Nashville Predators Reveal 2026‑27 Schedule

84‑Game Season Begins in October

The Predators will play a full 84‑game campaign in 2026‑27, marking the first season with a expanded slate after years of an 82‑game schedule. General manager something noted the change reflects the league’s push for more regular‑season games. Fans can expect a packed calendar that starts early in the calendar year.

October opens with a home date against the Minnesota Wild on October 1, kick‑off the season at Bridgestone Arena. Three days later Nashville hosts the Dallas Stars, followed by a quick road trip to Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa in early October. Nine of the first 14 contests are slated for home ice, giving the Predators plenty of opportunity to build early momentum.

Heavy Homestand and Early Road Tests

The Predators’ first 14 games feature a mix of local rivals and West Coast foes. After the opening night, the schedule includes October 13 against the Vegas Golden Knights, October 15 vs. San Jose, and October 17 against St. Louis. The stretch also brings October 25 home to face the Colorado Avalanche and a pair of back‑to‑back road games in late October.

Road games in early October set the tone, with trips to Toronto (Oct 6), Montreal (Oct 8), and Ottawa (Oct 10). These contests will test Nashville’s ability to adapt after a series of home games. The early slate also includes a November match against the defending Western Conference champion Golden Knights.

Heavy Road Stretch in November and December

In November and December the Predators will spend 16 of 26 games on the road, a significant travel load for the team. One highlight is a visit to the Golden Knights on November 13, a rematch from the previous season’s playoff series. The extended road trip also features a late‑season showdown against the Carolina Hurricanes in January.

The road‑heavy segment includes a pair of five‑game trips, the longest stretches of the campaign. Between November 10‑17 and March 9‑17 the Predators will face extended travel, testing depth and conditioning. This schedule shift reflects the league’s broader effort to balance televised games with regional match‑ups.

New Year Challenges with Cup‑Winning Opponents

Nashville kicks off 2027 with a New Year’s Day clash against the Florida Panthers at Bridgestone Arena, followed by a road date against the Carolina Hurricanes just one day later. Both opponents enter the season as defending Stanley Cup champions, raising the stakes for the Predators’ season reset.

January is the busiest month of the calendar, holding 17 games in total. The Predators will look to bounce back from the early road grind with a solid home presence in the new year. The January slate also includes a Black Friday matinee against Utah on November 27 (originally scheduled in the early October block) and a Noon start that will be a fan‑friendly highlight.

February Home Push Before Trade Deadline

February and March bring a six‑game homestand beginning in late February, lined up before the NHL’s trade deadline. Nashville will host the Winnipeg Jets on February 23, the Edmonton Oilers on February 25, and the Los Angeles Kings on February 27. The homestand continues into March with games against the Colorado Avalanche, Utah Mammoth, and Minnesota Wild.

These key matchups give the Predators a platform to showcase their talent ahead of potential roster moves. The back‑to‑back game rhythm is moderated by a brief All‑Star break from February 3‑12, giving players time to recharge. The homestand is designed to position Nashville favorably for a potential playoff run.

Season Finale and Key Milestones

The season wraps up with five April games, the final road tilt against Chicago on April 8, and the season finale against the Dallas Stars at home on April 10. The Dallas series is a long‑standing rivalry, and the final home game will serve as a celebration of the 84‑game campaign.

April’s schedule also includes a mix of afternoon matinee contests, giving families multiple viewing options. The Predators have 14 Saturday home games throughout the season, with 11 matinee starts, nine of which are at Bridgestone Arena. These timing choices aim to maximize fan attendance and local television ratings.

Additional Schedule Highlights

• Back‑to‑Backs: The Predators have 11 pairs of consecutive games, down from 13 last season, reflecting a modest reduction in scheduling density.
• Longest Trips: Two five‑game road jaunts occur: November 10‑17 and March 9‑17, the most extensive travel periods of the year.
• Seasonal Distribution: January holds the most games (17), while October features the highest number of home contests (nine). The club also enjoys a strong Saturday presence with 14 home matches.
• Matinee Games: Eleven afternoon starts are planned, nine of which will be held at Bridgestone Arena, offering families the chance to catch weekday action.