The upcoming season is one of the first “normal” seasons the NHL will have since the 2018-19 season (fingers crossed). There’s no break for the Olympics and hopefully no delays/cancellations due to COVID-19. Each team has a full, 82-game schedule that begins in October and will run until mid-April, with only the All-Star break in between. 

The Avalanche enter the season with the goal of defending their Stanley Cup win over the Lightning. However, as is the case every year, each team has its eyes on the biggest prize in hockey. With plenty of movement this offseason, there are a number of potential contenders for the Cup. 

MORE: NHL 2022-23 preseason schedule

Here’s a breakdown of everything we know regarding the NHL’s upcoming season.

When does the 2022-23 NHL season start?

NHL season start date: Friday, Oct. 7 NHL season end date: Thursday, April 13

The NHL kicks off the 2022-23 season in Europe, as the Sharks and Predators will play two games as part of the NHL Global Series. The games will be Oct. 7 and Oct. 8 at the O2 Arena in Prague, Czech Republic. It’s the first time the NHL has played games outside North America since 2019. 

The start of the NHL season in North America is on Wednesday, Oct. 11, with two games on deck. The Rangers face off against the Lightning in a rematch of the Eastern Conference Final, and the Kings host the Golden Knights. 

The regular season will conclude on Thursday, April 13 with 15 games slated for the final day. 

How many games will be played?

All teams will play the normal 82-game schedule, featuring at least two games against every team in the league and multiple battles against divisional opponents. 

What are the NHL divisions?

The NHL is once again back to its typical division structure. It is the same divisional alignment as last year, when the Kraken joined the league and entered the Pacific Division. 

Key dates for the 2022-23 NHL season

NHL Global Series Czech Republic

Dates: Oct. 7 and 8 Location: O2 Arena, Prague, Czech Republic Teams: Sharks vs. Predators

NHL Global Series Finland

Dates: Nov. 4 and 5 Location: Nokia Arena, Tampere, Finland Teams: Avalanche vs. Blue Jackets

Winter Classic

Date: Jan. 2 Location: Fenway Park, Boston Teams: Bruins vs. Penguins

All-Star Weekend

Dates: Feb. 3 and 4 Location: FLA Live Arena, Sunrise, Fla.

Stadium Series

Date: Feb. 18 Location: Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, N. C. Teams: Hurricanes vs. Capitals

2022-23 trade deadline

Date: March 3 Time: 3 p. m. ET

2023 NHL Entry Draft

Date: June 28 and 29 Location: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tenn.