start date, giving everyone something exciting to anticipate, you know.

Table of Contents

Season Kickoff Dates

The NHL regular season typically begins in October, and it will close in April, generally speaking. This structure allows for a long stretch of exciting games for all the teams. Hockey fans now know when the next NHL season will begin, which is pretty exciting, you know.

Global Series Start

The 2024 NHL regular season begins with an international game in Europe, which is a bit different. Their 108th season begins Friday night in Prague, Czechia, for some teams. This global approach is something the league has been doing more of, actually.

The regular season started on October 4, 2024, when the Buffalo Sabres played. This game was a big deal for both teams. The Buffalo Sabres will play the New Jersey Devils on Friday, October 4, 2024, in Prague, Czechia, which is quite a match-up.

The NHL joins the trend of American sports taking their games overseas, which is interesting. After the New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres play in Prague, they will turn their attention to the rest of the season. This early international game sets a unique tone for the whole year, more or less.

North American Games

The season will not start for the rest of the NHL until after that opening weekend, so other teams get a little more time. The first games back in North America will be played on Tuesday, October. This means the majority of teams kick off their season a few days later, in a way.

Opening night for many teams includes a tripleheader broadcast exclusively on @ESPN in the U.S., and on other networks too. The tripleheader will feature the reigning champions, among others, which is always a big draw. This makes for a very exciting first night of hockey action for many fans.

Looking ahead, the regular season is scheduled to begin on October 7, 2025, for the next year. This date gives fans a general idea of when to expect the puck to drop in future seasons. It seems like the first week of October is a common time for the season to get going, typically.

Schedule Details

Knowing when the season starts is one thing, but getting the full schedule is another. This helps fans plan out their viewing and attendance for the whole year. It's a pretty big moment for hockey enthusiasts, honestly.

Full Schedule Release

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced that the NHL schedule for all 32 teams will be released on Wednesday, July 16th. This information came as reported by NHL insider John Shannon, giving it a good source. Fans usually wait eagerly for this date, so they can see when their favorite teams play, you know.

The release of the full schedule allows fans to circle important dates. This includes matchups against rival teams or games featuring star players. It also helps with planning for things like road trips to see games, for instance.

Getting the full calendar so far in advance helps everyone prepare for the long season ahead. It's a key piece of information for anyone who follows the league closely. This early release is a nice touch for those who like to plan, basically.

Broadcast Information

The opening night tripleheader will be broadcast exclusively on @ESPN in the U.S., and on other networks too. This means fans in the United States will know exactly where to tune in for some of the first games. It's a pretty clear way to start the season for viewers.

For those outside the U.S., the games will be available on other broadcast partners. This ensures that hockey fans around the world can catch the action from day one. Details about specific international broadcasters are usually shared closer to the season start, naturally.

The NHL Network unveiled the upcoming 2025 talented events, too, which is helpful for planning. This includes the 4 Nations Game and the NHL Winter Classic, among other things. These special events are often highlights of the season, drawing a lot of attention, of course.

The start of the NHL season isn't just about the first game; it also kicks off a period of exciting events and new trends. The league continues to grow and change, offering new experiences for fans. This makes each season feel fresh and interesting, in a way.

International Play

The NHL joins the trend of American sports taking their games overseas, which is a notable shift. This global series approach brings the game to a wider audience. It also gives fans in different parts of the world a chance to see live NHL action, which is great, really.

The initial games in Prague, Czechia, are a prime example of this international push. The Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils playing there really highlights the league's global reach. It's a way to grow the sport beyond its traditional borders, you know.

This trend suggests that future seasons might also see more games played outside of North America. It adds an interesting element to the regular season schedule. Fans can look forward to more of these unique international matchups, possibly.

Upcoming Special Events

The NHL Network unveiled the upcoming 2025 talented events, which gives a glimpse into the future. This includes the 4 Nations Game and the NHL Winter Classic. These events are big draws and offer unique experiences for both players and fans, pretty much.

The 4 Nations Game, for instance, adds an international tournament feel within the season. This kind of event brings together top players from different countries. It's a chance to see some really high-level hockey outside of regular league play, in fact.

The NHL Winter Classic is a beloved tradition, often played outdoors in unique settings. These games create memorable moments and spectacular visuals. They are usually very popular and a big part of the season's excitement, basically.

A new NHL season looms with reshuffled rosters, rising stars, and an Olympic twist that shakes up everything. This means there's always something new to follow, whether it's player movements or big international competitions. It keeps the game fresh and exciting for everyone involved, you know.

For more detailed insights and news about the league, you can often find information from sources like prohockeynews.com. This helps fans stay informed about all the latest happenings. It's a good idea to keep an eye on official announcements and reputable sports news sites, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

People often have questions about the NHL season's start. Here are some common ones that come up.

When does the NHL regular season usually open?
The NHL regular season typically opens in October. This has been a consistent pattern for many years. It gives teams time for training camps and preseason games before the real action begins, you know.

Where do the first NHL games of the season often take place?
The first games of the season can sometimes take place overseas as part of the NHL Global Series. For example, the 2024 season started with games in Prague, Czechia. The first games back in North America then usually follow shortly after, on a Tuesday, actually.

How can I find out the full NHL schedule?
The full NHL schedule for all 32 teams is usually released in mid-July. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the schedule release for a specific date, like Wednesday, July 16th, as reported by insiders. You can typically find this information on official NHL websites or major sports news outlets, pretty much.

Learn more about hockey on our main page, and link to this page for more interesting reads.

The Journey: Storylines to Start the NHL Season – DobberHockey
The Journey: Storylines to Start the NHL Season – DobberHockey
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