2025 NHL storylines include Panthers, Ovechkin and Olympic hockey
The 2025-26 NHL season gets under way on Oct. 7. Sam Cardona-Norberg shares some key storylines.
The NHL’s Winter Classic will be played in Florida for the first time and now we know what the two teams will wear.
The NHL and Fanatics unveiled the Winter Classic jerseys for the host Florida Panthers and the visiting New York Rangers. The annual outdoor game will be played this season on Jan. 2, 2026 at loanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins.
The two-time defending champion Panthers’ jersey features a vintage take on the original “leaping panther” logo. The design includes decorative stitching with chevrons to commemorate South Florida’s military ties. The rear hem loop features the silhouette of the Panthers’ rat, honoring fans’ tradition of throwing plastic rats onto the ice after home wins.
Exclusive book: Relive the Panthers’ latest Cup
The Rangers jersey will complement the team’s Centennial version and will feature a diagonal NEW YORK (rather than RANGERS), colorful, oversized stripes and an apple logo.
The Winter Classic won’t be the only outdoor game in Florida this season. The Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Boston Bruins on Feb. 1 in the Stadium Series at Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
When is NHL Winter Classic? How to watch, stream