The Montreal Canadiens Schedule for the 2026-27 Season Has Been Revealed
The NHL released their schedule for the entire 2026-27 season on Thursday afternoon. For the first time since the 1993-94 season, the league is moving to an 84-game schedule.
Our 84-game schedule for 2026-27 is here!
Details ↓ #GoHabsGo https://t.co/bndflqUBMt
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) July 16, 2026
On Wednesday, the NHL had already announced the home opener for each team, which revealed that the Montreal Canadiens would be starting their 2026-27 season on the road against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, September 29th. Meanwhile, the Canadiens’ home opener will take place one week later, on Tuesday, October 6th, against the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes.
Another key matchup that was previously announced is the Heritage Classic game on Sunday, October 25th, against the Winnipeg Jets that will be played at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg. This will be the fifth time that the Canadiens play in an outdoor game.
With the full 84-game schedule for the Montreal Canadiens officially released, there are a few things that stick out when looking at it. Firstly, the Canadiens will be playing games at the Bell Centre during the holidays for the first time since January 29th, 1999. The Canadiens will be hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs on December 26th, followed by the Dallas Stars on December 27th and, finally, the Columbus Blue Jackets on December 29th. They will then head out for their annual holiday road trip, where they play the Tampa Bay Lightning on December 31st and the Florida Panthers on January 2nd.
Last time the Canadiens played a home game:
Dec. 26 — 1982
Dec. 27 — 1986
Dec. 29 — 1999Holidays are back in Montréal! pic.twitter.com/oBHkF2bqh0
— William Dubé (@williamdube_) July 16, 2026
The Montreal Canadiens will play their final home game of the season on April 1st against the New York Rangers before ending the year on a four-game road trip that finishes with the Ottawa Senators on April 10th.
Other key dates for the Montreal Canadiens include:
Tuesday, October 13th—The first game against the Buffalo Sabres since the Canadiens eliminated them in overtime of Game 7 in Round 2 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Wednesday, October 14th—Defenseman Lane Hutson will play against his younger brother, Cole, for the first time as the Montreal Canadiens visit the Washington Capitals.
Thursday, November 12th—The Canadiens play their first game against their longtime rivals, the Boston Bruins.
Wednesday, December 2nd—The Montreal Canadiens play the Tampa Bay Lightning for the first time since they eliminated them in Round 1 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Saturday, March 6th—The return to the Bell Centre for longtime Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher, as his Vancouver Canucks will be in town.
The Canadiens have yet to set up their promotional nights, but once they do, there will surely be more key games to circle on your calendar.
