The Pittsburgh Penguins had their schedule finalized for the 2025-26 season on Wednesday. Fans already knew they would be starting the season on the road against the New York Rangers on October 7, but were waiting for the rest of the schedule so they could plan which games to attend.

Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar, center, instructs Cale Makar (8), Gabriel Landeskog (92) and others during a time out in the third period in Game 7 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Dallas Stars Saturday, May 3, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Rakell is signed through the 2027-28 season on a six-year, $30 million contract. He recorded 35 goals and 70 points last season. On the other hand, Rust had a career-high 31 goals last season and remains a productive top-six winger. Karlsson, though older (35) and costly, still offers value on offense.

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The NHL announced Monday it will open the 2025-26 season with a tripleheader on Oct. 7. The Florida Panthers will raise their Stanley Cup banner ahead of a matchup with the Chicago Blackhawks at 5 p.m. ET. The Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers (8 p.m.) and Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings (10:30 p.m.) will follow that.

The Florida Panthers are set to raise their second consecutive Stanley Cup banner before beginning the NHL season against the Chicago Blackhawks. The back-to-back champions play at 5 p.m.

The NHL schedule makers wasted no time pitting longtime Penguins coach Mike Sullivan against his former team. Sullivan led the Pens to Stanley Cup Championships in 2016 and 2017, but Pittsburgh hadn't won a playoff series since 2018 and failed to qualify for the post-season the last three years.

The Florida Panthers are set to raise their second consecutive Stanley Cup banner before beginning the NHL season against the Chicago Blackhawks. The back-to-back champions play at 5 p.m. EDT on Oct.

The 2025-26 NHL season ignites on October 7 with a thrilling tripleheader. The Florida Panthers will raise their Stanley Cup banner before facing Conn

Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan will get his first meeting against his former team out of the way early. The NHL unveiled its three-game Opening Night slate for the 2025-26 season on Monday, revealing that the Blueshirts will take on the Penguins in their first game of the season on Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. at Madison Square Garden.