Before the puck drops on the 2023–2024 NHL regular season, each team will compete in a series of preseason matchups starting September 23, 2023. NHL Network and TNT will televise select games nationwide, but most preseason hockey action airs on regional sports networks (RSNs).
DIRECTV STREAM is our favorite service for catching the NHL preseason. It comes with every national NHL channel and offers most RSNs based on your location. But if you support a team far from home, you’ll want ESPN+ for out-of-market streaming access.
Keep reading for more info on NHL preseason channels and recommended TV services. We also have a section dedicated to the full preseason schedule, so you can quickly check match times and channel listings.
What channels are NHL preseason games on?
NHL preseason games mostly air locally on regional sports networks, but NHL Network and TNT broadcast some matchups nationwide. In 2023, you can also stream 30+ out-of-market preseason games on ESPN+.
Pro tip: Not all NHL preseason games appear on TV, but every team has a radio affiliate you can listen to online via TuneIn.
2023 NHL preseason schedule
This year’s NHL preseason runs from September 23 to October 7. Like previous seasons, the two-week period includes neutral-site exhibition games happening domestically and internationally. Fans from the Land Down Under will get the chance to see the NHL Global Series make a preseason stop at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia.
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Coyotes vs. Los Angeles Kings (in Melbourne) | Saturday, September 23 | 12 a.m. | NHL Network, ESPN+ |
| Arizona Coyotes at St. Louis Blues | Saturday, September 23 | 3 p.m. | Bally Sports Midwest |
| Arizona Coyotes vs. St. Louis Blues (in Wichita) | Saturday, September 23 | 8 p.m. | — |
| Arizona Coyotes vs. Los Angeles Kings (in Melbourne) | Sunday, September 24 | 12 a.m. | NHL Network, ESPN+ |
| Columbus Blue Jackets at Pittsburgh Penguins | Sunday, September 24 | 1 p.m. | — |
| Toronto Maple Leafs at Ottawa Senators | Sunday, September 24 | 2 p.m. | ESPN+, Sportsnet One |
| Buffalo Sabres at Washington Capitals | Sunday, September 24 | 2 p.m. | NHL Network, Sabres.com, Monumental Sports Network |
| Minnesota Wild at Colorado Avalanche | Sunday, September 24 | 3 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| New York Rangers at Boston Bruins | Sunday, September 24 | 5 p.m. | NHL Network, MSG Network, NESN+ |
| Winnipeg Jets at Edmonton Oilers | Sunday, September 24 | 6 p.m. | WinnipegJets.com |
| Arizona Coyotes vs. Dallas Stars (in Cedar Park) | Sunday, September 24 | 6 p.m. | — |
| Pittsburgh Penguins at Columbus Blue Jackets | Sunday, September 24 | 7 p.m. | KDKA+ |
| Vancouver Canucks at Calgary Flames | Sunday, September 24 | 8 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Vegas Golden Knights at San Jose Sharks | Sunday, September 24 | 8 p.m. | NHL Network, SJSharks.com |
| Los Angeles Kings at Anaheim Ducks | Sunday, September 24 | 8 p.m. | — |
| Nashville Predators at Florida Panthers | Monday, September 25 | 2 p.m. | — |
| Nashville Predators at Florida Panthers | Monday, September 25 | 6 p.m. | — |
| New Jersey Devils at Montreal Canadiens | Monday, September 25 | 7 p.m. | — |
| Philadelphia Flyers at New Jersey Devils | Monday, September 25 | 7 p.m. | NJD.TV |
| Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs | Monday, September 25 | 7 p.m. | NHL Network, Sportsnet |
| Edmonton Oilers at Winnipeg Jets | Monday, September 25 | 8 p.m. | ESPN+, TSN3 |
| Vegas Golden Knights at Colorado Avalanche | Monday, September 25 | 9 p.m. | NHL Network, ESPN+ |
| Seattle Kraken at Calgary Flames | Monday, September 25 | 9 p.m. | Root Sports Northwest |
| Calgary Flames at Seattle Kraken | Monday, September 25 | 10 p.m. | — |
| Boston Bruins at Buffalo Sabres | Tuesday, September 26 | 7 p.m. | ESPN+, NESN+, MSG Western New York |
