On April 13, 2024, it was reported that, with the NHL's permission, theArizona Coyotes were making efforts to relocate toSalt Lake City, Utah, following concerns about an indefinite timeframe on a new arena and the effects of continued play at the 4,600-seatMullett Arena.[3] The sale, which involved the NHL buying the franchise from Coyotes ownerAlex Meruelo, then reselling it toRyan Smith, owner of theUtah Jazz of theNational Basketball Association (NBA), was finalized on April 18, after the NHL Board of Governors voted to establish a team in Utah, with the Coyotes' hockey assets;[4] however, rather than formally relocate, the Coyotes franchise was instead marked "inactive", with theUtah Hockey Club considered an expansion team in a similar situation to theCleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens of theNational Football League (NFL). Meruelo subsequently remained on the NHL Board of Governors as an observer, retaining the rights to the Coyotes brand with a five-year window to complete a new arena and "reactivate" the Coyotes as an expansion team.[5] Of the reportedUS$1.2 billion sale price,[6][7] 1 billion was paid to Meruelo, with $200 million paid to the NHL's other owners as a relocation fee. In June, the auction was cancelled, and Meruelo left the ownership, ceasing the Coyotes. The league has not yet indicated whether the Coyotes would fold outright, the league would keep the franchise inactive for a prospective new Arizona owner, or transfer its history, records and intellectual property to the Utah Hockey Club.[8][2]
The Utah Hockey Club played itsinaugural season without an official name, mascot, or colors, while a full identity was developed in time for 2025–26.[9] After being leaked the previous week, the team officially announced its permanent branding as theUtah Mammoth on May 7, 2025.[10]
On June 26, 2024, the league announced that following rule changes for the 2024–25 season:[11]
The puck-over-glass delay-of-game penalty has been added to the list of plays that can go under video review. This only applies to determine whether the puck instead deflected off a player, stick, the glass or the boards. The judgment call on how the puck left the defensive zone cannot be reviewed. A failed coach's challenge would thus essentially result in a double-minor: both the original puck-over-glass penalty and the failed coach's challenge penalty.[11]
The defensive team cannot make a line change after its goaltender accidentally dislodges the net.[11]
Following an icing, offensive centers receive a warning for a faceoff violation, just like defensive players.[11]
A team that has players sitting on the boards with their skates exposed on the play first receive a warning, and then be assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct bench minor penalty for subsequent violations.[11]
Thesalary cap ceiling was increased toUS$88 million per team for 2024–25,[13] an increase of US$4.5 million from the previous season. The salary cap floor was increased to US$65 million per team.
On April 16, 2024, one day after the conclusion of their season, the Sabres fired Granato. In just over three-and-a-half seasons with Buffalo, Granato totaled a 122–125–27 record, with no playoff appearances.[14] Ruff, who had previously coached Buffalo from 1997 to 2013, and most recently served as head coach of theNew Jersey Devils from 2020 to 2024, was named head coach on April 22.[15]
On June 17, 2024, two months after the conclusion of the Blue Jackets' season, Vincent was fired by Columbus. In his single season as head coach, the Blue Jackets posted a 27–43–12 record, finishing last in theMetropolitan Division.[16] Evason, most recently the head coach of theMinnesota Wild from 2020 to 2024, was named head coach on July 22.[17]
McLellan was fired on February 2, 2024, with the Kings holding a record of 23–15–10; despite a 20–7–4 start to the season, the team went 3–8–6 in the 17 games preceding his dismissal. In four and a half seasons with Los Angeles, McLellan posted a 164–130–44 record, reaching the playoffs twice but failing to advance past the first round. Hiller, an assistant coach, was promoted to interim head coach,[18][19] before being named full-time head coach on May 22.[20]
Ruff was fired on March 4, 2024, after the Devils started 30–27–4. In just over three-and-a-half seasons with New Jersey, Ruff totaled a 128–125–28 record, with one playoff appearance. Green, the associate coach, and previously head coach of theVancouver Canucks from 2017 to 2021, was promoted to interim head coach the same day.[21] Green finished out the season 8–12–1, failing to make the playoffs, and was subsequently hired by theOttawa Senators following the season.[22] Keefe, most recently the head coach of theToronto Maple Leafs from 2019 to 2024, was named head coach on May 23.[23]
