NHL schedule features Stanley Cup rematch on Dec. 16, Stamkos’ homecoming on Oct. 28

By JOHN WAWROW The Associated Press

Florida Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk, left, and Kyle Okposo, right, celebrate with the Stanley Cup during an NHL hockey parade and rally, Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers to win the championship series. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Marta Lavandier]

Mark your calendars because the NHL schedule is out and features a Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Florida Panthers and Oilers in Edmonton on Dec. 16. The defending champion Panthers will host Edmonton on Feb. 27. Meantime, former Lightning captain Steven Stamkos will face his former team when Nashville travels to Tampa Bay on Oct. 28. The 1,312-game schedule opens with Buffalo and New Jersey playing two games in the Czech Republic on Oct. 4-5. And it closes with a six-game slate on April 17.