Panthers to Open NHL Season, Raise Stanley Cup Banner on Oct. 7

The 2025-2026 NHL season will kick off on Tuesday, Oct. 7 with the back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers hosting the Chicago Blackhawks in Sunrise at 5 p.m. ET.

This will be the first of three games on the NHL’s opening night, triple header slate. The New York Rangers get the primetime slot as they’ll host the Pittsburgh Penguins at 8 p.m. ET. The Los Angeles Kings and Colorado Avalanche close the night with a 10:30 p.m. ET start in LA.

When they raise their second Stanley Cup banner in as many seasons, Florida will see former goaltender Spencer Knight on the other side of the ice for the first time since he was traded near last season’s deadline for defenseman Seth Jones.

For those who cannot make it to Amerant Bank Arena for opening night — whether you’re out of the area or unable to attend a 5 p.m. game on a weekday — ESPN will have the broadcast.