Smith was fired on December 18, 2023, after the Senators started the season 11–15–0. In just over four seasons with Ottawa, Smith compiled a 131–154–32 record, with no playoff appearances. Martin, a senior advisor to the coaching staff who previously served as the team's head coach from 1996 to 2004, and most recently served as head coach of theMontreal Canadiens from 2009 to 2011, was promoted to interim head coach.[24] Martin subsequently finished out the season 26–26–4, failing to reach the playoffs. Green, most recently the interim head coach of theNew Jersey Devils, and previously head coach of theVancouver Canucks from 2017 to 2021, was named head coach on May 7, 2024.[22]
On April 24, 2024, one week after the conclusion of their season, the Sharks fired Quinn. In two seasons with San Jose, Quinn posted a 41–98–25 record, with no playoff appearances.[25] Warsofsky, an assistant coach, was promoted to head coach on June 13.[26]
Hakstol was fired on April 29, 2024, a week and a half after the conclusion of Seattle's season. The franchise's first head coach, Hakstol recorded a 107–112–27 record in three seasons with the Kraken, leading the franchise to its first playoff appearance in2023.[27] Bylsma, most recently head coach of Seattle'sAmerican Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, theCoachella Valley Firebirds, and previously head coach of thePittsburgh Penguins andBuffalo Sabres, was promoted to head coach on May 28.[28]
Berube was fired on December 12, 2023, after the Blues started the season 13–14–1. In parts of six seasons with St. Louis, Berube compiled a 206–132–44 record with four playoff appearances, leading the franchise to its firstStanley Cup championship in2019. Bannister, previously the head coach of the Blues' AHL affiliate, theSpringfield Thunderbirds, was promoted to interim head coach,[29] before signing a two-year contract to become the full-time head coach on May 7, 2024.[30]
On May 9, 2024, five days following Toronto's first-round elimination from the2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, Keefe was fired after four-and-a-half seasons with the team. Under Keefe, the team went 212–97–40, winning theNorth Division title in2021 and making the playoffs every season, but only reaching the second round once.[31] Berube, most recently head coach of theSt. Louis Blues from 2018 to 2023, and who played for the Maple Leafs during the1991–92 season, was named head coach on May 17.[32]
Alongside the other hockey assets of the Arizona Coyotes, Tourigny's contract was transferred to the new Utah Hockey Club, who retained him as head coach.[33][34]
Bowness announced his retirement from coaching on May 6, 2024. In two seasons with Winnipeg, Bowness compiled a 98–57–9 record, with two playoff appearances.[35] Arniel, an associate coach, and formerly head coach of theColumbus Blue Jackets from 2010 to 2012, was promoted to head coach on May 24.[36]
Montgomery was fired on November 19, 2024, after the Bruins started the season 8–9–3. In just over two seasons with the Bruins, Montgomery totaled a 120–41–23 record with two playoff appearances, including aPresidents' Trophy in2023 following one ofthe greatest regular seasons in NHL history. Sacco, a Bruins assistant coach, and formerly head coach of theColorado Avalanche from 2009 to 2013, was named interim head coach the same day.[37]
Richardson was fired on December 5, 2024, after the Blackhawks began the season 8–16–2. In just over two seasons with Chicago, Richardson totaled a 57–118–15 record, failing to reach the playoffs in either completed year. Sorensen, previously the head coach of the Blackhawks' AHL affiliate, theRockford IceHogs, was named interim head coach the same day.[38] Sorensen became the first Swedish-born head coach in NHL history.[39]
Lalonde was fired on December 26, 2024, after the Red Wings started the season 13–17–4. In just over two seasons with Detroit, Lalonde posted an 89–86–23 record, with no playoff appearances. McLellan, most recently head coach of theLos Angeles Kings from 2019 to 2024, and previously an assistant coach with Detroit, was named head coach the same day.[40]
Tortorella was fired on March 27, 2025, with the Flyers holding a 28–36–9 record, and after a 1–10–1 record in their 12 games prior to Tortorella's dismissal. In just under three seasons with Philadelphia, Tortorella posted a 97–107–33 record, with no playoff appearances. Shaw, previously an assistant coach, was named interim head coach the same day.[41]
Bannister was fired on November 24, 2024, after the Blues started the season 9–12–1. In parts of two seasons with the Blues, Bannister totaled a 39–31–6 record, missing the playoffs in his only completed year. Montgomery, most recently head coach of theBoston Bruins from 2022 until his firing five days prior, and formerly a player and assistant coach with the Blues, was named head coach the same day.[42]
