Chicago Blackhawks 2026-27 Season Preview: Key Games and Events

The NHL has announced the 2026-27 schedule, introducing an 84-game regular season for the first time. This season includes various significant events, such as the Heritage Classic between the Montreal Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets and the Winter Classic featuring the Utah Mammoth and Colorado Avalanche.

The Chicago Blackhawks will feature in the 2026 NHL Global Series, facing the Ottawa Senators on December 18 and 20 at the PSD Bank Dome in Düsseldorf, Germany. The Blackhawks have made changes, with home games now starting at 7 p.m. instead of 7:30, and weekend games beginning by 6 p.m. or earlier. They will also have two seven-game homestands between October 10-27 and February 17-March 1.

September 29: Season Opener at Vegas Golden Knights

The Blackhawks will start their season on the road for the ninth consecutive year, visiting T-Mobile Arena. Notably, Connor Bedard will miss the game and at least the first month while recovering from left shoulder surgery. This game will serve as a key test for the team without their star center. Frank Nazar and Anton Frondell are expected to be the top centers, while Roman Kantserov is set to make his NHL debut.

October 3: Starting Against Buffalo Sabres

Defenseman Bowen Byram will return to Buffalo, quickly facing his former team. Having signed a six-year, $75 million extension, Byram steps into a top-defenseman role for Chicago. Previously, Buffalo dominated Chicago in two encounters last season, winning 9-3 and 5-1.

November 17: Hosting Toronto Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs’ No. 1 pick, Gavin McKenna, will visit Chicago, facing his cousin Bedard if he returns from injury. This game represents a major NHL challenge for McKenna, reflecting on advice from Bedard about handling pressures and building confidence.

December 6: Reunion with Edmonton Oilers

Several former Blackhawks, including Jason Dickinson, Connor Murphy, and Colton Dach, now with the Oilers, will return to the United Center. The trio joined Edmonton in exchange for Andrew Mangiapane and draft picks. The Oilers exited last season early, losing to the Anaheim Ducks.

December 18 and 20: NHL Global Series

The Blackhawks will play overseas in the Global Series for the first time in seven years. They previously played games in Prague (2019) and Helsinki (2009), marking significant international experiences for the franchise.

January 30: Matchup with San Jose Sharks

A encounter between Bedard and Macklin Celebrini, two former No. 1 picks, highlights the game before the All-Star break. The Blackhawks hope for better conditions than before last season’s Olympic break, as they only secured seven victories in the final 25 games post-Olympics.

March 28: Late Season Challenge with Seattle Kraken

As the Blackhawks host the Kraken, only six games will remain in their schedule. Previously, they were eliminated from playoff contention in a loss against Edmonton, with former players assisting against them. Chicago aims to compete for a playoff position this season, learning from last year’s struggles.