When does the 2023-24 NHL season start?

During the NHL offseason, fans eagerly await the arrival of the next season. Where’s the date to circle on your calendar for the 2023-24 NHL season.

The NHL season is divided into three components. The preseason typically begins near the end of September, while the regular season begins in early or mid-October and ends in mid-April, followed by the Stanley Cup Playoffs which run through mid-June.

32 NHL teams participate in the preseason and the regular season. The current playoff format includes 16 teams. Two teams play in the Stanley Cup Final, and one team wins the Stanley Cup.

When does the 2023-24 NHL season start?

The 2023-24 NHL preseason will take place from September 23 to October 8. Teams will play between six and eight preseason games as they prepare for the regular season. Following the preseason, the regular season will commence.

The regular season is slated to begin on October 10, 2023. Each team will play 82 games during their regular season schedule. All teams will play 41 home games and 41 away games. 1,312 games will be played during the regular season.

Six teams will be in action on Opening Night. On October 10, the Vegas Golden Knights will raise their Stanley Cup Champions banner prior to their game against the Seattle Kraken. Teams not in action on October 10 will begin their season on October 11, 12, or 13.

The regular season concludes on April 18, 2024. The Stanley Cup Playoffs will follow. They can be expected to begin in late April and should run through the middle of June.

As usual, special events will be a part of the 2023-24 season. A Global Series will take place in Melbourne September on 23 and 24. This matchup is between the Arizona Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings.

The 2023 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic is on October 29 in Edmonton. It features the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers. Another Global Series will take place from November 16-19 in Sweden. The Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Ottawa Senators are set to participate.

The Discover NHL Winter Classic will kick off 2024 on January 1 in Seattle. The matchup features the Vegas Golden Knights and the Seattle Kraken. The 2024 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend will be held from February 2-3 in Toronto. Selected players will participate in the weekend.

The NHL Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series is February 17 and 18. The matchups are the New Jersey Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Islanders vs. New York Rangers.

The 2023-24 NHL season is sure to be full of excitement. The action kicks off this fall.