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The 2026-27 season kicks off on September 29th with two marquee games that will certainly start the season strong. The defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes play the Florida Panthers in Raleigh, and the Toronto Maple Leafs welcome the Montreal Canadiens to Toronto. Both games are part of a crammed opening night, which also has other national broadcasts.
Banner Night in Carolina
The Hurricanes will hoist their banner before taking on an old foe. Florida, which has won the two Cups before Carolina’s current win, has history and an edge going into the tournament. The early puck drop, also on ESPN, puts the game in front of the league’s return and provides a built-in hook: a pair of champions facing off on night one.
Rivalry Renewed in Toronto
On the flip side, the Maple Leafs and Canadiens battle in one of the oldest rivalries in the league. The usual Toronto-Montreal intensity of the matchup comes with added intrigue over new faces and the start of another long campaign. This match will be an early test for both clubs in front of enthusiastic home and away fans.
A New Season Underway
The first games on the calendar are important when there is an 84-game season. Carolina begins the defence of its title on home ice. The epic matchup between Toronto and Montreal resumes. In their wake, the rest of the league is ready to follow. As the puck drops Sept. 29, the 2026-27 season will officially be underway, and the opening shifts will have ceremony and competitive spirit.
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