The 2024-25 NHL regular season is set to commence with exciting matchups, beginning in Europe before making its way to North America. Here’s a detailed look at the start date and key highlights of the upcoming season.

Start Dates

  • European Kickoff: The season will open with two games featuring the Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils on October 4 and 5, 2024, in Prague, Czech Republic. This marks the start of the NHL Global Series.
  • North American Launch: The regular season officially begins in North America on October 8, 2024, with a tripleheader that includes:
    • St. Louis Blues vs. Seattle Kraken at 4:30 p.m. ET
    • Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers at 7:00 p.m. ET
    • Chicago Blackhawks vs. Utah Hockey Club at 10:00 p.m. ET

Complete Schedule Highlights

  • Each of the 32 teams will play a total of 82 games, culminating in a packed schedule that features a total of 1,312 games throughout the season.
  • The regular season is scheduled to conclude on April 17, 2025, leading into the Stanley Cup playoffs, which will begin on April 19, 2025.

Notable Events

  • The season will feature several key events, including:
    • The Winter Classic on January 1, 2025, showcasing an outdoor game.
    • The Hockey Hall of Fame Game on November 8, 2024, in Toronto.
  • A notable matchup will occur on December 16, 2024, when the runner-up Edmonton Oilers host the defending champion Florida Panthers.

Broadcast Information

Fans can catch all the action through various broadcasters, including ESPN, TNT, Sportsnet, and TVA Sports, ensuring extensive coverage throughout the season.

With a thrilling lineup of games and events planned for the upcoming season, hockey enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting year ahead as teams battle for supremacy on the ice.