NHL announces 2025-26 schedule with 82 games, last before increase to 84, and Olympic break.

The NHL has released the 2025-26 season schedule, the last with 82 games before increasing to 84 in the new collective bargaining agreement. The season starts on October 8, with the Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin beginning his 21st season. The league will pause from February 6-24 for the Olympics, the first break since 2014, with play resuming on February 25. The new CBA also allows for NHL players to participate in the 2030 Olympics, pending further agreements.