When Does the NHL Season Start? Preseason, Opening Night and Playoffs

The NHL season usually starts with preseason games in late September, while the regular season gets underway in early October. The exact date changes each year because the league must fit in 82 games for every team, international events, arena availability and the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

That means the answer depends on which part of the hockey season you mean. Fans looking for the first competitive NHL action should check the preseason schedule. Those waiting for standings and official regular-season results should look for opening night.

When does the NHL regular season start?

The NHL regular season generally begins during the first week or two of October. The league often spreads the opening games across several days rather than starting every team’s schedule at once.

The first NHL game may be played outside North America as part of the league’s international schedule. In that case, the season can officially begin before most teams play their opening-night games at home. The NHL schedule release confirms which games count as regular-season contests and gives the precise dates and start times.

For viewers in Africa and other regions outside North America, time zones can shift an evening game into the early hours of the following day. Checking the listed local time, rather than relying only on the calendar date, avoids confusion about when the season starts in your area.

When does NHL preseason begin?

NHL preseason usually begins in the second half of September. These exhibition games allow coaches to evaluate prospects, test line combinations and give established players time to prepare for the regular season.

Preseason results do not count in the regular-season standings. Rosters are also less predictable: teams may rest their top players, split the squad between several games or use a lineup filled with prospects. For that reason, the first preseason game is not the same as NHL opening night.

How the NHL season calendar is organized

A typical NHL calendar follows this pattern:

• Training camps: Players report and compete for roster spots, usually in September.
• Preseason: Exhibition games are played from late September into early October.
• Regular season: Each team plays 82 games, normally from October through April.
• Stanley Cup Playoffs: The postseason usually starts in April and runs into June.

The dates are not identical every year. International NHL games, arena conflicts, broadcast plans and league-wide events can affect the opening schedule. A team might also play its first game away from home before hosting its own home opener.

How to find the exact NHL opening date

For the confirmed date, use the NHL’s official schedule once it has been published, then check the schedule for the team you follow. Sports broadcasters and team websites typically display the same information, including local start times, venues and television coverage.

Searches such as “NHL regular season start,” “NHL opening night,” “first NHL game,” and “when does NHL preseason begin” can refer to different dates. Confirm whether the result is showing preseason, the first international game, a team’s first fixture or the league’s main opening-night slate.

Frequently asked questions

Does the NHL season start in September or October?

Preseason normally starts in September. The NHL regular season usually starts in October, although an international game can occasionally take place before the main North American opening schedule.

How many games does each NHL team play?

Each team normally plays 82 regular-season games: 41 at home and 41 on the road. The schedule is adjusted when unusual league circumstances require it.

When does the NHL season end?

The regular season generally ends in April. The Stanley Cup Playoffs then continue through April and May, with the Stanley Cup Final usually finishing in June.

Is the first NHL preseason game an official game?

It is an official exhibition game, but it does not count toward the regular-season standings. The first official standings game is part of the NHL regular season.