NHL 2025-26 Season: Broadcast Details, Key Matchups, and Fantasy Picks

Where to Watch, Who to Watch, and What to Bet On This NHL Season

As the puck drops on the 2025-26 NHL season, hockey fans everywhere are lacing up their skates—at least metaphorically. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter, a fantasy fanatic, or just here for the highlight reels, this season is shaping up to be a real barn burner.

In the United States, you won’t have to channel surf for long—prime-time NHL games will be front and center on ESPN and TNT. Prefer to stream in your pajamas? HBO Max, ESPN+, and Hulu have you covered. Meanwhile, north of the border, Monday nights belong to Prime Video, while Sportsnet and TVA Sports take care of the rest of the week. Canadians, grab your coffee and settle in—it’s going to be a wild ride.

Circle that first big Tuesday on your calendar: it’s a tripleheader extravaganza! The Chicago Blackhawks face off against the Florida Panthers at 5 p.m. ET, followed by the Pittsburgh Penguins taking on the New York Rangers at 8 p.m. ET, and the nightcap sees the Colorado Avalanche battling the Los Angeles Kings at 10:30 p.m. ET. All three games will be broadcast on ESPN, Sportsnet, and TVA Sports—so you won’t miss a single slapshot.

This season, the rumor mill is working overtime. Who’s feeling the heat? Which young guns are ready to break out? And, of course, everyone’s buzzing about Connor McDavid’s

contract situation. Experts are already tossing around playoff predictions and wondering if a Canadian team will finally make a deep run. If you’re hungry for more analysis, there’s a smorgasbord of it online.

For those who like to put their money where their mouth is, the betting odds are in: the Hurricanes, Avalanche, Oilers, and Golden Knights are all sitting pretty at +800 to win the championship, with the Dallas Stars close behind at +900. And if you’re the type who loves a good prop bet, there are plenty to keep you entertained all season long.

Fantasy hockey managers, start your engines! The top projected forwards are Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Leon Draisaitl—no surprises there. On defense, Cale Makar, Evan Bouchard, and Zach Werenski are the names to watch. Between the pipes, Connor Hellebuyck, Andrei Vasilevskiy, and Igor Shesterkin are your go-to goalies. If you’re searching for sleeper picks or players to avoid, there’s no shortage of advice out there—just don’t blame us if your buddy snags your favorite breakout star first.

The 2025-26 NHL season promises entertainment and fierce competition, both on the ice and in your living room.