Things to Expect in the 2025-26 NHL Season

Last season, the Florida Panthers captured their second consecutive Stanley Cup, making them the 10th team to win back-to-back championship games. However, as the Panthers look to continue their streak in the upcoming NHL season, there are plenty of other teams that could stand in the way. With high-profile trades, coaching shakeups, and a wave of talent hitting the rink, the 2025 NHL season is gearing up to be one of the best yet.

Mark your calendars: the puck drops on October 7. From can’t-miss matchups and bold predictions to the best spots in Vegas to catch every hit and highlight, here’s what to expect this NHL season.

 

Key Dates for the NHL 2025 Schedule

 

• October 7: NHL Opening Night & Tripleheader (Panthers vs. Blackhawks, Penguins vs. Rangers, Avalanche vs. Kings)
• October 13: Prime Monday Night Hockey begins
• November 14 & 16: 2025 NHL Global Series
• November 22: First Rematch 2025 Stanley Cup Final
• January 2: 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic
• January 17: Scotiabank Hockey Day Canada
• February 1: 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series
• February 5: Milan Olympics hockey tournaments
• April 16: Last Day of 2025-26 NHL Regular Season
• TBD: Stanley Cup Playoffs
• TBD: 2026 NHL Draft

You can find more details on the 2025 NHL schedule here.

 

 

Must-See Games for the 2025 NHL Season

 

Don’t miss the NHL opener on October 7, when the Chicago Blackhawks square off against the Florida Panthers. The Panthers will raise their Stanley Cup banner and begin their pursuit of their third consecutive Cup. Other notable must-see games from the 2025 NHL schedule include:

 

October 9

New York Islanders at Pittsburgh Penguins. Matthew Schaefer could have his first game against Sidney Crosby and the Penguins since breaking his collarbone at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship last December. This game also marks the NHL coaching debut for Dan Muse.

 

October 11

New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins. Mike Sullivan resumes his coaching position for the Rangers after leaving the Penguins.

 

October 21

Florida Panthers at Boston Bruins. This will be the first game in which Brad Marchand faces the Bruins after being traded to the Panthers on March 7.

 

November 8

Boston Bruins at Toronto Maple Leafs. This Hockey Hall of Fame game at Scotiabank Arena will take place alongside induction ceremonies for Zdeno Chara, Joe Thornton, and other star NHL players.

 

November 22

Edmonton Oilers at Florida Panthers. A rematch of the Stanley Cup Final will hold its first game at Amerant Bank Arena, making it the first time the Oilers will set foot in the arena after losing Game 6 of the 2025 Final.

 

November 28

New York Rangers at Boston Bruins. Skip Black Friday this year and tune in to 15 NHL games on the day after Thanksgiving, starting with Rangers vs. Bruins.

 

January 23

Vegas Golden Knights at Toronto Maple Leafs. Mitchell Marner returns to Toronto for the first time after joining the Golden Knights on July 1. Fans anticipate emotions running high when Marner enters his former stomping ground.

 

2025-26 NHL Team Predictions

 

The new NHL season is just around the corner, and fans and analysts are already making their picks. Which teams are ready to make a serious run at the Stanley Cup, and which players are expected to stand out? Here’s a look at what people are predicting for 2025-26.

 

Winnipeg Jets

The Jets are again being called the best defensive team in the league, and that could carry them into the NHL playoffs. Their ability to shut down opponents is one of their biggest strengths, and they have reliable scorers in Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor. If they keep up their defensive play and stay healthy, they’re a top Cup contender.

 

Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars are another big contender for the Stanley Cup, even with the possibility of Miro Heiskanen being out of the picture while continuing to recover from a long-term knee injury. Experts are saying Mikko Rantanen and Wyatt Johnston are top-notch performers who will keep things competitive.

 

Vegas Golden Knights

Entering their ninth season, the Vegas Golden Knights are expected to keep winning big even with Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson gone. Analysts have faith in Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, and the recently acquired Mitch Marner to carry the team in the upcoming season.

 

Other NHL Teams Worth Watching

• Carolina Hurricanes: A balanced team with solid coaching. If their stars like Sebastian Aho play well, they’ll be tough to beat.
• Edmonton Oilers: After losing in the Stanley Cup Final last season, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are back and motivated to win it all.
• New Jersey Devils: A young, fast team led by Jack Hughes. With better goaltending this year, they could surprise people.

 

 

Where to Watch Hockey in Vegas

 

Vegas is the ultimate destination for hockey. Of course, catching a game at T-Mobile Arena is the prime place to really immerse yourself in the game, especially when there is some serious love for our Vegas Golden Knights. If you can’t make it to the game or are looking for a different setting, you have plenty of options.

Circa Sportsbook is the largest sportsbook in the world with three stories of sports betting greatness. Not only will you be able to see all the action on the 78M pixel screen, you’ll also be surrounded by some of the best and most enthusiastic hockey fans and bettors. You can even take your NHL watching to a new level by lounging by the pool at Stadium Swim® where you can place bets and watch hockey in the most Vegas way possible – there are even dedicated VGK watch parties at the pool once the 2025 NHL season starts.

If you want to grab some drinks while watching the game, be sure to stop by Overhang Bar where you can catch the game while overlooking the giant screens at the Circa Sportsbook. Or, go where hockey is truly celebrated at the D’s BarCanada®, where true Canadian energy gives hockey games that extra little kick.

And while it might not be watching a game, did you know that you can dine like a Vegas Golden Knight? Barry’s Downtown Prime is the Official Steakhouse of the Vegas Golden Knights.

 

How to Bet on Hockey in Vegas

 

Now that the 2025-26 NHL season is in play, it’s time to place your bets. Circa Sports is the ultimate sportsbook in Las Vegas for hockey sports betting. Stop by Circa Resort, the D, or one of the other Circa Sports locations in Las Vegas to place your bets in person. Can’t make it into the sportsbook? Download the Circa Sports app on iOS or Android to have your bookie right in your pocket.

Whether in person or on the app, join Circa Sports for your premier place to bet on hockey in Vegas.