<P> The 2018 -- 19 NHL season will be the 102nd season of operation ( 101st season of play ) of the National Hockey League . 31 teams will be competing in an 82 - game regular season . The regular season is scheduled to begin on October 3 , 2018 , and will end on April 6 , 2019 . The 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs will then begin a few days afterwards , with the Stanley Cup Finals held in early June . </P>
<P> The 2018 -- 19 NHL season will be the 102nd season of operation ( 101st season of play ) of the National Hockey League . 31 teams will be competing in an 82 - game regular season . The regular season is scheduled to begin on October 3 , 2018 , and will end on April 6 , 2019 . The 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs will then begin a few days afterwards , with the Stanley Cup Finals held in early June . </P>
when does the new season of nhl start
when does the new season of nhl start
October 3 , 2018
October 3 , 2018