The Brief The Blackhawks will open their 2025-26 season against the Florida Panthers on Oct. 7. The Chicago Blackhawks will kick off their season against the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers this fall. What we don't know:The full Blackhawks regular season schedule has not yet been released. Blashill took over a Red Wings team that vaulted into a rebuild after he was named head coach. He became the first head coach in Grand Rapids history to reach the postseason in three consecutive seasons.