Waddell announced his resignation on May 24, 2024, eight days after Carolina's elimination from theplayoffs. Having joined the Hurricanes' organization in 2014 and serving as general manager since 2018, Waddell oversaw six consecutive playoff appearances, three division championships, and two trips to the Eastern Conference finals. Tulsky, the assistant GM, was named interim general manager,[43] before being promoted to full-time general manager on June 18, 2024.[44]
Kekalainen was fired on February 15, 2024, after the Blue Jackets began the season 16–26–10. Kekalainen had served as general manager of the Blue Jackets since 2013, overseeing five playoff appearances, includingthe franchise's first playoff series win in 2019. Davidson, the president of hockey operations, was named interim general manager.[45] Waddell, most recently general manager of theCarolina Hurricanes from 2018 to 2024, and who had resigned from the Hurricanes four days prior, was named general manager on May 28, 2024, also assuming the roles of president of hockey operations and alternate governor.[46]
On June 27, 2024, three days after the Oilers' loss in the2024 Stanley Cup Final, and with his contract expiring, the team and Holland mutually agreed to part ways. Holland had served as general manager since 2019, with the Oilers qualifying for the playoffs every season of his term, including two trips to the Western Conference finals and the aforementioned Stanley Cup Finals appearance. Jackson, the CEO of hockey operations, assumed the role of interim general manager.[47] Bowman, most recently general manager of theChicago Blackhawks from 2009 to 2021, and who had been reinstated from a suspension relating to theBlackhawks' sexual assault scandal three weeks prior, was named general manager on July 24, 2024.[48]
Alongside the other hockey assets of the Arizona Coyotes, Armstrong's contract was transferred to the new Utah Hockey Club, who retained him as general manager.[33][49]
Instead of theAll-Star Game, the league held a new 4 Nations Face-Off tournament as apreview for the NHL's return toOlympic participation in2026. Four teams representing NHL players from Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States played a total of seven games from February 12 to 20. Games were held at Boston'sTD Garden and Montreal'sBell Centre.[56][57]
Source: National Hockey League[60] Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF) x – Clinched playoff spot;z – Clinched conference
Source: National Hockey League[60] Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF) x – Clinched playoff spot;y – Clinched division
Source: National Hockey League[61] Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF) x – Clinched playoff spot
Source: National Hockey League[60] Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF) p – Clinched Presidents' Trophy;x – Clinched playoff spot
Source: National Hockey League[60] Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF) x – Clinched playoff spot;y – Clinched division
Source: National Hockey League[61] Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF) x – Clinched playoff spot
In each round, teams compete in a best-of-seven series following a 2–2–1–1–1 format (scores in the bracket indicate the number of games won in each best-of-seven series). The team withhome ice advantage plays at home for games one and two (and games five and seven, if necessary), and the other team is at home for games three and four (and game six, if necessary). The top three teams in each division make the playoffs, along with twowild cards in each conference, for a total of eight teams from each conference.
In the first round, the lowerseeded wild card in each conference was played against the division winner with the best record while the other wild card was played against the other division winner, and both wild cards werede facto #4 seeds. The other series matched the second and third-place teams from the divisions. In the first two rounds, home ice advantage was awarded to the team with the better seed. In the conference finals and Stanley Cup Finals, home ice advantage was awarded to the team with the better regular season record.
The following goaltenders led the league in regular seasongoals against average at the completion of games played on April 17, 2025, while playing at least 1,800 minutes.[63]
This is the first season forFanatics as the official apparel provider of the NHL under a ten-year contract, replacingAdidas, which was the official apparel provider on a seven-year contract since the2017–18 season.[81]
TheAnaheim Ducks unveiled a new logo and uniforms, introducing a modernized version of theirMighty Ducks-era primary logo previously utilized from 1993 to 2006, but re-colored in their current orange, black, and gold color scheme. Their new uniforms feature an orange base, with matching helmets and pants.[82]
TheBoston Bruins wore a special commemorative uniform, inspired by their 1974–1995 uniforms, for their centennial game against theMontreal Canadiens on December 1, the 100th anniversary of their first-ever game.[83]
