When Does the 2022-23 NHL Season Start?

When does the 2022-23 NHL season start? originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

The Colorado Avalanche's first Stanley Cup title defense in 21 years will kick off with the start of the 2022-23 NHL season. After an offseason that saw lots of star power change hands, there will be plenty of competition among the other 31 teams.

Here's the latest on when the 2022-23 season will get underway.

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When will the 2022 NHL preseason begin?

The 2022 NHL preseason runs from Sept. 24 through Oct. 8. That 15-day stretch will see 180 exhibition played, starting with the "Battle for Ontario" between the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs in a split doubleheader on Saturday, Sept. 24. The Capitals begin their preseason slate Sunday, Sept. 25 at home against the Buffalo Sabres.

When will the 2022-23 NHL regular season begin?

The first official games of the 2022-23 NHL season are Oct. 7-8 between the Nashville Predators and San Jose Sharks in Prague as part of the 2022 NHL Global Series.

Back in North America, the Tampa Bay Lightning will host the New York Rangers on Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. ET before the Las Vegas Golden Knights and Los Angeles Kings square off at 10 p.m. Both games will be broadcast on ESPN and streaming will be available on the ESPN+ service.

When do the Capitals play their first game?

The Capitals open their season Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. ET, when they will play host to the Boston Bruins. Capitals-Bruins will be one of six games scheduled for that Wednesday before the rest of the NHL kicks off its respective schedules the following day.