The Minnesota Wild will begin the 2026‑27 National Hockey League campaign on October 1, opening the season on the road against the Nashville Predators.
Just two days later, the team returns to Xcel Energy Center for a much‑anticipated home opener versus the Boston Bruins, a matchup that has fans buzzing after the Bruins’ aggressive offseason moves.
Early‑Season Schedule Highlights
The full 84‑game slate will be released in the coming weeks, but the early stretch already promises a series of divisional battles that could set the tone for Minnesota’s campaign.
The NHL’s new format adds two extra games against division rivals for each club, meaning the Wild will face familiar foes more frequently as they jockey for playoff positioning.
A Test Against the Original Six
Boston’s presence in the home opener is more than a scheduling quirk; the Bruins entered the offseason with a flurry of trades and signings, making the October 3 contest an early‑season benchmark for both squads.
Minnesota’s general manager Bill Guerin, who has been reshaping the roster throughout the summer, will see his revamped lineup tested against a historically tough venue in Nashville, where opponents have traditionally found success.
Fans can expect a high‑energy atmosphere as the team looks to translate preseason optimism into points on the board, with the schedule’s early slate offering a clear gauge of where the Wild stand relative to the league’s elite.
The upcoming release of the complete schedule will provide a detailed look at travel dates, broadcast windows and potential rivalry games that could shape the Wild’s narrative throughout the season.