The complete 2017-2018 NHL schedule will be announced in two weeks as part of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft festivities. With a new team in the mix, scheduling construction formulas have been modified in order to accommodate the odd-number of teams. Here’s how the new schedule will be constructed: 

The following scheduling matrix has been prepared by the NHL, as part of their “Rules for Expansion Draft“:

2017-18 SCHEDULE MATRIX 
Each club will continue to play an 82-game schedule, with 41 home games and 41 road games. The schedule matrix, which ensures that all teams play in all arenas at least once each season, will be adjusted to the following in 2017-18:

Eastern Conference (Atlantic and Metropolitan Divisions – 8 Teams)

Within Conference (Division): 28 games
7 Teams: 2 Home / 2 Away
7 x 4 = 28 games

Within Conference (Non-Division): 24 games
4 Teams: 2 Home / 1 Away
4 Teams: 1 Home / 2 Away
4 x 3 = 12 games
4 x 3 = 12 games

Non-Conference: 30 games
15 Home / 15 Away
2 x 15 = 30

Western Conference (Central Division – 7 Teams)

Within Conference (Division): 26 games
4 Teams: 2 Home / 2 Away
1 Team: 3 Home / 2 Away
1 Team: 2 Home / 3 Away
4 x 4 = 16
1 x 5 = 5
1 x 5 = 5

Within Conference (Non-Division): 24 games
4 Teams: 2 Home / 1 Away
4 Teams: 1 Home / 2 Away
4 x 3 = 12 games
4 x 3 = 12 games

Non-Conference: 32 games
16 Home / 16 Away
2 x 16 = 32 games

Western Conference (Pacific Division – 8 Teams)

Within Conference (Division): 29 games
6 Teams: 2 Home / 2 Away
1 Team: 3 Home / 2 Away
6 x 4 = 24 games
1 x 5 = 5 games

Within Conference (Non-Division): 21 games
4 Teams: 2 Home / 1 Away
3 Teams: 1 Home / 2 Away
4 x 3 = 12 games
3 x 3 = 9 games

Non-Conference: 32 games
16 Home / 16 Away
2 x 16 = 32 games

By Jon Sorensen
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