CHICAGO, IL – July 10, 2025 – The Chicago Blackhawks today unveiled their six-game exhibition schedule leading into the 2025-26 National Hockey League season. The announcement, made by the team, outlines a slate of contests primarily featuring Central Division rivals, offering fans an early look at the roster and preparation underway for the upcoming campaign. The preseason schedule is presented by Circa Sports.
The six-game format includes an equal split between home and road matchups. The Blackhawks will face the Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, and St. Louis Blues, competing against each opponent once at home and once on the road.
This structured approach against familiar foes provides both competitive tests and logistical convenience as teams prepare for the rigors of the regular season. Preseason games are crucial for coaching staffs to evaluate player performance, test line combinations, and integrate new personnel.
Key Dates for the Preseason Slate
The Blackhawks’ preseason journey commences on the road. The team is scheduled to play their first exhibition game on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, traveling to face the Detroit Red Wings. Puck drop for that contest is set for 6:00 p.m. CT.
The road trip continues with back-to-back games over the final weekend of September. Chicago will visit the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, September 27, 2025, in a game slated for 6:00 p.m. CT. The following evening, Sunday, September 28, 2025, the team heads to Minnesota to take on the Wild, with the puck dropping at 5:00 p.m. CT.
Home Schedule Highlights
The home portion of the preseason schedule brings NHL hockey back to Chicago. The Blackhawks will host three games at the United Center, beginning on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Their home opener features the Detroit Red Wings, with game time scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT.
Following the opener, Chicago will welcome the Minnesota Wild on Friday, October 3, 2025, for a 7:00 p.m. CT start time. The preseason schedule concludes at home on Saturday, October 4, 2025, when the St. Louis Blues come to town for a game beginning at 6:00 p.m. CT.
Hosting half of the preseason games provides an opportunity for the team to acclimatize to their home environment and allows local fans their first in-person viewing opportunities of the 2025-26 roster.
Rivalry Tests Before the Season
The decision to schedule all six preseason games against Central Division opponents – Detroit (though no longer divisional, a historic rival), Minnesota, and St. Louis – allows the Blackhawks to gauge their readiness against teams they will see multiple times during the regular season. These matchups, even in exhibition form, often carry a competitive edge given the historical and geographical rivalries.
Playing these teams helps evaluate team structure and player performance in familiar, albeit preseason, competitive settings before the points truly matter.
Ticket Information
Tickets for all Chicago Blackhawks home preseason games are currently on sale. Fans interested in attending can purchase tickets through Ticketmaster, the official ticketing partner. Prices for individual game tickets start at an accessible $20 before the addition of applicable taxes and fees, offering an affordable option for fans eager to see the team in action.
Prospective attendees are encouraged to secure their seats early, especially given the anticipation surrounding the 2025-26 season.
Looking Ahead to the 2025-26 Season
The release of the preseason schedule marks a significant step towards the start of the 2025-26 campaign. Attention will now turn to subsequent announcements from the team.
The full 2025-26 NHL regular-season schedule is expected to be released in the coming weeks. This will detail the 82-game slate, including division matchups, conference play, and inter-conference opponents, solidifying the path the team will take through the season.
Additionally, details regarding the team’s Centennial theme nights and promotional schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. As the organization approaches a significant milestone, these events are anticipated to celebrate the rich history of the Blackhawks franchise and engage the fanbase throughout the season.
Single-game tickets for the regular season are expected to go on sale later this summer, following the full schedule release.
For dedicated fans, a Season Ticket Membership offers guaranteed access to select Centennial gameday experiences, providing added value and unique opportunities tied to the historic season celebration.
Conclusion
With the preseason schedule officially set, the Chicago Blackhawks are taking tangible steps toward the 2025-26 season. The six-game slate against regional rivals in late September and early October will provide essential preparation and evaluation opportunities before the regular season commences. As further details about the regular schedule and Centennial celebrations are revealed, anticipation for the upcoming campaign is expected to continue building among the team’s fanbase.
