<P> The 2017 -- 18 NHL season is the 101st season of operation ( 100th season of play ) of the National Hockey League . With the addition of a new expansion team , the Vegas Golden Knights , 31 teams compete in an 82 - game regular season . The regular season began on October 4 , 2017 , and will end on April 7 , 2018 . The 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs will then begin a few days afterwards , with the Stanley Cup Finals held in early June . </P>
<P> The 2017 -- 18 NHL season is the 101st season of operation ( 100th season of play ) of the National Hockey League . With the addition of a new expansion team , the Vegas Golden Knights , 31 teams compete in an 82 - game regular season . The regular season began on October 4 , 2017 , and will end on April 7 , 2018 . The 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs will then begin a few days afterwards , with the Stanley Cup Finals held in early June . </P>
when does the regular season for the nhl begin
when does the regular season for the nhl begin
October 4 , 2017
October 4 , 2017