Can you believe that we are now less than a month from puck drop in the NHL? The 2026-27 NHL regular season kicks off on Tuesday, September 29th with five scheduled games including two all-Canadian match-ups as the Montreal Canadiens visit Toronto and the Vancouver Canucks visit the Oilers in Edmonton.
As hockey fans anticipation grows towards the start of the season, The Hockey Fanatic looks at five teams to watch during the 2026-27 NHL season.
5 NHL Teams to Watch in 2026-2027
Here are some teams that you might ant to keep an eye on this season.
Florida Panthers – one year removed from winning back-to back-Stanley Cups, the Cat missed the post season last season, however they again pulled off the unthinkable as they acquired Brady Tkachuk from the Ottawa Senators in the off season. The Panthers got a bit younger in the crease with the departure of Sergei Bobrovsky replacing him with Jacob Markstrom from the Devils. The Panthers enter 2026–27 as a perennial contender, built on elite two‑way structure and a core that has already proven it can win deep into the playoffs. Their roster is still stacked, but aging curves and cap constraints make this season feel even more urgent. Not sure how tings will go this season, however on paper this team looks like it could contend for another Cup this season. Lots of injuries plagued this team last season so we will see if Florida’s physical, forechecking style remains one of the league’s toughest to play against.
San Jose Sharks – The Sharks are one of the most fascinating rebuild stories in the NHL. Their youth movement is only rivaled by their division nemesis the Anaheim Ducks, the Sharks have a youthful squad that should surprise a lot of teams this season. Macklin Cellebrini is expected to be named captain prior to season start and is arguably one of the games upcoming superstars. The Sharks prospect pool is finally stocked, and 2026–27 should showcase multiple high‑end young players. GM Mike Grier has also balanced the team with a veteran presence acquiring rugged blueliner Darnell Nurse from the Edmonton Oilers. This team will be interesting to watch as they could surprise with a big leap—or struggle as the kids learn. Either way, they’ll be compelling.
Toronto Maple Leafs – what a revolting year for Leafs Nation last season. Expectations were high and the team failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. you have to think that expectations will be even higher this season. Toronto is always under the microscope, but 2026–27 carries extra weight. The Leafs missed Mitch Marner last season. However, in a bit of a suprise at the draft lottery, the Leafs wound up with the number one pick in the entry draft, opting to select forward Gavin McKenna. The Leafs re-tooled at the goaltender position adding Sergei Bobrovsky. The team also signed some depth players such as Brandon Duhaime, Teddy Blueger, Zack MacEwen and Troy Stecher. The long‑running question of whether the Leafs’ core can finally break through remains front and center. Everyone in Toronto thinks that Connor McDavid is coming in a year or two (unlikely, but that is what a lot of Leafs Nation believe). Every season is “Cup or bust,” in Toronto making their storyline impossible to ignore.
Edmonton Oilers – you want to talk about intrigue? How about the Edmonton Oilers this season? The Oilers made hockey folks scratch their heads when they hired Mike Babcock as their head coach in late Spring after suffering a first round exit in the Stanley Cup playoffs at the hands of the Anaheim Ducks. This team is a bit of a mystery. Back to back Stanley Cup finals in which they lost… and lost the first one in 2024 by one measly goal. Connor McDavid is too good not to win a Stanley Cup, but there are rumblings that he may be on the move, possibly as early as this season’s trade deadline. Personally we don’t think he is going anywhere, but the clock is ticking. Sources suggest that McDavid wanted the team to be pushed to that next level. The hiring of Babcock could take them there… or not. Their window is wide open, but expectations are sky‑high. Edmonton’s ability to tighten up defensively will define whether they’re a true Cup favorite. They still need a goalie and attention to defense but perhaps Babcock can right the ship. Chamionship urgency… and pressure is a thing in Edmonton.
New York Rangers – The Rangers enter 2026–27 with a blend of star talent and rising youth. A mix of veterans and emerging players gives them one of the league’s most complete lineups, but just where do the Rangers stand heading into this season? Some interesting free agent signings and trades this off season in New York including the likes of Marcus Pettersson in a trade with Vancouver, Sean Durzi in a trade with Utah as they sent Vincent Trocheck to the Mammoth. The blushirts signed Oliver Bjorkstrand, center Joe Veleno, and traded for goaltender Joonas Korpisalo from Boston and also added Pavel Dorofeyev from Vegas. Some interesting moves indeed. Will it be enough as the New York Rangers begin their 101st season in the National Hockey League?
This season is going to be really interesting. It seems that there was a lot of player movement this off season. It also seems as though there are some ticked off franchises (Dallas, Colorado, Edmonton we’re looking at you). Regardless we can be reassured that there will be a number of interesting storylines to keep an eye out for as teams battle for the 16 playoff positions.
2026-27 NHL Regular Season FAQs
Here are a couple of quick notes on the 2026-27 NHL season.
When does the NHL season start?
The NHL regular season gets underway on Tuesday, September 29th.
How many NHL games are NHL teams playing this season?
The league has expanded the regular season to 84 games beginning this season. Up from 82 games previously. Team will be playing two additional divisional games this season.
Where can I find the complete NHL schedule for 2026-27?
The complete NHL schedule can be found on NHL.com at: https://www.nhl.com/schedule
When does the 2026-27 NHL regular season finish?
The season will conclude with all 32 teams in action on Saturday, April 10, 2027.
