Samwise NHL & Hockey Newsletter
Thursday, July 16, 2026
NHL Releases Full 2026-27 Schedule: 84 Games Per Team for First Time Since 1992-93
The NHL released its complete 2026-27 regular-season schedule on Thursday, July 16, featuring 1,344 games across 84 games per team — two more than the current 82-game slate. The expanded format marks the first time the league has used an 84-game regular season since the 1992-93 and 1993-94 seasons. The additional games come through two extra divisional matchups per club, with a corresponding reduction in preseason games. The season opens Tuesday, Sept. 29, with a five-game slate headlined by an ESPN tripleheader. Teams and broadcasters have been provided the full schedule for planning ahead of the regular season start.
Champion Hurricanes to Host Panthers on ESPN Opening Night, Sept. 29
The defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes will open the 2026-27 NHL season at home against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday, Sept. 29, the league announced on Wednesday. The banner-raising game in Raleigh tips off a five-game Opening Night slate, with ESPN broadcasting an evening tripleheader that also includes the Boston Bruins hosting the New York Rangers at 8 p.m. ET and the Vegas Golden Knights hosting the Chicago Blackhawks at 10:30 p.m. ET. Sportsnet in Canada carries a doubleheader featuring the Toronto Maple Leafs hosting the Montreal Canadiens at 7 p.m. ET.
Cole Perfetti Signs Five-Year, $30M Extension With Winnipeg Jets, Avoiding Arbitration
The Winnipeg Jets and restricted free agent forward Cole Perfetti agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $30 million, avoiding arbitration, the team announced Wednesday. The deal carries an average annual value of $6 million. Perfetti, 24, recorded 32 points — 12 goals and 20 assists — in 68 games for Winnipeg in 2025-26. He was selected by the Jets with the 10th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. The extension locks up one of the club's young offensive cornerstones following his best professional season of 50 points in 82 games during 2024-25.
Steve Yzerman Steps Down as Red Wings GM; Larkin Trade Top Priority for New Leadership
Steve Yzerman stepped down as Detroit Red Wings general manager on Wednesday, the organization announced, transitioning to a senior advisor role under Governor and CEO Chris Ilitch. Yzerman leaves amid 10 straight seasons without a playoff appearance for one of hockey's most storied franchises. The Red Wings will conduct a search for a new head of hockey operations, considering internal and external candidates. The departure heightens focus on captain Dylan Larkin, who formally requested a trade in June; his situation is expected to be the top priority for Detroit's incoming GM.
Sources: Detroit News Detroit News Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Anthony Mantha Signs Two-Year, $9.5M Deal With New Jersey Devils
Veteran forward Anthony Mantha signed a two-year contract with the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday, the team confirmed. The deal is worth $9.5 million in total value, carrying a $4.75 million average annual value with $5.4 million allocated for the first season and $4.1 million in 2027-28. Mantha, 31, spent the 2025-26 campaign in Pittsburgh after multiple injury-shortened seasons earlier in his career. The Devils add a power-forward option to their top-six forward group, with Mantha's size and scoring touch providing depth and versatility up front for New Jersey heading into the 2026-27 season under the expanded $104 million salary cap.
2026-27 Season Preview
Stanley Cup Champion
Carolina Hurricanes (defeated Vegas Golden Knights, 4–2 in series)
2026-27 Season Opens
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026
Opening Night: Carolina vs. Florida (ESPN, 5 p.m. ET)
Schedule Format
84 games per team (first since 1992-93)
1,344 total games
Salary Cap 2026-27
$104 million (up $8.5M)
Floor: $76.9 million
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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