Frequently Asked Questions about the NHL and Hockey

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the NHL season start?

The 2022-23 NHL season began with the San Jose Sharks and Nashville Predators facing each other in Prague, Czech Republic on Friday, October 7 and Saturday, October 8, 2022.

When does the NHL season end?

The 2022-23 season is expected to end in June 2023.

When do NHL playoffs start?

The 2023 NHL Playoffs will begin on April 17, 2023.

When is the NHL draft?

The 2023 NHL Entry Draft is expected to take place June 28-29, 2023 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN.

When is the NHL trade deadline?

The 2023 NHL Trade Deadline is March 3, 2023.

When is the NHL expansion draft?

The most recent NHL Expansion Draft took place on July 21, 2021. The Seattle Kraken selected 30 players.

When does NHL free agency start?

NHL Free Agency began on July 13, 2022.

When is the NHL All-Star Game?

The 2023 NHL All-Star Game took place on Saturday February 4, 2023 at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, FL.

Who's the best player in the NHL?

Connor McDavid led the NHL in points in the 2021-22 season with 123. He scored 44 goals and contributed 79 assists.

Who's the best goalie in the NHL?

Igor Shesterkin led the NHL in Goals Against Average (2.07), Save Percentage (.935), and Goals Saved Above Average (45) in 2021-22.

How many games in NHL season?

There are 82 games in an NHL season.

How many teams are in the NHL?

There are 32 teams in the NHL.

How many teams make the NHL playoffs?

There are 16 teams in the NHL playoffs each season. The top eight teams by points in each conference qualify.

How do NHL standings work?

The NHL standings rank teams by points. Teams earn two points for each win and one point for an overtime loss.

How does the NHL expansion draft work?

The most recent NHL Expansion Draft took place on July 21, 2021. The Seattle Kraken selected 30 players—one from each team (except for the Las Vegas Golden Knights).

How many players are on an NHL roster?

Each NHL team has a 23-player active roster. Teams can dress a maximum of 20 players (18 skaters and two goaltenders) per game.