| New York Islanders at New York Rangers | Tuesday, September 26 | 7 p.m. | NHL Network, MSG Network, MSG Sportsnet |
| Pittsburgh Penguins at Detroit Red Wings | Tuesday, September 26 | 7 p.m. | ESPN+, Bally Sports Detroit Extra |
| Tampa Bay Lightning at Carolina Hurricanes | Tuesday, September 26 | 7 p.m. | Hurricanes.com |
| Columbus Blue Jackets at St. Louis Blues | Tuesday, September 26 | 8 p.m. | Bally Sports Midwest |
| Minnesota Wild at Dallas Stars | Tuesday, September 26 | 8 p.m. | — |
| Anaheim Ducks at San Jose Sharks | Tuesday, September 26 | 10 p.m. | SJSharks.com, TBA |
| Buffalo Sabres vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (in St. Thomas) | Wednesday, September 27 | TBA | NHL Network, MSG Western New York, Sportsnet One |
| Ottawa Senators at Montreal Canadiens | Wednesday, September 27 | 7 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Philadelphia Flyers at New York Islanders | Wednesday, September 27 | 7 p.m. | — |
| Florida Panthers at Carolina Hurricanes | Wednesday, September 27 | 7 p.m. | Hurricanes.com |
| Tampa Bay Lightning at Nashville Predators | Wednesday, September 27 | 8 p.m. | NashvillePredators.com |
| Calgary Flames at Winnipeg Jets | Wednesday, September 27 | 8 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Vancouver Canucks at Edmonton Oilers | Wednesday, September 27 | 9 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Los Angeles Kings at Vegas Golden Knights | Wednesday, September 27 | 10 p.m. | NHL Network |
| San Jose Sharks at Anaheim Ducks | Wednesday, September 27 | 10 p.m. | AnaheimDucks.com |
| Buffalo Sabres at Pittsburgh Penguins | Thursday, September 28 | 7 p.m. | Sabres.com, KDKA+ |
| Detroit Red Wings at Washington Capitals | Thursday, September 28 | 7 p.m. | NHL Network, Monumental Sports Network |
| New Jersey Devils at New York Rangers | Thursday, September 28 | 7 p.m. | ESPN+, MSG Network, MSG Sportsnet |
| Colorado Avalanche at Minnesota Wild | Thursday, September 28 | 8 p.m. | — |
| St. Louis Blues at Chicago Blackhawks | Thursday, September 28 | 8:30 p.m. | ESPN+, NBC Sports Chicago |
| Vancouver Canucks at Seattle Kraken | Thursday, September 28 | 10 p.m. | KONG |
| Carolina Hurricanes at Florida Panthers | Friday, September 29 | 6 p.m. | TBA |
| Carolina Hurricanes at Tampa Bay Lightning | Friday, September 29 | 7 p.m. | TBA |
| New York Rangers at New York Islanders | Friday, September 29 | 7 p.m. | ESPN+, MSG Network, MSG Sportsnet |
| Philadelphia Flyers at Boston Bruins | Friday, September 29 | 7 p.m. | NHL Network, NESN+ |
| Toronto Maple Leafs at Montreal Canadiens | Friday, September 29 | 7 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Winnipeg Jets at Ottawa Senators | Friday, September 29 | 7 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Edmonton Oilers at Calgary Flames | Friday, September 29 | 9 p.m. | TBA |
| Anaheim Ducks vs. Los Angeles Kings (in San Diego) | Friday, September 29 | 10 p.m. | TBA |
| Arizona Coyotes at Vegas Golden Knights | Friday, September 29 | 10 p.m. | NHL Network |
| Columbus Blue Jets at Buffalo Sabres | Saturday, September 30 | 3 p.m. | Sabres.com |
| Nashville Predators at Tampa Bay Lightning | Saturday, September 30 | 5 p.m. | TBA |
| Toronto Maple Leafs at Montreal Canadiens | Saturday, September 30 | 7 p.m. | NHL Network |
| New Jersey Devils at Philadelphia Flyers | Saturday, September 30 | 7 p.m. | NJD.TV, NBC Sports Philadelphia+ |
| Washington Capitals at Detroit Red Wings | Saturday, September 30 | 7 p.m. | ESPN+, Monumental Sports Network, Bally Sports Detroit |
| Chicago Blackhawks at Minnesota Wild | Saturday, September 30 | 7 p.m. | ESPN+, Bally Sports North Extra |
| Dallas Stars vs. St. Louis Blues (in Independence) | Saturday, September 30 | 7 p.m. | — |
| Edmonton Oilers at Vancouver Canucks | Saturday, September 30 | 9 p.m. | NHL Network, ESPN+ |
| Los Angeles Kings at San Jose Sharks | Saturday, September 30 | 10 p.m. | TBA, SJSharks.com |
Data effective as of post date.
