The NHL released its schedule last week for the upcoming 2026‑27 season, which means it’s time for my annual tradition: digging into travel distances, back‑to‑backs, and identifying any appetizing road trips on the schedule.
Even before the schedule dropped, we already knew two big wrinkles were coming. First, the Kraken will play two games in Helsinki, Finland against the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes as part of the NHL Global Series. Second, the league is officially expanding the regular season from 82 to 84 games. More hockey is never a bad thing, but more hockey also means more miles, more wear and tear, and more opportunities for chaos.
Let’s dive in.
Looking at the travel schedule
Historically, Pacific Division teams dominate the league in total miles traveled. That’s just life on the far edge of the map. But this season, something unusual is happening: Central Division teams will actually travel more on average than Pacific teams. As I do every year, I exclude the Global Series travel to have fair comparables to all teams in the league.
Central teams will average 47,037 miles traveled per team while Pacific teams will average 46,004 miles per team.
Even when removing the Helsinki trip entirely, the Kraken still land near the top of the league in total miles traveled. Only the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights will log more sky time.
The league’s shift from 82 to 84 games adds roughly 2,000 miles of travel per team on average. For Seattle, the increase is even steeper: 4,484 additional miles compared to last season.
Minnesota gets the biggest bump of all, 10,195 more miles this season than they traveled in 2025‑26.
Back-to-back scenarios
Analyzing back‑to‑backs meant a lot more last offseason, when the Kraken were coming off that unforgettable (in the worst way…as in worst in the league) 0‑12-0 record on the second night of back‑to‑backs. It was one of those stats that became more demoralizing as the Kraken attempted to break the streak, the later the season went on.
Thankfully, the 2025‑26 season brought a bit of redemption. Seattle went 5‑6‑2 in those second‑night games, still not great, but the 12 standings points they earned were a massive improvement over the zero they banked the year before. Progress is progress.
This season, the Kraken once again have 13 back‑to‑back sets, the same number they had last season. But adding some context: last season, 13 was in the bottom third of the league because the Olympic break compressed everyone’s schedules. This season, with a more normal calendar (plus the added two games), 13 back‑to‑backs actually lands Seattle in the top third of the league.
A quick glance at the home schedule
As a season ticket holder, I always like to get a feel for the home rhythm of the season. And once again, the Kraken’s home schedule leans heavily on weekend hockey.
- 10 Saturday home games
- 9 Tuesday games
- 7 Thursday games
If you’re someone who plans your fall and winter around Climate Pledge Arena, this year’s cadence should feel familiar. I will spend a lot more time going through the home schedule in the fall.
Early road‑trip candidates
I try to hit two or three road games every season, and I’m still working toward my long‑term goal of seeing the Kraken play in every NHL rink. If you’re thinking about traveling this year, here are a few trips that caught my eye.
Calgary (October 1 or October 30)
This is the final season the Flames will play in the Saddledome, and if you’ve never been, it’s worth the pilgrimage. The building is a relic—quirky, outdated, and full of charm you just don’t find in modern arenas. I’ve seen the Kraken play there before, but I’m tempted to go one more time before the doors close for good.
The season opener on Oct. 1 is the most convenient option. You could even tack on Edmonton on Oct. 3 before hustling home for the Kraken’s home opener on the 4th.
Detroit → Washington → Philadelphia (October 9–13)
I’ve seen NHL games in both DC and Philly, but never the Kraken in either building. With no snow to worry about, this early‑season swing is appealing.
- Oct. 9 – Detroit
- Oct. 11 – Washington
- Oct. 13 – Philadelphia
I was hoping for a Detroit matchup that lined up better with the college hockey schedule—Yost or Munn in a big rivalry game is still on my bucket list—so I’ll be skipping the Wings this year. But DC and Philly remain strong candidates.
Helsinki, Finland (November)
The only November road trip worth mentioning is the Global Series, and my flights are already booked. If you’ve ever wanted to combine Kraken hockey with international travel, this is the year.
Nashville → Columbus → Pittsburgh → Denver (December 15–20)
This mid‑December stretch is a choose‑your‑own‑adventure depending on your PTO situation.
- Dec. 15 – Nashville
- Dec. 17 – Columbus
- Dec. 18 – Pittsburgh
- Dec. 20 – Denver
I’m skipping this one—Pittsburgh is the only arena I haven’t hit, and I’m saving my budget for other trips—but if you’re considering it, Nashville is one of my favorite NHL cities, and Columbus is underrated both as a destination and as a hockey environment.
Vegas (January)
There’s a Saturday Kraken–Golden Knights matchup in January. If you enjoy Vegas, this is an easy recommendation. Even as someone who doesn’t gamble much, I still enjoy catching a game there.
New York City Triple (January 23–26)
Three games in four days against all three NYC‑area teams. It’s tempting, but New York in January is… New York in January. I may look elsewhere.
Toronto → Montreal → Ottawa (Early March)
This is the trip that really jumped out to me. I saw the Kraken in Toronto last season and had an incredible time. This early‑March stretch offers:
- Mar. 3 – Toronto
- Mar. 4 – Montreal
- Mar. 6 – Ottawa
All in a relatively warmer month, all in great hockey cities. Aspirational fans could tack on Boston, which remains one of my favorite NHL road cities: walkable, historic, and usually with a college game worth catching.
Final thoughts
Those are my early impressions of the 2026‑27 Kraken schedule. Between the Global Series, the expanded season, and some genuinely fun road‑trip opportunities, there’s a lot going on in this upcoming season’s schedule.
What about you? Any road trips you’re eyeing this season?