The NHL unveiled the 2026-27 schedule, marking a new era with an 84-game regular season. This season promises excitement with events such as the Heritage Classic and the Winter Classic, featuring teams like the Montreal Canadiens, Winnipeg Jets, Utah Mammoth, and Colorado Avalanche. A standout occasion for the Chicago Blackhawks will be the 2026 NHL Global Series, slating matches against the Ottawa Senators at the PSD Bank Dome in Düsseldorf, Germany on December 18 and 20.
Chicago Blackhawks’ Scheduling Adjustments
The Blackhawks have modified their home game start times, with evening games now starting at 7 p.m., and weekend games earlier, beginning at 6 p.m. or even sooner. This season features two significant homestands, spanning from October 10-27 and February 17-March 1.
Key Games to Watch
- Sept. 29: at Vegas Golden Knights, 9:30 p.m.
The Blackhawks will commence their season on the road for the ninth year in a row at T-Mobile Arena. Connor Bedard will be absent as he recovers from shoulder surgery. Young centers Frank Nazar, 22, and Anton Frondell, 19, will step into leading roles. Roman Kantserov, 21, is anticipated to make his NHL debut. Historically, the Golden Knights have dominated the Hawks, with a commanding lead in their all-time series.
- Oct. 3: at Buffalo Sabres, 6 p.m.
Defenseman Bowen Byram returns to Buffalo with the Hawks after signing a lucrative six-year contract. He aims to solidify his role as a top defenseman, a position he didn’t have in Buffalo. The Sabres have shown dominance over the Blackhawks in previous encounters.
- Nov. 17: vs. Toronto Maple Leafs, 6:30 p.m.
Gavin McKenna, acquired as 2026’s top draft pick by the Maple Leafs, visits Chicago with hopes Bedard will be back from injury. The cousins share experiences in handling media pressure, with McKenna learning from Bedard.
- Dec. 6: vs. Edmonton Oilers, 6 p.m.
Key trades bring former Hawks Jason Dickinson, Connor Murphy, and Colton Dach back to United Center. This match underscores their ties to the Oilers and ambitions for Stanley Cup contention.
- Dec. 18 and Dec. 20: vs. Ottawa Senators, noon and 7 a.m.
The overseas clash in Germany marks the Hawks’ third international trip. This series reminisces past travels, including the 2019 game in Prague.
- Jan. 30: at San Jose Sharks, 3 p.m.
Connor Bedard vs. Macklin Celebrini offers a thrilling match before the All-Star break. Bedard’s team aspires to improve post-break compared to the challenges faced before the Winter Games last season.
- March 28: vs. Seattle Kraken, 2 p.m.
The Hawks host a crucial matinee against the Kraken. With just six games left, they aim for playoff contention, avoiding a repeat of past season eliminations.