The Utah Mammoth announced their 2026-27 NHL regular season schedule on July 16, revealing an 84-game slate that includes the franchise's first outdoor game at University of Utah's Rice-Eccles Stadium. The team is set to open the campaign at the Delta Center against the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday, Oct. 1.
New 84-Game NHL Format
The upcoming season marks a shift for the NHL, as every team will play 84 games for the first time since the 1993-94 season. The league's 1,344-game schedule begins Sept. 29 with a nationally televised tripleheader on ESPN, featuring the Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes against the Florida Panthers.
Road Heavy Early Season
The Mammoth's schedule includes a heavy road rotation early in the season. After the Oct. 1 home opener, Utah will play 13 of their next 18 games on the road. This stretch includes a five-game road trip from Oct. 3 to Oct. 10 and a six-game road sequence spanning from Oct. 29 through Nov. 11.
In contrast to the early road density, the team will enjoy a significant homestand from Jan. 23 to Feb. 2, playing six consecutive games at the Delta Center. This period includes matchups against the Boston Bruins, Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, Washington Capitals, and Nashville Predators.
First Outdoor Game in Utah
A major highlight of the schedule is the 2027 Winter Classic, scheduled for Dec. 31 at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The Mammoth will host the Colorado Avalanche in the outdoor event, marking the first outdoor game in the franchise's history and the NHL's 18th Winter Classic.
Key Matchups and Reunions
The schedule features several highly anticipated matchups and reunions. On Jan. 29, Utah will host Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin for his lone scheduled appearance at the Delta Center. The team will also face a rematch against the Vegas Golden Knights on April 3, which marks the only time the Golden Knights visit Salt Lake City this season.
Returning Familiar Faces
Several former players are scheduled to return to the Delta Center for the first time in the 2026-27 season. These include defenseman Ian Cole on Oct. 1, defenseman Olli Määttä on Oct. 27, forward JJ Peterka on Jan. 23, forward Alexander Kerfoot on Jan. 31, and defenseman Sean Durzi on March 9.
All-Star Weekend Returns
The 2027 NHL All-Star Weekend will return to UBS Arena on Long Island, N.Y., scheduled for Feb. 5-6. This marks the first time the event will be held there since 1983, following two years of international breaks for the 4 Nations Face-Off and the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Season Finale Details
The Utah Mammoth will conclude their regular season on April 10 at the Enterprise Center against the St. Louis Blues. The team's season totals will include 42 home games and 42 road games.
