The Jeff Blashill era in Chicago will start in an extremely difficult environment.
The Chicago Blackhawks will open their 2025-26 season in the first game of the year, where they will take on the two-time Stanley Cup-champion Florida Panthers on Oct. 7 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.
The Hawks will open their season on the road for the eighth straight year, and their date in Florida will be face off at 4 p.m. CDT, which is the first of a season-opening tripleheader on Opening Night on the ESPN family of networks.
The Blackhawks have missed the playoffs in five straight seasons and have finished in last place in the Central Division three years in a row.
When Is The Chicago Blackhawks’ Home Opener?
The Hawks celebrate their 100th NHL season, since they joined the then-10-team league in the 1926-27. Chicago announced it has big plans for the upcoming year.
“The Chicago Blackhawks are set to celebrate the organization’s Centennial during the 2025-26 campaign, weaving together a century of storied tradition throughout the yearlong celebration,” the team announced. “Fans can expect unmissable gameday and digital experiences celebrating the team’s legendary alumni, iconic championship teams and other unforgettable moments throughout this milestone season.”
Expect those celebrations to start when the team plays its 100th home opener Oct. 11 against their Original Six-rival Montreal Canadiens. Chicago’s 2025-26 campaign will start in Florida before they take on the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on Oct. 9.
The team also announced it will further celebrate the club’s history over its remaining 40 home games, including Chicago’s home date against the reigning champs Jan. 25.
“The Blackhawks Centennial celebration will unfold across four distinctive chapters that immerse fans of all ages in the rich heritage that has defined the franchise, all designed to transport in-arena attendees and at-home fans through the defining eras in Blackhawks history,” the team stated. “Each chapter will include signature game nights, a series of fan-favorite bobbleheads and giveaways, untold stories through rare archival memorabilia, exclusive interviews and content with the iconic figures who defined that period and more.”
When Does Jonathan Toews Return To Chicago?
Toews has played 1,067 NHL games, each of which have come in a Blackhawks uniform. But after signing a one-year contract with the Winnipeg Jets this off-season, Toews will start his post-Chicago hockey career in October.
Hawks fans can welcome Toews back to United Center as a visitor, first when the Jets come to the Windy City on Jan. 19. That will be the first of two Chicago meetings between Toews and his former club, with the latter coming March 31.
Chicago will get a glimpse of Toews in a Jets uniform in Winnipeg when the teams square off at Canada Life Centre on Oct. 30.
The Blackhawks also will have the opportunity to welcome back three-time Stanley Cup-winning coach Joel Quenneville, who is now the bench boss of the Anaheim Ducks.
Quenneville and the Ducks will play in Chicago twice, first on Oct. 19, the Hawks’ fourth home game of the season, before returning to United Center for an afternoon game Nov. 30.
Blackhawks To Open Season On The Road Against Stanley Cup Champion