Aarif Deen
If you’re already counting down the days until Colorado Avalanche hockey returns, the wait now has an official end date.
The Avalanche released their full 84-game regular-season schedule on Thursday, giving fans a look at the key matchups and storylines that will shape the 2026-27 campaign.
Here are the dates that stand out.
Opening Night
For the first time in franchise history, the Avalanche will open a regular season in September. Colorado hosts the Los Angeles Kings at Ball Arena on Sept. 30, kicking off the NHL’s first season under its new collective bargaining agreement, which features a shorter training camp and preseason.
Dallas Stars and Joel Kiviranta
Colorado won’t have to wait long to renew its rivalry with Dallas. The clubs will play the first two games of their four-game season series on consecutive nights, with the Avalanche visiting the Stars on Oct. 13 before hosting them at Ball Arena on Oct. 14.
The second game will mark Joel Kiviranta’s return to Denver after spending the previous three seasons with the Avalanche.
Fun fact: The third and fourth meetings between the two clubs will also be played in consecutive games. Colorado travels to Dallas on Jan. 22 before hosting them for a rematch on Jan. 24. Kudos to the NHL for capitalizing on this rivalry.
Columbus Blue Jackets and Valeri Nichushkin
Valeri Nichushkin’s first game against the Avalanche comes quickly, with Colorado visiting Columbus on Nov. 3.
His return to Ball Arena is scheduled for Feb. 15 in one of the NHL’s experimental Monday afternoon games. Puck drop is set for 1 p.m. MT.
Nashville Predators and Chris MacFarland
The Avalanche visit Nashville on Oct. 25 for their first matchup against former general manager Chris MacFarland, who now leads the Predators.
The return game at Ball Arena on Nov. 5 will also bring back former Avalanche forwards Jack Drury and Ross Colton.
Minnesota Wild
If the Wild are looking for revenge after last spring’s second-round playoff loss, they’ll have to wait until late November.
Colorado visits Minnesota on Nov. 27, continuing what’s become a familiar tradition of playing the Wild the day after Thanksgiving.
Winter Classic
The Avalanche head to Utah for the Winter Classic against the Mammoth on New Year’s Eve.
Puck drop is scheduled for 4 p.m. MT, with the game beginning in daylight before transitioning under the lights.
Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights make their first trip to Denver on Jan. 4.
It’ll be the first meeting between the clubs since Vegas swept Colorado in the Western Conference Final.
Carolina Hurricanes
The defending Stanley Cup champion Hurricanes visit Ball Arena on Dec. 18 in the first of two meetings between the teams.
Carolina finished second in the NHL standings last season, trailing only the Avalanche in the Presidents’ Trophy race.