The NHL and NHLPA agreed to extend player contracts that were set to expire on July 30th to October 31st. If the ‘return to play’ holds up, the start of free agency should be November 1st.
Nov. 14/16: 2025 NHL Global Series in Sweden (Predators vs. Penguins) Dec. 20-27: Holiday roster freeze in effect Dec. 31: Deadline for provisional Olympic roster submission of 22 skaters and 3 goalies Jan. 2: NHL Winter Classic at loanDepot Park (Rangers vs. Panthers) Feb. 1: NHL Stadium Series at Raymond James Stadium (Lightning vs. Bruins) Feb. 6-24: Olympic break Feb. 11-22: Olympic Games in Milan Feb. 25: NHL resumes Mar. 6: NHL Trade Deadline (3 p.m. ET) Apr. 16: Regular Season Ends Apr. 18: Stanley Cup Playoffs begin TBA: 2026 NHL Draft Lottery June 21: Last possible day for 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs June 26-27: 2026 NHL Draft July 1: Free agency begins (12 p.m. ET)
