Chicago Blackhawks have 5 key games to watch this season

First up is the season opener, which was revealed several days ago. The Chicago Blackhawks will open the season with a brutal matchup against the Florida Panthers, the defending Stanley Cup Final champions, on the road on October 7.

The Panthers are obviously the measuring stick for all NHL teams in 2025-26. They won it all and are retaining virtually every single piece of their title-winning team. They’ve actually won two in a row, so they’re really on top. It’s time to see just how far the Blackhawks have to climb.

The home opener is always a good game to watch, too. Being at home for the first time in front of the adoring fans can inspire a team, no matter who the opponent is. The Hawks will get the Montreal Canadiens to open things up at home on October 11.

Patrick Kane spent 16 years with the Blackhawks, so any time he is the opponent, fans will want to see him one more time. In 2025-26, they’ll get to see their former star on December 13. When they face the Detroit Red Wings, it’ll be a rare Original Six matchup, too.

Jonathan Toews has only ever played for the Blackhawks, last suiting up in 2023. After a hiatus, he’s back, but he signed with the Winnipeg Jets. He will return home to see his longtime NHL franchise for the first time since his exit all those years ago on January 19.

Then, on February 2, some of the best young players in hockey will face off. It’s no secret that the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks have been among the worst teams in the NHL, but that means they’ve added assets in the draft . So on that day, Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard, the faces of their generation, will match up.