When is NHL Olympic break? Key remaining dates in 2025-26 season

The NHL season has seen a lot so far in the 2025-26 season.

Patrick Kane became the top U.S.-born scorer, Sidney Crosby passed legend Mario Lemieux, there was a record-setting Winter Classic and a wild Stadium Series game in Tampa.

Plus there have been not one but two goalie fights.

Plenty still remains this season before the Stanley Cup is finally hoisted in June, starting when NHL players head to Milan, Italy, to play in the Olympics for the first time since 2014.

Here are the key dates for the rest of the 2025-26 season, starting with the upcoming Olympic break:

When is the Olympic break?

The NHL will take a break from Feb. 6-24 for the 2026 Winter Olympics. There are seven games on the schedule on Feb. 5. No trades can take place during the Olympic break.

When is the Olympic men's hockey tournament?

The tournament starts on Feb. 11 with two games. The USA opens play on Feb. 12 against Latvia. All teams will play three games during the round robin, which runs through Feb. 15. The top four teams get byes to the quarterfinals.

Playoff qualification games are on Feb. 17 for teams ranked fifth through 12th, quarterfinals are Feb. 18 and semifinals are Feb. 20.

The bronze medal game is Feb. 21 and the gold medal game is Sunday, Feb. 22.

When does the NHL resume play after the Olympics?

Play resumes on Feb. 25 with eight games.

When is the NHL trade deadline?

The NHL trade deadline will be at 3 p.m. ET on March 6.

When does the NHL regular season end?

The NHL regular season is scheduled to end with six games on April 16.

When do the NHL playoffs begin?

The Stanley Cup playoffs are scheduled to begin on April 18.

When is the NHL draft lottery?

The date of the NHL draft lottery is to be determined.

When is the last possible day of the Stanley Cup Final?

The last possible day is June 21.

When is the NHL draft?

The NHL draft will be June 26-27 at Buffalo's KeyBank CenterTop prospects will be there, but general managers will work remotely, just like last year.

When does NHL free agency begin?

NHL free agency begins at noon ET on July 1.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NHL Olympic break, trade deadline and other key 2025-26 season dates

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