TheLos Angeles Kings unveiled a new logo, consisting of a modernized version of their logo utilized from 1988 to 1998, with the crown from their original 1967 logo.[84] The Kings also revealed new jerseys, similarly based on their 1988–98 set, and featuring a new matte black helmet.[85]
TheUtah Hockey Club revealed their temporary logo, colors, and uniforms for their inaugural season. The logo depicts a roundel with a "Utah" wordmark in the center, ringed with "Hockey Club" and colored with mountain blue, rock black, and salt white.[86] The home uniforms consisted of a black base with a diagonal "UTAH" wordmark across the front, with blue and white striping, with the road uniforms utilizing a white base with black and blue striping.[87]
TheWashington Capitals re-introduced their black "Screaming Eagle"2022–23 Reverse Retro uniforms as their new alternate uniforms.[88][89]
TheChicago Blackhawks andSt. Louis Blues introduced uniforms for theWinter Classic. The Blackhawks' uniforms include elements of their own history, theflag of Chicago, andWrigley Field, while the Blues' uniforms invoke St. Louis' ice hockey heritage, and utilize elements from an unworn prototype jersey that previously inspired their 2022–23 Reverse Retro uniforms.[90]
On October 8, 2024, theSeattle Kraken namedJordan Eberle their newcaptain, marking the first season since2010–11 in which every NHL franchise has a captain.[98] This would last until New York Rangers captainJacob Trouba was traded to the Anaheim Ducks on December 6, 2024.[99]
On October 9, 2024, Winnipeg Jets forwardKyle Connor scored a goal in Winnipeg's first game for the seventh consecutive year, setting a new NHL record for consecutive season-openers with a goal.[100][101]
On October 14, 2024, New Jersey Devils goaltenderJake Allen recorded a 3–0 win over the Utah Hockey Club, becoming the first goaltender in NHL history to record a win over 33 different franchises.[102]
On October 16, 2024, Pittsburgh Penguins forwardSidney Crosby recorded his 1,600th point, becoming the 10th player to reach the mark.[104]
On October 16, 2024, Pittsburgh Penguins forwardEvgeni Malkin scored his500th goal, becoming the 48th player to reach the mark.[105]
On October 17, 2024, Nashville Predators defensemanLuke Schenn played his1,000th NHL game, becoming the 399th player to reach the mark.[106]
On October 19, 2024, Vancouver Canucks defensemanTyler Myers played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 400th player to reach the mark.[107]
On October 24, 2024, Florida Panthers goaltenderSergei Bobrovsky recorded his 400th win, becoming the 14th goaltender to reach the mark. Bobrovsky also became the fastest goaltender to reach 400 wins in NHL history, doing so in his 707th NHL game.[108]
On November 1, 2024, Calgary Flames forwardMikael Backlund played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 401st player to reach the mark.[109]
On November 3, 2024, Winnipeg Jets forwardNikolaj Ehlers recorded his 474th point, setting a new all-time record for points amongDanish players, and surpassing the record previously held byFrans Nielsen.[110]
On November 7, 2024, theWinnipeg Jets recorded their 13th win in their 14th game, becoming the second team in NHL history to win 13 of their first 14 games (alongside the2007–08 Ottawa Senators).[111] Two days later on November 9, the Jets recorded their 14th win in their 15th game, setting the NHL record for best start to a season.[112]
On November 13, 2024, Toronto Maple Leafs defensemanOliver Ekman-Larsson played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 402nd player to reach the mark.[113]
On November 14, 2024, Tampa Bay Lightning goaltenderAndrei Vasilevskiy recorded his300th win, becoming the 40th goaltender to reach the mark. Vasilevskiy also became the fastest goaltender to reach 300 wins in NHL history, doing so in his 490th NHL game, and surpassing the record previously held byJacques Plante.[114]
On November 14, 2024, Edmonton Oilers forwardConnor McDavid recorded his1,000th point, becoming the 99th player to reach the mark. McDavid also became the fourth-fastest to accomplish the milestone, doing so in 659 games.[115]
On November 16, 2024, Philadelphia Flyers defensemanErik Johnson played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 403rd player to reach the mark.[116]
On November 21, 2024, New Jersey Devils goaltenderJacob Markstrom played his 500th game, becoming the 81st goaltender to reach the mark.[117]
On November 23, 2024, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby scored his 600th goal, becoming the 21st player to reach the mark.[118]
On November 29, 2024, Detroit Red Wings goaltenderCam Talbot played his 500th game, becoming the 82nd goaltender to reach the mark.[119]
On December 1, 2024, Vancouver Canucks goaltenderKevin Lankinen recorded a 5–4 win over the Detroit Red Wings in overtime, becoming the first goaltender in NHL history to win 10 consecutive road games to begin a season.[120]
On December 12, 2024, Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy played his 500th game, becoming the 83rd goaltender to reach the mark.[121]
