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when does nhl resume after olympics

The NHL resumes its regular season on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, right after the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, with an eight-game slate scheduled that night.

When does NHL resume after Olympics?

Quick Scoop

Once the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina wrap up, the NHL jumps almost straight back into business. The Olympic break runs into late February, and the league fires back up on February 25, 2026 , with a busy night of games and playoff races immediately heating up.

Key facts

  • NHL Olympic break: early February through February 24, 2026.
  • NHL games resume: Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
  • First night back: eight games on the schedule across multiple cities.
  • Trade/roster freeze during Olympics ends just before, so teams can start making moves again ahead of the March 6 deadline.

What the post-Olympic stretch looks like

After nearly three weeks off for the Olympics, players return from national- team duty and short breaks straight into a critical stretch of the regular season. Many clubs have only a handful of games before the March 6, 2026 trade deadline, so every point can swing buy-or-sell decisions.

Teams in playoff spots focus on staying healthy and sharpening systems, while bubble teams treat every game like a mini playoff series. A few storylines to watch: Olympic stars rejoining their NHL teams, possible fatigue or “Olympic hangover,” and whether hot Olympic performers can carry that form into the stretch run.

Mini FAQ

Q: Do all teams play on the first night back?
No, but there is a sizable slate of eight games on February 25, 2026, giving fans a full night of action to mark the league’s return.

Q: What about trades during the Olympics?
There is a trade and roster freeze during the Olympic break that lifts just before the NHL restart, with teams then rushing to adjust rosters before the March 6 deadline.

Q: How long is left in the season after the Olympics?
There are roughly two months of regular-season games after play resumes on February 25, leading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs starting April 18, 2026.

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