The 2025-26 NHL season is set to kick off on October 7, 2025, with the Florida Panthers raising their second consecutive Stanley Cup banner against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Among the teams, the Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins are projected to have the highest travel mileage during the season, as reported by Bill Speros.

The Oilers are expected to lead the league in travel mileage, primarily due to a grueling schedule that includes seven away games in an 11-day span from November 12 to November 22, 2025.

Last season, the Oilers traveled approximately 50,000 miles, highlighting their history of extensive travel.

The Penguins, ranked second in travel mileage, will undertake 22 separate road trips this season, significantly increasing their travel from last season's total of 31,700 miles, where they ranked last.

During their road trips, the Oilers will visit multiple cities including Philadelphia, Columbus, Carolina, Buffalo, Washington D.C., and Tampa, concluding with a rematch against the Panthers.

In contrast, the New York Islanders will travel fewer than 30,000 miles, benefiting from their proximity to other teams and strategically scheduled road trips.

Additionally, the NHL will pause from February 5 to February 25, 2026, allowing players to participate in the Milano Cortina Olympics, which may increase individual travel for some.

The NHL released the full schedule for the upcoming season on July 16, 2025, which includes two NHL Global Series games in November between the Penguins and Nashville Predators in Stockholm, Sweden.