On December 17, 2024,Kevin He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Winnipeg Jets, becoming the firstChinese-born player to sign an NHL contract.[122]
On December 28, 2024, Carolina Hurricanes head coachRod Brind'Amour recorded his 300th win in his 488th game coached, becoming the fastest coach in NHL history to 300 wins, and surpassing the record previously held byBruce Boudreau.[123]
On December 31, 2024, St. Louis Blues defensemanCam Fowler played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 404th player to reach the mark. Fowler also became the first player in NHL history to play his 1,000th game in an outdoor game, doing so in the2025 Winter Classic.[124]
On January 4, 2025, Los Angeles Kings forwardTrevor Lewis played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 405th player to reach the mark.[125]
On January 7, 2025, Winnipeg Jets goaltenderConnor Hellebuyck recorded his 300th win, becoming the 41st goaltender to reach the mark.[126]
On January 16, 2025, Washington Capitals forwardAlexander Ovechkin scored a goal against Ottawa Senators goaltenderLeevi Merilainen, setting a new record for total goaltenders scored against with 179, and surpassing the record previously held byJaromir Jagr.[127]
On January 17, 2025, Pittsburgh Penguins goaltenderAlex Nedeljkovic became the 16th goaltender in NHL history to score a goal in an NHL game. Nedeljkovic also became the first goaltender in NHL history to score a goal and record an assist in the same game, as well as the first goaltender to score goals in the NHL,American Hockey League (AHL), andECHL.[128][a]
On January 19, 2025, Montreal Canadiens goaltenderJakub Dobes recorded his fifth consecutive win in his fifth game played, becoming the 13th goaltender in NHL history to begin a career with five consecutive wins.[130]
On January 20, 2025, Carolina Hurricanes goaltenderFrederik Andersen played his 500th game, becoming the 84th goaltender to reach the mark.[131]
On January 23, 2025, Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen recorded his 300th win, becoming the 42nd goaltender to reach the mark.[132]
On January 29, 2025, Florida Panthers defensemanDmitry Kulikov played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 406th player to reach the mark.[133]
On February 1, 2025, Florida Panthers head coachPaul Maurice recorded his 900th win, becoming the fourth coach to reach the mark.[134]
On February 2, 2025, New York Rangers goaltenderJonathan Quick recorded his 400th win, becoming the 15th overall and first American-born goaltender to reach the mark.[135]
On February 4, 2025, Anaheim Ducks goaltenderJohn Gibson played his 500th game, becoming the 85th goaltender to reach the mark.[136]
On February 8, 2025, St. Louis Blues defenseman Ryan Suter played his 1,500th NHL game, becoming the 22nd player to reach the mark.[137]
On February 22, 2025, Carolina Hurricanes defensemanBrent Burns played his 900th consecutive NHL game, becoming the sixth player to reach the mark.[138]
On February 27, 2025, St. Louis Blues forwardBrayden Schenn played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 407th player to reach the mark. Additionally, Schenn joined his brother Luke as the first pair of brothers to each record their 1,000th game played in the same season, with Luke having achieved the milestone four months prior.[139]
On March 1, 2025, New York Islanders goaltenderIlya Sorokin became the 17th goaltender in NHL history to be credited with a goal in an NHL game.[140][a]
On March 4, 2025, San Jose Sharks defensemanMarc-Edouard Vlasic blocked his 2,165th shot, becoming the all-time leader in blocked shots since the statistic began to be tracked, and surpassing the record previously held byMark Giordano.[141]
On March 9, 2025, Washington Capitals forwardAlexander Ovechkin recorded his 1,600th point, becoming the 11th player to reach the mark.[142]
On March 10, 2025, Colorado Avalanche forwardNathan MacKinnon recorded his 1,000th point, becoming the 100th player to reach the mark.[143]
On March 12, 2025, Seattle Kraken defensemanBrandon Montour scored a game-winning overtime goal only four seconds into the overtime period, setting a new record for the fastest overtime goal in NHL history, and tying the record for fastest period-opening goal.[144]
On March 18, 2025, Washington Capitals forwardAliaksei Protas recorded his 60th point of the season, setting a new single-season record for points among Belarusian players, and surpassing the record previously held byYegor Sharangovich.[145]
On March 22, 2025, Vancouver Canucks forwardKiefer Sherwood recorded his 384th hit of the season, setting a new single-season record for hits, and surpassing the record previously held byJeremy Lauzon.[146]
On March 25, 2025, Buffalo Sabres head coachLindy Ruff won his 600th game as head coach of the Sabres, becoming the second coach to win 600 games with one franchise.[147]
