NHL season opens with Hurricanes raising banner against Panthers
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 25, 2026, 4:31 PM
Last updated Sep 25, 2026

The NHL season begins on Tuesday as the Carolina Hurricanes host the Florida Panthers. The game includes important storylines, such as Connor Hellebuyck's suspension in Winnipeg and Dylan Larkin's situation in Detroit. Analysts have made predictions for team performances and individual awards, identifying surprise contenders like the San Jose Sharks and potential disappointments such as the Edmonton Oilers. The season features 1,344 regular-season games leading to the playoffs and Stanley Cup Final in June.
- •Hurricanes raise Stanley Cup banner before season opener against Panthers.
- •Hellebuyck's trade request complicates goaltending situation in Winnipeg.
- •Analysts predict surprise success for the Sharks and struggles for the Oilers.
- •Stanley Cup Final scheduled for June after 1,344 regular-season games.
- 4:31 PMYahoo Sports — What to know about the NHL season, with awards, playoffs and Stanley Cup picks
"The goaltender who backstopped the U.S. to gold at the Olympics is suspended as he awaits a trade he requested, while a teammate from Milan is in limbo after asking for his own a change of scenery. The absence of Connor Hellebuyck in Winnipeg and the uncertainty surrounding Detroit's Dylan Larkin are among the biggest storylines going into the NHL season, which begins Tuesday when the Carolina Hurricanes raise their Stanley Cup banner before playing the Florida Panthers in a clash of the preseason favorites to win the championship.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NHL•Sep 25, 2026, 5:04 PMHurricanes sign goalie Kochetkov to 2-year extension through 2028-29
NHL•Sep 25, 2026, 2:15 PMMorning Flurries: Beckett Hamilton praises Gabe Landeskog
NHL•Sep 25, 2026, 12:45 PMDaily Bean: Bruins Lose; Last Preseason Gameday; Fantilli Signs; Sharks 10-Piece
NHL•Sep 25, 2026, 11:45 AMSan Jose Shark Superstar Macklin Celebrini Point Projections for 2026-27
NHL•Sep 25, 2026, 3:40 AMFilip Chytil injury update after Canucks forward, referee collide
NHL•Sep 25, 2026, 3:34 AMComeback Canes: Hurricanes Overcome Four-Goal Deficit to Defeat Predators in Insane Return to Greensboro