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Panthers vs. Ottawa Senators (in Sydney, Nova Scotia) | Sunday, October 1 | 4 p.m. | NHL Network |
| Anaheim Ducks vs. Arizona Coyotes (in Palm Desert) | Sunday, October 1 | 6 p.m. | TBA |
| Chicago Blackhawks at Detroit Red Wings | Sunday, October 1 | 7 p.m. | NBC Sports Chicago |
| Dallas Stars at Colorado Avalanche | Sunday, October 1 | 7 p.m. | NHL Network |
| Ottawa Senators vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (in Halifax) | Monday, October 2 | 6 p.m. | NHL Network |
| Boston Bruins at Philadelphia Flyers | Monday, October 2 | 7 p.m. | ESPN+, NESN, NBC Sports Philadelphia |
| Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs | Monday, October 2 | 7 p.m. | ESPN+, Sportsnet |
| New York Islanders at New Jersey Devils | Monday, October 2 | 7 p.m. | ESPN+, MSG Sportsnet, MSG Network |
| St. Louis Blues at Columbus Blue Jackets | Monday, October 2 | 7 p.m. | — |
| Winnipeg Jets at Calgary Flames | Monday, October 2 | 9 p.m. | WinnipegJets.com, TBA |
| Edmonton Oilers at Seattle Kraken | Monday, October 2 | 10 p.m. | Root Sports Northwest |
| Washington Capitals at Boston Bruins | Tuesday, October 3 | 7 p.m. | NHL Network, Monumental Sports Network, NESN |
| Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (in Orlando) | Tuesday, October 3 | 7 p.m. | TBA |
| Colorado Avalanche at Dallas Stars | Tuesday, October 3 | 8 p.m. | TBA |
| Detroit Red Wings at Chicago Blackhawks | Tuesday, October 3 | 8:30 p.m. | NBC Sports Chicago |
| Anaheim Ducks at Los Angeles Kings | Tuesday, October 3 | 10 p.m. | NHL Network, Bally Sports SoCal |
| San Jose Sharks at Vegas Golden Knights | Tuesday, October 3 | 10 p.m. | TBA |
| New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils | Wednesday, October 4 | 7 p.m. | NHL Network, MSG Network, MSG Sportsnet |
| Buffalo Sabres at Columbus Blue Jackets | Wednesday, October 4 | 7 p.m. | Sabres.com |
| Detroit Red Wings at Pittsburgh Penguins | Wednesday, October 4 | 7 p.m. | — |
| Calgary Flames at Edmonton Oilers | Wednesday, October 4 | 9 p.m. | TBA |
| Seattle Kraken vs. Vancouver Canucks (in Abbotsford) | Wednesday, October 4 | 10 p.m. | KONG |
| Detroit Red Wings at Toronto Maple Leafs | Thursday, October 5 | 7 p.m. | — |
| Boston Bruins at New York Rangers | Thursday, October 5 | 7 p.m. | TNT |
| New York Islanders at Philadelphia Flyers | Thursday, October 5 | 7 p.m. | TBA, NBC Sports Philadelphia |
| Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning | Thursday, October 5 | 7 p.m. | TBA |
| Washington Capitals at Columbus Blue Jackets | Thursday, October 5 | 7 p.m. | ESPN+, Monumental Sports Network |
| Carolina Hurricanes at Nashville Predators | Thursday, October 5 | 8 p.m. | TBA |
| Ottawa Senators at Winnipeg Jets | Thursday, October 5 | 8 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| St. Louis Blues at Dallas Stars | Thursday, October 5 | 8 p.m. | — |