On March 27, 2025, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby recorded his 80th point of the season, securing his 20th season averaging at least one point per game, setting a new record for point-per-game seasons, and surpassing the record previously held byWayne Gretzky.[148]
On March 27, 2025, Tampa Bay Lightning defensemanRyan McDonagh played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 408th player to reach the mark.[149]
On April 4, 2025, Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin scored his 894th goal, tying theall-time record for goals held by Wayne Gretzky.[150] Ovechkin also recorded his 136th game-winning goal, setting a new record for game-winning goals, and surpassing the record previously held byJaromir Jagr.[151]
On April 6, 2025, Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin scored his 895th goal, setting a new record for goals, and surpassing the record previously held by Wayne Gretzky.[152]
On April 17, 2025, Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff won his 900th game as an NHL head coach, becoming the fifth head coach in NHL history to reach the mark.[153]
On April 29, 2025, Minnesota Wild goaltenderMarc-Andre Fleury entered game 5 of the Wild's first-round playoff series, marking the 18th playoff season of his career, setting a new record among goaltenders for playoff seasons, and surpassing the record previously jointly held byMartin Brodeur,Patrick Roy, and himself.[154]
On May 29, 2025, the Edmonton Oilers won the Western Conference finals series, making head coachKris Knoblauch the sixth coach in NHL history to reach theStanley Cup Final in each of their first two seasons as head coach.[155]
On June 12, 2025, Edmonton Oilers forwardLeon Draisaitl scored his fourth overtime goal of the2025 Stanley Cup playoffs to win game 4 of the2025 Stanley Cup Final, setting a new record for overtime goals in a single playoff season, and surpassing the record previously held in a five-way tie.[156]
On June 17, 2025, Florida Panthers forwardSam Reinhart scored four goals in game 6 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals, becoming the first player to score four goals in a Finals game sinceMaurice Richard in1957. Reinhart also became the first player to score four goals in aStanley Cup-clinching game sinceBabe Dye in1922, over 100 years before.[157]
This was the 11th season of the 12-year Canadian national broadcast rights deal withSportsnet. This includes Sportsnet's sub-licensing agreements to air SaturdayHockey Night in Canada games onCBC Television and French-language broadcasts onTVA Sports.[158] On April 2, 2025, Sportsnet agreed to a new deal to keep the Canadian national rights through the 2037–38 season.[159]
Linear television
SaturdayHockey Night in Canada games air on CBC, one or more of thefour Sportsnet feeds,Sportsnet One,Sportsnet 360, orCitytv. Decisions on network assignments are made on a week-by-week basis, and select games may simulcast on multiple networks.[160][161]
Sportsnet airsWednesday Night Hockey, the Winter Classic, Stadium Series, 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, and theHockey Day in Canada games on January 18.[161]
Sportsnet+ streamed games depending on tier, with national games available on the Standard level, out-of-market games on the Premium tier, and via authenticated streaming on participating teams.[161][163]
This was the first season of a two-year sub-license forAmazon Prime Video to airMonday Night Hockey, replacingRogers Monday Night Hockey on Sportsnet.[164] Prime Video also airs a weekly whiparound studio show,NHL Coast To Coast, on Thursday nights.[165]
Sportsnet West signed an 11-year extension to continue televising Calgary Flames[166] and Edmonton Oilers[167] games through the 2034–35 season.
Following the death of Sportsnet analyst and former NHL goaltenderGreg Millen, Sportsnet declined to produce its own broadcast of a Flames road game on April 7 against the San Jose Sharks. The network instead carried a simulcast ofNBC Sports California, the Sharks' home network.[168]
The Calgary Flames hired Jon Abbott to be the new TV play-by-play announcer this season afterRick Ball left to become the Chicago Blackhawks' TV play-by-play announcer. Abbott was previously the backup TV play-by-play announcer for the Ottawa Senators.[170][171]
ESPN broadcast select Tuesday-night games throughout the regular season, including an opening day tripleheader on October 8.ESPN2 aired a doubleheader on Friday, December 27, then ESPN televised select Thursday–Sunday night games from December 29 to the last regular season night on April 17.ABC's schedule includesHockey Saturday on 11 Saturdays between January and April, and a Sunday game on January 5. Unlike previous seasons, the2025 NHL Stadium Series was on ESPN instead of ABC.[175] The ESPN networks later flexed-in selected March and April Washington Capitals games to showcaseAlexander Ovechkin's quest to break theleague's career goals record; some of these games are non-exclusive broadcasts, with the Capitals' local broadcast co-existing with ESPN's broadcast.[176]
