The New York Islanders and the NHL have revealed the 2026-27 regular-season schedule, featuring an 84-game slate—the longest campaign since the 1993-94 season.
Key dates and matchups that Islanders fans should note for the upcoming season include the season opener, home opener, rivalry games, All-Star Weekend, and a special return visit.
Season Opener – Schaefer vs. McKenna
The 2026-27 campaign begins for the Islanders on Sept. 30 in Toronto, where the franchise’s top draft pick from 2025, Matthew Schaefer, faces off against this year’s first overall selection, Maple Leafs star Gavin McKenna, in a marquee NHL showdown. The contest also marks the return of Matias Maccelli to Toronto for his debut with the Islanders.
The two franchises meet three times during the season, with the only encounter at UBS Arena scheduled for Nov. 23.
Home Opener
The Islanders open their home slate on Oct. 3 against division rival New Jersey, following a perfect 4-0 record against the Devils last season, including a dominant 9-0 victory at UBS Arena on Jan. 6.
Intercity Rivalry
The Battle of New York commences on Oct. 6 at Madison Square Garden, with the Islanders and Rangers meeting again on Dec. 20 and Feb. 18. The Isles swept the four-game series last season by a combined 14-3 margin.
All-Star Weekend
NHL All-Star Weekend returns to UBS Arena on Feb. 5-6, marking Long Island’s first such event since 1983. This year’s festivities will feature a first-ever five-team, three-on-three international round-robin tournament.
Lee Returns to Long Island
Former Islanders captain Anders Lee makes his highly anticipated return to UBS Arena for a matinee game on Presidents Day (Feb. 15) when the Utah Mammoth visit town. Lee signed with Utah as a free agent on July 1.
Schedule Quirks
During the home schedule, 11 of the Islanders’ 42 games will start at 7:30 PM. Their longest homestand spans March 1-9, featuring four contests against Washington, Vegas, Pittsburgh, and Montreal.
The team’s longest road stretch runs Jan. 26-Feb. 12 with six games versus Pittsburgh, Carolina, Tampa Bay, Florida, and Buffalo.
Final Thoughts
The Islanders’ season schedule promo video was exceptionally well-produced. The early-month matchups against strong opponents provide insight into the potential trajectory of the team under coach Pete DeBoer. Expect an exciting season as the club looks to compete for a playoff berth.
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