| Minnesota Wild at Chicago Blackhawks | Thursday, October 5 | 8:30 p.m. | ESPN+, Bally Sports North, NBC Sports Chicago |
| Los Angeles Kings vs. San Jose Sharks (in Salt Lake City) | Thursday, October 5 | 9 p.m. | ESPN+, Bally Sports West |
| Arizona Coyotes at Anaheim Ducks | Thursday, October 5 | 10 p.m. | ESPN+, Bally Sports SoCal |
| Colorado Avalanche at Vegas Golden Knights | Thursday, October 5 | 10 p.m. | TNT |
| Pittsburgh Penguins at Buffalo Sabres | Friday, October 6 | 7 p.m. | NHL Network, MSG Western New York, MSG Western New York |
| New Jersey Devils at New York Islanders | Friday, October 6 | 7 p.m. | ESPN+, MSG Network, MSG Sportsnet |
| Nashville Predators at Carolina Hurricanes | Friday, October 6 | 7 p.m. | TBA |
| Seattle Kraken at Edmonton Oilers | Friday, October 6 | 9 p.m. | KONG |
| Calgary Flames at Vancouver Canucks | Friday, October 6 | 10 p.m. | NHL Network |
| Vegas Golden Knights at Los Angeles Kings | Saturday, October 7 | 4 p.m. | NHL Network, Bally Sports West |
| Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers | Saturday, October 7 | 6 p.m. | TBA |
| Dallas Stars at Minnesota Wild | Saturday, October 7 | 6 p.m. | ESPN+, Bally Sports North |
| Anaheim Ducks vs. Arizona Coyotes (in Tucson) | Saturday, October 7 | 6 p.m. | TBA |
| Montreal Canadiens at Ottawa Senators | Saturday, October 7 | 7 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Toronto Maple Leafs at Detroit Red Wings | Saturday, October 7 | 7 p.m. | NHL Network, Bally Sports Detroit |
| Columbus Blue Jackets at Washington Capitals | Saturday, October 7 | 7 p.m. | ESPN+, Monumental Sports Network |
| Chicago Blackhawks at St. Louis Blues | Saturday, October 7 | 8 p.m. | NBC Sports Chicago, Bally Sports Midwest |
Data effective as of post date.
Best TV plans for watching the NHL preseason
The best TV plans for watching the NHL preseason depend on the games you wish to see. If you prefer having access to every preseason duel, you’ll want DIRECTV STREAM and ESPN+.
DIRECTV STREAM will get you every national NHL channel and your regional sports network, while ESPN+ provides out-of-market access. Together, DIRECTV STREAM with a standalone ESPN+ subscription is the most expensive route for NHL fans. It’s also unnecessary if you want only the televised games featuring your favorite team. In that case, you may look to one of these options:
- Local games: Watching locally televised NHL preseason games is tricky because every team has different TV affiliates. In most cases, you’ll need a TV provider like DIRECTV STREAM or fuboTV to get RSN access. Otherwise, depending on your local team’s broadcaster, a simple TV antenna can pick up games over the air.
- Out-of-market games: ESPN+ and NHL Center Ice carry out-of-market NHL games. You won’t get every out-of-market preseason game because not every game airs on TV, but ESPN+ is a great streaming option for only $9.99 a month.
