The new NHL season commences tonight with exciting matchups and a celebration for the reigning Stanley Cup champions.
The Carolina Hurricanes will hoist their championship banner ahead of their game against a rejuvenated Florida Panthers team led by captain Aleksander Barkov.
Meanwhile, Canadian hockey fans have plenty to look forward to as four teams hit the ice. The Toronto Maple Leafs, featuring top draft pick Gavin McKenna, will face off against the Montreal Canadiens, who impressed in last season’s Eastern Conference final.
Toronto recently made headlines with a major trade, acquiring Kirill Marchenko, Miles Wood, and Elvis Merzlikins from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Matthew Knies, Steven Lorentz, Emil Andrae, and a future draft pick.
The Edmonton Oilers are set to begin their season under new head coach Mike Babcock, taking on the Vancouver Canucks in a matchup of Western Canadian rivals.
Opening night also features classic matchups, including an original six showdown between the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers, as well as a clash between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Calgary Flames will start their season at home against the Seattle Kraken on Thursday, the Winnipeg Jets will host the Bruins on Friday, and the Ottawa Senators will face the Leafs in Toronto on Saturday for their season opener.
