The NHL unveiled its 2026-27 schedule on Thursday, featuring an extended 84-game regular season. Several high-profile events are planned, including the Heritage Classic between the Montreal Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets, and the Winter Classic pitting the Utah Mammoth against the Colorado Avalanche. The Chicago Blackhawks are set to participate in a highlighted event, the 2026 NHL Global Series in Düsseldorf, Germany, against the Ottawa Senators on December 18 and 20.
Home game times for the Blackhawks are adjusted, with evening games starting at 7 p.m. instead of 7:30, while weekend games will begin at 6 p.m. or earlier. They also plan two seven-game home stretches from October 10-27 and February 17-March 1.
Eight Games to Watch in 2026-27
September 29: At Vegas Golden Knights, 9:30 p.m.
The Blackhawks begin the season on the road for the ninth consecutive year. They will play the Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Connor Bedard, recovering from shoulder surgery, will miss this game and at least the first month of the season. This absence offers Frank Nazar, 22, and Anton Frondell, 19, the chance to step into pivotal roles. Roman Kantserov, 21, is anticipated to debut in this match. Historically, the Golden Knights have dominated the Hawks, recording a 17-3-4 record against them.
October 3: At Buffalo Sabres, 6 p.m.
Bowen Byram faces his former team, the Sabres, soon after joining the Hawks. At 25, Byram signed a significant six-year, $75 million contract, making him the highest-paid defenseman. His move to Chicago was motivated by the opportunity to take on a leading defensive role. The Hawks previously suffered heavy defeats against the Sabres last season, losing 9-3 and 5-1.
November 17: Versus Toronto Maple Leafs, 6:30 p.m.
The Maple Leafs’ Gavin McKenna, the 2026 No. 1 draft pick, visits Chicago, facing his cousin, Connor Bedard, if Bedard returns from injury. McKenna has drawn from Bedard’s experience, finding support in tackling media pressures and building confidence on and off the ice.
December 6: Versus Edmonton Oilers, 6 p.m.
This game marks the return of former Hawks players traded to the Oilers: Jason Dickinson, Connor Murphy, and Colton Dach. The Hawks received Andrew Mangiapane and future draft picks in exchange. Murphy contributed nine seasons to the Hawks, while Dickinson and Dach spent four seasons and were a 2021 draft pick, respectively.
December 18 and 20: Global Series in Düsseldorf
The Hawks’ matches against the Senators in Germany mark their first European games in seven years. Their last overseas play was a narrow defeat to the Flyers in Prague in 2019. The Hawks have participated in only two other European series, one in Helsinki in 2009.
January 30: At San Jose Sharks, 3 p.m.
This game showcases a clash between top draft picks: Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini. The Hawks hope for stronger performance than previous seasons, particularly aiming to avoid a post-Olympics slump. Also notable is the potential Hawks debut of Ivar Stenberg, the No. 2 draft pick.
March 28: Versus Seattle Kraken, 2 p.m.
The end of the regular season nears as the Hawks host the Kraken, leaving six games to play. Two seasons ago, a loss to the Oilers eliminated the Hawks from playoffs at this point, partially due to Dickinson and Murphy’s assists. Closing the regular season, the Hawks aim to secure a playoff spot rather than repeat history.
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