TNT has games on Wednesday nights throughout the regular season, and on select Sunday afternoons between February 23 and April 13. TNT also aired the Thanksgiving Showdown on November 29, and theWinter Classic on December 31. Some of TNT's games are also simulcast onTruTV. Not all of TNT's Wednesday and Sunday regular season games are exclusive broadcasts and are thus subject toblackout in local markets. As per the rotation, TNT holds the rights to theStanley Cup Final this season.[177]
The rights to the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament was split between ESPN and TNT: TNT had the round-robin games on February 12 and 17, ABC televised the February 15 round-robin doubleheader, and ESPN aired the United States–Finland game on February 13 and the final on February 20.[57]
Streaming
ESPN+ andHulu exclusive streams games on select days throughout the season, with most of them on Tuesdays and Thursdays. ESPN+ also streams all of ABC's games, selected ESPN's games, and theNHL Power Play on ESPN+ out-of-market package.Disney+ may also stream select ESPN-produced games.[175][178]
The Seattle Kraken's regional broadcasts moved fromRoot Sports Northwest to theKraken Hockey Network, as part of a multi-year agreement between the team and Tegna. Its Seattleindependent stationKONG serves as flagship station, with selected games on parent NBC stationKING-TV. Games also stream onAmazon Prime Video and are syndicated to broadcast stations, both within the team's broadcast territory.[183][184]
The Utah Hockey Club's regional broadcasts are produced by Smith Entertainment Group's broadcasting arm SEG Media; the team adopted a similar broadcast model to the sisterUtah Jazz, with games streaming on the subscription-based UtahHC+ (as an expansion of SEG's partnership withKiswe),[185][186] and being syndicated to a network of broadcast stations. The team maintained the Coyotes' broadcasting relationship with theE. W. Scripps Company, namingKUPX in Salt Lake City—which had been televising Coyotes and Vegas Golden Knights games—as the Utah Hockey Club's flagship station.[187] Arizona's former television territory was granted to the Golden Knights, with Scripps sister stationsKASW/Phoenix andKWBA/Tucson airing a mix of Utah and Vegas games.[188][189][190][191]
On July 2, 2024, the Florida Panthers andBally Sports Florida mutually agreed to end their broadcast partnership. The Panthers then signed a multi-year agreement withScripps Sports to broadcast games on three Scripps-owned stations:WSFL-TV in Miami/Fort Lauderdale,WHDT in West Palm Beach, andWFTX-DT3 in Fort Myers.[192][193]
On July 5, Bally Sports terminated its contract with the Dallas Stars through bankruptcy court.[194] The Stars subsequently announced a new digital platform known asVictory+ as part of a partnership with A Parent Media Co., to carry the team's ancillary video content, and stream regionally-televised games in-market for free.[195] In March 2025, the Stars announced that four games would also airover-the-air onFox Television Stations' ownedKDFW orKDFI in Dallas.[196]
On August 23, 2024, Diamond Sports announced a long-term agreement with nine of the teams to which it holds broadcast rights, committing to televise their games through at least the 2024–25 season with an approximately 20% reduction in rights fees. The agreement was set to extend to future seasons pending the approval of Diamond's bankruptcy plan by the court.[197][198]
Despite being part of the announced deals,[198] the Anaheim Ducks announced on August 27 that it would instead move to Victory+. Games were also be simulcast onFox Television Stations'KTTV orKCOP-TV in Los Angeles.[199]
On September 20, 2024, the St. Louis Blues announced four of its five preseason games would air on Victory+; regular season games continued to air on Bally Sports.[200] On January 7, 2025, the Blues announced an agreement withGray Media to exclusively air three regular season gamesover-the-air. All of the games were aired onMatrix Midwest, whileKMOV in St. Louis, also simulcast two games.[201] The games were streamed on Victory+.[202]
On October 18, 2024, Diamond announced a new sponsorship agreement withFanDuel, which re-branded Bally Sports asFanDuel Sports Network on October 21.[203][204] The naming rights were paid for via an annual rights fee, and advertising commitments. FanDuel also had the option to acquire a 5% equity stake in Diamond once it exits Chapter 11 bankruptcy.[205][206]
Along with airing on FanDuel Sports Network, the Blue Jackets, Hurricanes, Predators and Red Wings announced agreements to simulcast a limited number of games on localover-the-air stations. The Blue Jackets simulcast five games on local stations owned by theSinclair Broadcast Group andGray Television.[207] The Hurricanes simulcast two games in November on local stations owned byCapitol Broadcasting Company and Gray Television.[208] The Predators simulcast three games onWTVF, which is owned by theE. W. Scripps Company.[209] The Red Wings simulcast five games onWJBK, which is owned byFox Television Stations.[210]
