Chicago, IL – The Chicago Blackhawks officially know their path through the 2026-27 NHL season after the league released its full regular-season schedule Wednesday. Chicago will begin the campaign on Tuesday, Sept. 29, with a road matchup against the defending Western Conference champion Vegas Golden Knights.
According to the NHL, puck drop at T-Mobile Arena is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. CT, with the contest serving as the third game of ESPN’s opening-night tripleheader. The Blackhawks will then continue a season-opening three-game road trip with games at Utah on Oct. 1 and Buffalo on Oct. 3 before returning home.
The Blackhawks’ home opener is set for Tuesday, Oct. 6, when they host Central Division rival St. Louis at the United Center in a 7 p.m. CT start.
This season also marks the NHL’s first 84-game regular season, prompting the league to begin the schedule about a week earlier than in previous years while shortening the preseason from six games to four.
One of the biggest highlights on Chicago’s calendar comes in December when the Blackhawks travel to Düsseldorf, Germany, for the 2026 NHL Global Series. Chicago will face the Ottawa Senators on Friday, Dec. 18, and Sunday, Dec. 20, marking the franchise’s first overseas regular-season games since opening the 2019-20 season in Prague.
Fans attending games at the United Center will also notice a scheduling change. Most weeknight home games will begin at 7 p.m. CT, replacing the club’s traditional 7:30 p.m. starts.
The Blackhawks conclude the regular season on Saturday, April 10, hosting the Seattle Kraken. With an expanded schedule, international games, and several nationally televised matchups, Chicago enters the 2026-27 campaign with one of its busiest calendars in franchise history.
