NHL
NAHLNHL
Season timeline & key dates
Aug 21, 2026
Ownership Applications Close
Sep 4, 2026
NHL 27 Early Access
Sep 11, 2026
NHL 27 Worldwide Release
Sep 16, 2026
(7:00 PM EST) Signups Close
Sep 16, 2026
(8:00 PM EST) Bidding Opens
Bidding will remain open for 72 hours
Sep 22, 2026
(8:20 PM EST) Team Finalization
Sep 23, 2026
(8:20 PM EST) Season 5 Begins
Sep 23, 2026 — Sep 25, 2026
Week 1
Sep 30, 2026 — Oct 2, 2026
Week 2
Oct 7, 2026 — Oct 9, 2026
Week 3
Oct 14, 2026 — Oct 16, 2026
Week 4
Oct 21, 2026 — Oct 23, 2026
Week 5
Oct 27, 2026
Trade Deadline (8:20 PM EST)
Oct 27, 2026
Rosters Lock (11:00 PM EST)
Oct 28, 2026 — Oct 30, 2026
Week 6
Nov 4, 2026 — Nov 6, 2026
Week 7
Nov 11, 2026 — Nov 13, 2026
Round 1
Nov 18, 2026 — Nov 20, 2026
Round 2
Nov 25, 2026 — Nov 27, 2026
🦃 Thanksgiving Break
No Scheduled League Games
Dec 2, 2026 — Dec 4, 2026
Round 3
Dec 9, 2026 — Dec 11, 2026