The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics came to a thrilling close on Sunday, with Team USA edging Canada 2‑1 in overtime to capture gold. With the international stage now behind them, NHL players, teams, and fans are turning their attention back to the regular season.
The question on everyone’s mind: when does the NHL resume?
NHL Regular Season Restart
The NHL is set to resume on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, with an eight‑game slate kicking off immediately following the Olympics. The league-wide Olympic break ran from Feb. 6 to Feb. 24, giving players time to compete in Milan-Cortina and return home.
Teams will have just a short window to travel, recover, and prepare for the next phase of the regular season.
NHL Schedule on February 25, 2026
After the Olympic gold medal game on Feb. 22, where the United States edged Canada in overtime, the NHL resumes with the following matchups:
| Away Team | Home Team | Time (ET) |
| Philadelphia Flyers | Washington Capitals | 7:00 PM |
| Buffalo Sabres | New Jersey Devils | 7:00 PM |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | Tampa Bay Lightning | 7:30 PM |
| Seattle Kraken | Dallas Stars | 8:00 PM |
| Colorado Avalanche | Utah Mammoth | 9:00 PM |
| Vegas Golden Knights | Los Angeles Kings | 10:00 PM |
| Winnipeg Jets | Vancouver Canucks | 10:00 PM |
| Edmonton Oilers | Anaheim Ducks | 10:30 PM |
Trades and Roster Moves Resume
The NHL trade and roster freeze that was in effect during the Olympics ended 11:59 PM ET on Feb. 22. Allowing teams to resume transactions starting February 23.
With only two weeks remaining until the March 6 trade deadline, the return from the Olympic break could spark a flurry of roster moves as teams position themselves for the final push toward the playoffs.
Key Remaining Dates for 2025-26 Season
- NHL Trade Deadline: Friday, March 6, 2026, 3:00 PM ET
- Regular Season Ends: Thursday, April 16, 2026
- Stanley Cup Playoffs Begin: Saturday, April 18, 2026
- Last Possible Stanley Cup Final Day: Sunday, June 21, 2026
- 2026 NHL Draft: June 26-27, Buffalo, NY
As players return from the Olympics. The NHL season kicks back into full gear. The Colorado Avalanche currently are first in the league with 83 points. While the Vancouver Canucks sit at the bottom with 42 points.
Every game now carries added significance as teams vie for playoff spots. Positioning themselves for the grueling battle toward the Stanley Cup. Fans can expect fast-paced, high-stakes action as teams refocus after the international break and battle for positioning in the final stretch of the season.
