Home » SPORTS TOURISM » NHL 2025–26 Season Kicks Off with Panthers Eyeing Three-Peat, Schedule Changes, and More
Published on
October 3, 2025
The 2025–26 NHL season is just around the corner, set to begin on October 7, 2025. This will mark the 109th season of North America’s premier ice hockey league, a milestone that promises to bring both continuity and exciting changes for hockey fans. With a mix of fierce competition, new team names, and a shift in the league’s schedule, this season is shaping up to be one for the history books.
A Thrilling Start to the New Season
As the puck drops on the new season, fans are eager to see which teams will rise to the top in pursuit of the ultimate prize—the Stanley Cup. The 2025–26 season promises high-stakes action, memorable moments, and intense rivalries. For teams like the Florida Panthers, the pressure is on as they strive to defend their hard-earned title. The Panthers won the Stanley Cup in the previous season and are now focused on achieving a rare feat in NHL history: winning three consecutive championships.
Florida Panthers Eyeing a Three-Peat
The Florida Panthers are entering the new season as the defending Stanley Cup champions. After clinching the title in 2024, they are now aiming for a three-peat, a goal that has eluded many teams in NHL history. A three-peat has not been accomplished since the New York Islanders completed a four-season streak of championships from 1980 to 1983, an incredible achievement that set a high bar in the league’s history.
The Panthers have built a strong roster and are looking to continue their dominance on the ice. As one of the league’s most exciting teams, their quest for another championship will surely keep fans on the edge of their seats. But with many contenders eager to dethrone them, it will be no easy task to maintain their position at the top.
A New Era: 84-Game Schedule
The 2025–26 season will also mark the final year of the NHL’s current 82-game schedule. Since its introduction in 1995, the 82-game format has been a staple of the league’s regular season, but starting in the 2026–27 season, the league will expand to 84 games. This change will increase the number of games each team plays, creating more opportunities for thrilling matchups and giving fans even more hockey to enjoy.
The decision to expand the schedule comes with the goal of increasing revenue and providing teams with more opportunities for competition. As the league moves into this new era, the additional games are expected to keep the excitement of the regular season going longer, giving fans more opportunities to follow their favorite teams and players.
Mid-Season Olympics Break
For the first time since 2014, the NHL will take a break in the middle of the season to allow its players to compete in the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. This will be a special moment for fans, as it’s a chance to see the best players in the world representing their countries on the global stage. The inclusion of NHL players in the Olympics is a rare but beloved event, and the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy promises to be an exciting showcase of elite talent.
The break will add an extra layer of excitement to the 2025–26 season, as teams will have to adjust to the scheduling changes and the return of players after the Olympics. For many players, this is a unique opportunity to achieve Olympic glory in addition to their NHL achievements, further intensifying the competition on the ice.
Utah Hockey Club Becomes the Utah Mammoth
In an exciting development for fans of the Utah Hockey Club, the team has announced a major change to its identity ahead of the 2025–26 season. The Utah Hockey Club will now go by the name Utah Mammoth, marking the start of a new chapter in the team’s history. The name change is part of a broader rebranding effort that aims to energize both the team and its fan base.
The Utah Mammoth will debut their new identity in the upcoming season, bringing a fresh look and feel to the team’s presence in the NHL. The rebranding reflects the organization’s growth and its commitment to creating a unique and exciting fan experience. While the name change is significant, the team’s goal remains the same: to compete at the highest level and bring a championship to Utah.
What’s Next for the 2025–26 NHL Season?
As the 2025–26 NHL season kicks off, the anticipation is high for what lies ahead. With defending champions Florida Panthers looking to make history, a new 84-game schedule on the horizon, and the Olympic break adding a global twist to the season, there’s no shortage of excitement in the air. Fans can expect plenty of action, memorable moments, and fierce competition as the league embarks on another thrilling chapter.
Whether you’re rooting for the Panthers to secure their third straight Stanley Cup or following the Utah Mammoth as they begin their new era, this season promises to be one for the ages. As the 109th season unfolds, the NHL will continue to showcase the best ice hockey in the world, with everything to play for as teams chase glory.
