The 2025–26 NHL Season Is Almost Here—and the Red Wings Are Ready to Fly As the puck drop draws near, one of the most anticipated markers of the new NHL season has arrived: the release of the national broadcast schedule.
This year, the Detroit Red Wings are slated for 17 nationally televised games, a notable increase that underscores the league’s growing confidence in Detroit’s trajectory. After narrowly missing the playoffs last season, the Red Wings enter this campaign with heightened expectations.
Bolstered by one of the most promising prospect pools in hockey, Detroit’s roster reflects a strategic blend of emerging young talent and seasoned leadership. The front office’s investment in long-term development is beginning to pay dividends—on the ice and in the national spotlight.
This is more than just a new chapter—it’s the resurgence of a franchise long associated with excellence. With renewed ambition and a team poised to contend, it’s an exciting time for Red Wings fans and hockey enthusiasts alike. We look forward to bringing you every moment of what promises to be a thrilling season.
Below is the schedule.
TNT
Date | Team |
|---|---|
Oct. 15 | vs Florida Panthers |
Oct. 22 | at Buffalo Sabres |
Dec. 17 | vs Utah Mammoth |
Dec. 23 | vs Dallas Stars |
Jan. 13 | at Boston Bruins |
Jan. 21 | at Toronto Maple Leafs |
Apr. 5 | vs Minnesota Wild |
Apr. 15 | at Florida Panthers |
ESPN
Date | Team |
|---|---|
Jan. 22 | at Minnesota Wild |
Mar. 8 | at New Jersey Devils |
ESPN+ & Hulu - Jan. 29 | vs Washington Capitals |
ESPN+ & Hulu - Apr. 9 | vs Philadelphia Flyers |
ABC
Date | Team |
|---|---|
Jan. 3 | vs Pittsburgh Penguins |
Jan. 31 | vs Colorado Avalanche |
Mar. 21 | vs Boston Bruins |
Mar. 28 | vs Philadelphia Flyers |
Apr. 4 | at New York Rangers |
Detroit's patience may finally pay off
Detroit’s rebuild has taken longer than many fans had hoped, but if the Red Wings can mount a deep playoff run in the next two to three seasons, few will be dwelling on the difficulties that marked the journey. In fact, those struggles—shared and endured by the organization and its supporters—will only deepen the meaning of future success.
History offers compelling parallels. Consider the Colorado Avalanche: their 48-point season felt like rock bottom, yet just a few years later, they were lifting the Stanley Cup in 2022. When a team stays the course—trusting the process, developing talent, and maintaining a unified vision—the long road can ultimately lead to lasting reward.
Detroit now finds itself at a similar crossroads. With a stronger roster, a maturing core, and momentum on their side, the time to compete is no longer distant—it’s now. The foundation has been laid. The hunger is evident. And the belief, both inside the locker room and across the fan base, is palpable.