This Week in the NHL: It’s Olympic roster submission time
With 32 teams, games every night and countless narratives emerging, the NHL season can make one’s head spin, and it’s easy to miss out on the weekly storylines. Not to worry; every Monday from October to April, I’ll map out the major events, games, plotlines and milestones on tap for the next seven days.
So what’s happening the week of Dec. 29-Jan 4?
Dec. 31: Olympic hockey roster submission deadline
Oh, baby. It’s time. Every team competing in hockey at the 2026 Olympics in Milan must finalize its roster by Dec. 31, with each consisting of 22 skaters and three goaltenders. The time for predictions will end, and the time for debating the decisions will begin once the rosters are made public. Can’t wait. Now, please, finish building the damn arena.
Jan. 1: Loaded schedule to ring in 2025
With the World Juniors off for the day, the NHL will pick up the slack with a busy eight-game slate. Notable matchups include nation capitals Washington and Ottawa (1:00 PM ET), an all-Canadian matchup between Toronto and Winnipeg (7:00 PM ET) and the nightcap between Nashville and Seattle (10:00 PM ET).
Jan. 2: Winter Classic heads to Florida
New York Rangers @ Florida Panthers, 8:00 p.m. ET
The 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic: sends the Rangers and Panthers to loanDepot Park in Miami, Fla, home of Major League Baseball’s Marlins. The event will mark the first outdoor NHL game played in the Sunshine State and is 44th outdoor game in league history.
Jan. 3: Halfway mark of the 2025-26 NHL season
Weren’t we just at the quarter mark? Wow. The 13th and final game on Saturday’s slate marks game No. 656 of the year, exactly 50 percent through the season schedule.
Steven Stamkos’ 600th goal
Stamkos’ ride over one and a half seasons as a Nashville Predator has been rough, but there’s a bright spot on the horizon. With just three more goals, he’ll hit 600 for his career. ‘Stammer’ will become the 22nd player to get there.