The southernmost matchup in NHL history and the first of two outdoor games that will be played in the Sunshine State next season, the Panthers will host the New York Rangers in the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic at loanDepot Park in Miami on Jan. 2. It will be the 17th NHL Winter Classic and the 44th NHL regular-season outdoor game.

The NHL is once again taking a new strategy with one of its tentpole events. The Winter Classic — which has traditionally been contested on New Year’s Day up until this season when the league opted to play on New Year’s Eve to avoid direct College Football Playoff competition — will now be played on Read

The Panthers will host the Rangers at loanDepot park on Jan. 2, 2026, and the Lightning will host the Bruins at the Raymond James on Feb. 1.