- National games: Sling TV is the cheapest way to get national NHL channels like ESPN, NHL Network, and TNT. All you’ll need is the Sling Orange plan ($40 a month) and the Sports Extra add-on ($11 a month).
Which TV providers carry NHL preseason games?
Any TV plan offering NHL Network and TNT will get you nationally televised NHL preseason games. To help your search, we listed 13 popular TV services in the table below and illustrated whether they carry the two channels.
| Provider | Price | NHL Network | TNT | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cox | $56.00–$139.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ |
View plans Read Cox review |
| DIRECTV | $64.99–$154.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ |
View plans Read DIRECTV review |
| DIRECTV STREAM | $64.99–$154.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ |
View plans Read DIRECTV STREAM review |
| DISH | $79.99–$109.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ |
View plans Read DISH review |
| fuboTV | $74.99–$94.99/mo. | ✔ | — |
View plans Read fuboTV review |
| Hulu + Live TV | $69.99–$82.99/mo. | — | ✔ |
View plans Read Hulu + Live TV review |
| Optimum | $35.00–$115.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ |
View plans Read Optimum review |
| Philo | $25.00/mo. | — | — |
View plans Read Philo review |
| Sling TV | $40.00–$55.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ |
View plans Read Sling TV review |
| Spectrum | $59.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ |
View plans Read Spectrum review |
| Vidgo | $69.99–$99.99/mo. | ✔ | — |
View plans Read Vidgo review |
| Xfinity | $20.00–$80.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ |
View plans Read Xfinity review |
| YouTube TV | $72.99/mo. | — | ✔ |
View plans Read YouTube TV review |
Data effective as of post date.
How to watch the NHL preseason for free
Unfortunately, there are no straightforward methods to watch NHL preseason games for free. In some metropolitan areas with NHL teams, you might catch a few matchups using an over-the-air (OTA) antenna—such as KTNV-TV in Las Vegas airing Vegas Golden Knights preseason games. However, this option may not be viable for most NHL fans, especially if you don’t live near your favorite team.
While scouring Reddit for free NHL streams is possible, we don’t endorse that approach due to its illegality, unreliability, and potential risks to your streaming device. Instead, a legitimate and inexpensive option is subscribing to ESPN+ at $9.99 a month, which provides access to over 30 preseason matchups with no additional commitments.
Are NHL preseason games on TV?
Most NHL preseason games appear on TV or online, although some matchups may not have an official broadcast. Regional blackout restrictions can also prevent certain games from airing in your area.
For in-market coverage, you’ll need a TV plan with your local team’s regional sports network. You can also explore out-of-market options like ESPN+ and NHL Center Ice if you support a non-local team. In cases where no viewing option is available, games are still accessible through each team’s radio partner.
How to watch the NHL preseason FAQ
Can you stream NHL preseason games?
Yes, you can stream NHL preseason games on any live TV streaming service that offers NHL Network, TNT, and your local team’s RSN affiliate. ESPN+ also carries select out-of-market games during the preseason.
Are NHL preseason games blacked out?
Yes, broadcasting blackouts occur for all locally televised NHL preseason games. In-market games will appear on RSNs, while ESPN+ and NHL Center Ice will show some out-of-market matchups.
Does NHL Center Ice include preseason games?
Yes, NHL Center Ice carries select out-of-market preseason games. Unlike the regular season, NHL Center Ice doesn’t offer complete out-of-market access during the preseason. Blackout restrictions may also prevent certain games from airing in your area.
Where can I watch NHL preseason games in Canada?
In Canada, some NHL preseason games air nationally on Sportsnet, Sportsnet ONE, and TSN. Sportsnet NOW Premium will show select out-of-market preseason games, while in-market games may appear on Sportsnet NOW, TSN’s regional networks, and individual team websites.
Methodology
Our experts conducted thorough research and hands-on testing to identify the best ways to watch this year’s NHL preseason. We compiled a comprehensive list of preseason matchups and channel listings. Utilizing that data, we compared popular TV providers to determine the most efficient way to watch the most games—considering in-market, out-of-market, and nationally televised broadcasts.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
