Inside The Islanders' 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

The New York Islanders' 2026-27 schedule is out. Here are the key dates, start times, rivalry matchups, Anders Lee's return to UBS Arena, and other notable takeaways.

Stefen Rosner, David Kolb, and The Elmonters

Jul 16, 2026

On Thursday at 1 p.m. ET, the New York Islanders officially unveiled their 2026-27 regular-season schedule, with franchise favorite Cal Clutterbuck back along with Matt Martin to make the announcement:

New York Islanders@NYIslanders

There's a new intern joining the Isles U Program this summer! The first task? Figure out the #Isles 2026-27 Schedule Release. See the full schedule: bit.ly/4fCt1yK

5:01 PM · Jul 16, 2026 · 32.6K Views

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The Islanders will open the season on the road on Sept. 30 against the Toronto Maple Leafs before returning to UBS Arena for their home opener against the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 3.

Puck drop for both contests is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

Stefen Rosner@stefen_rosner

#Isles full 2026-27 regular season schedule:

5:04 PM · Jul 16, 2026 · 6.17K Views

7 Replies · 12 Reposts · 81 Likes

With the full 84-game slate now available, let’s break down some of the biggest takeaways from the Islanders’ 2026-27 schedule.

Opening night features a matchup between the NHL’s last two No. 1 overall picks: Matthew Schaefer (2025) and Gavin McKenna (2026).
It will also be Matias Maccelli’s first game back in Toronto since the Maple Leafs elected not to tender him a qualifying offer.
Home start times will vary throughout the season.
11 of the Islanders’ 42 home games are scheduled for 7:30 PM ET starts.
Eight of those 11 games come before the All-Star break.
I believe the start time variation is due to NYRA and horse racing at Belmont Racetrack (I’ll get confirmation on this).
As part of the NHL’s continued push to accommodate European audiences, the Islanders have five midweek matinee games.
The Islanders will also play five weekend matinees.
New York has 13 back-to-back sets on the schedule.
The Islanders and Rangers will meet four times, all with 7 PM ET puck drops:
- Oct. 6 at Madison Square Garden
- Dec. 20 at UBS Arena
- Feb. 12 at Madison Square Garden
- Feb. 18 at UBS Arena
Anders Lee returns to Long Island on Feb. 15 for a 3 PM ET matchup at UBS Arena.
The Islanders make their first trip to Utah to face Lee on Dec. 15.
Pete DeBoer will face his former team, the Dallas Stars, on Oct. 25 in Dallas before hosting them at UBS Arena on Jan. 15.
The Islanders’ longest homestand is a four-game stretch from March 1–9.
Their longest road trip spans six games from Jan. 26–Feb. 12.
The Islanders are home for the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, which is March 5th at 3 PM ET.