Chicago Blackhawks 2026-27 NHL Schedule Highlights

The NHL has unveiled its schedule for the 2026-27 season, introducing an 84-game regular season. This is a first for the league, promising a busy year filled with notable events.

Among the highlights are the Heritage Classic, featuring the Montreal Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets, and the Winter Classic, showcasing the Utah Mammoth facing the Colorado Avalanche.

Chicago Blackhawks Special Event

The Chicago Blackhawks have a particularly exciting event planned for next season. They will participate in the 2026 NHL Global Series, playing against the Ottawa Senators on December 18 and 20 at the PSD Bank Dome in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The Blackhawks have adjusted the start times for their home games to 7 p.m., moving from the previous 7:30 schedule. Weekend games will kick off at 6 p.m. or earlier.

Additionally, the team will host two significant seven-game homestands, spanning from October 10-27 and February 17-March 1.

One key question remains: How will the Hawks fare during the month absence of their star player Connor Bedard? Fans are also curious about which former Blackhawks might visit the United Center and where the team will stand by the season’s end.

Let’s explore eight must-watch games for the 2026-27 season:

• September 29: The Blackhawks will open their season on the road against the Vegas Golden Knights at 9:30 p.m. This event marks their ninth consecutive road opener. Connor Bedard will not be participating as he recovers from a left shoulder surgery. This matchup presents an initial challenge for the Hawks without their center. Frank Nazar and Anton Frondell are anticipated to fill the center roles, providing them a chance to adjust to increased responsibilities early on. Additionally, it is expected that Roman Kantserov will make his NHL debut against the Golden Knights.
• October 3: The Blackhawks visit Buffalo Sabres at 6 p.m. This game offers a significant moment as defenseman Bowen Byram returns to his former stadium with the Hawks. Byram signed an extension on July 1 worth $75 million over six years, making him the highest-paid defenseman in the NHL. Byram aims to capitalize on the opportunity to be a top defenseman, a position not available to him in Buffalo.
• November 17: At 6:30 p.m., the Hawks will face the Toronto Maple Leafs, featuring Gavin McKenna, the 2026 No. 1 draft pick. McKenna will meet his cousin Bedard, providing a unique dynamic if Bedard is back from injury. The 18-year-old McKenna plans to leverage his insights from Bedard in a prominent NHL setting.
• December 6: The Edmonton Oilers visit the United Center at 6 p.m. After a trade involving Andrew Mangiapane, along with 2027 first and 2028 second-round picks, the matchup brings former Hawks players, Jason Dickinson, Connor Murphy, and Colton Dach, back to Chicago.
• December 18 and 20: in Düsseldorf, Germany, the Blackhawks will play against the Ottawa Senators at noon and 7 a.m. as part of the Global Series. It’s their first overseas games in seven years and marks the franchise’s third-ever set of international matches.
• January 30: The Blackhawks travel to face the San Jose Sharks at 3 p.m. The game sets a stage for a contest between top picks Bedard and Macklin Celebrini. The Hawks are determined for a stronger stance following last season’s challenging Olympic hiatus.
• March 28: will see the Blackhawks hosting the Seattle Kraken in a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m., with only six games remaining on the schedule. The Hawks aspire to be competing for playoff spots amid scrutiny from past seasons.