On January 2, 2025, Diamond emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and rebranded as Main Street Sports Group.[211]
The Boston Bruins hiredJudd Sirott to be the new TV play-by-play announcer this season following the retirement ofJack Edwards. Sirott was previously the team's radio play-by-play announcer.[212][213] Ryan Johnston was then hired to replace Sirott on the radio booth.[214]
The Chicago Blackhawks hiredRick Ball to replace Chris Vosters as the team's TV play-by-play announcer. Ball was previously the lead TV play-by-play announcer for the Calgary Flames and occasional announcer of Sportsnet's national NHL broadcasts.[170][215]
The Columbus Blue Jackets hiredSteve Mears to be the new TV play-by-play announcer this season following the retirement ofJeff Rimer. Mears was previously the play-by-play announcer for the Pittsburgh Penguins, spending six seasons on television before moving to radio last season.[216]
Los Angeles Kings play-by-play announcerNick Nickson announced his impending retirement after this season. Nickson joined the Kings in the1981–82 season, initially as the television and radio color commentator withBob Miller, before becoming the exclusive radio play-by-play announcer by the1990–91 season. Nickson spent the last two seasons doing play-by-play on both television and radio alongside analystsJim Fox andDaryl Evans.[217]
New York Rangers TV play-by-play announcerSam Rosen announced his impending retirement after this season. Rosen called Rangers games since the1977–78 season, and became the full-time lead TV announcer starting with the1984–85 season. Rosen also called national radio games of the Stanley Cup Finals forNHL Radio from1996 to2008.[218] On April 9, TNT assigned Rosen and long-time partnerJohn Davidson to call the New York Rangers–Philadelphia Flyers game on the network.[219] On May 1, Rangers TV analystJoe Micheletti also announced his retirement. Micheletti served as Rosen's broadcast partner starting with the2006–07 season, and also served as a TV analyst and reporter locally with the St. Louis Blues,Minnesota North Stars and New York Islanders, and nationally withFox andNBC.[220]
The Pittsburgh Penguins hired Joe Brand to replace Mears as their radio play-by-play announcer. Brand was previously the Chicago Blackhawks' radio studio host and backup play-by-play announcer.[221]
The San Jose Sharks promotedDrew Remenda to primary TV color commentator followingBret Hedican stepping down to take a role with theSan Diego Gulls. Remenda had previously been the main commentator withRandy Hahn from 2000 to 2006, and 2007 to 2014, and had been serving as a backup to Hedican since 2022.Jason Demers,Jamal Mayers andAlex Stalock joinedScott Hannan as alternate color commentators, with the four of them and Remenda cycling as the radio color commentator alongsideDan Rusanowsky.[222]
^abcGustavsson and Nedeljkovic scored their goals directly, with ashot on goal; conversely, Sorokin wascredited with a goal after being the last Islanders player to touch the puck prior to anown goal.
^"Coyotes bid Arizona farewell with bittersweet win over Oilers".ESPN.com. April 17, 2024.Archived from the original on April 18, 2024. RetrievedApril 18, 2024.There could be a new arena -- eventually. Meruelo had been pursuing a tract of land in north Phoenix to build it. When delays pushed the land auction until June, the NHL and the players' association got cold feet about continuing to play at Mullett Arena, the loud-but-bandbox-sized venue shared with Arizona State University. Meruelo was adamant about not selling the team despite constant offers since he bought in 2019, but he also didn't want the players stuck playing in a 5,000-seat arena -- by far the NHL's smallest -- that wasn't up to league standards. With no guarantee he would have an arena and with no other options, Meruelo agreed to sell the franchise.
^Wyshynski, Greg (April 15, 2024)."Everything we know about the Arizona Coyotes moving to Utah - How is the transaction going to work?".ESPN.com. RetrievedApril 15, 2024.It's expected that the final transaction will include a clause that allows Meruelo to "reactivate" the franchise as an expansion team -- paying what's expected to be a $1 billion expansion fee if that happens -- between now and 2029 if his arena project is completed. All of the team's intellectual property -- including those iconic Kachina jerseys -- would remain with Meruelo. It's an agreement that evokes the deal made with the city of Cleveland when the Browns moved to Baltimore in 1995.
^Komma, Matt (January 19, 2025)."Keller has goal, 3 assists for Utah Hockey Club in win against Blues".nhl.com. RetrievedMarch 1, 2025.Blues defenseman Ryan Suter played in his 500th consecutive NHL game on Saturday. His streak is the second-longest active streak in the NHL (Brent Burns - 889).
