The 2022–23 NHL season was the 106th season of operation (105th season of play) of the National Hockey League (NHL). The regular season began on October 7, 2022, when the San Jose Sharks and the Nashville Predators played the first of two games in Prague, Czech Republic as a part of the 2022 NHL Global Series.[1]
In addition to sponsor logos on helmets (helmet entitlement partner), teams were allowed to also sell another sponsor placement on their players' jerseys (jersey patch partner) this season. The jersey sponsor patches had to be no greater than 3 by 3+1⁄2 inches (7.62 cm × 8.89 cm).[2]
The following teams announced their jersey sponsors:
After previous trials during the 2016 World Cup of Hockey and 2020 NHL All-Star Game, the NHL deployed digitally enhanced dasherboards, using Supponor technology, at all arenas this season. This allows the digital replacement and insertion of advertising on the rink boards on selected camera angles, which can be localized for individual regional, national, and international broadcasters. These advertising units include logo placements similar to the boards seen in person (which will still be shown on camera angles that do not support ad replacement), and larger "zone"-based units across sections of the boards, or the entire board.[16][17][18]
Cassidy was fired on June 6, 2022, several weeks after the Bruins' elimination from the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs. Cassidy compiled a 245–108–46 record in six seasons with Boston, winning the Jack Adams Trophyin2019–20 and reaching the playoffs every year of his tenure; additionally, Boston won the Presidents' Trophy in 2019–20, and advanced to the Stanley Cup Finalsin2019.[22] Montgomery, most recently an assistant coach with the St. Louis Blues, and previously head coach of the Dallas Stars from 2018 to 2019, was named head coach on July 1, 2022.[23]
Colliton was fired on November 6, 2021, after parts of four seasons with Chicago, with the team starting the season 1–9–2. In his tenure, Colliton compiled a 87–92–26 record and led the team to the first round of the playoffs in 2020. King, previously the head coach of the Blackhawks' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate Rockford IceHogs, was promoted to interim head coach.[24] King finished out the season 27–33–10, failing to reach the playoffs. Richardson, formerly an assistant coach with the Montreal Canadiens, was named head coach on June 27, 2022.[25]
On May 20, 2022, five days after the Stars were eliminated from the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs, and with his contract expiring, Bowness resigned as head coach of the Stars. In two and a half seasons with Dallas, Bowness recorded an 89–62–25 record, reaching the Stanley Cup Finalsin2020.[26][27] DeBoer, who most recently served as head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights from 2020 to 2022, and who had been fired by Vegas one month prior, was named head coach on June 21, 2022.[28]
On April 30, 2022, a day after the Red Wings season finished, it was announced that Blashill's contract would not be renewed. Blashill was 204–261–72 in seven seasons with the Red Wings and made the playoffs once in his tenure.[29] Lalonde, formerly an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning, was named head coach on June 30, 2022.[30]
Quenneville resigned on October 28, 2021, after the results of an internal investigation revealed that he had improperly handled an accusation of sexual assault during his tenure as head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010.[31] Quenneville totaled a 79–40–13 record in just over two seasons with the Panthers, reaching the playoffs twice but failing to advance past the first round.[32] Assistant coach Brunette was named interim head coach.[33] Brunette finished out the season 51–18–6, with Florida winning the Presidents' Trophy and making it to the second round of the playoffs. Maurice, most recently the head coach of the Winnipeg Jets from 2013 to 2021, was then named permanent head coach on June 22, 2022.[34]
Ducharme was fired on February 9, 2022, after the Canadiens began the season 8–30–7, with the team last in the league at his time of departure. In his brief tenure over parts of two seasons, Ducharme registered a 23–46–14 record, reaching the Stanley Cup Finalsin2021.[35] St. Louis was named interim head coach later in the day,[36] before being promoted to permanent head coach on June 1, 2022.[37]
Trotz was fired on May 9, 2022, 10 days after the conclusion of the Islanders' season. Trotz registered a 152–102–34 record in four seasons with New York, reaching the third round of the playoffs in back-to-back years.[38] Lambert, previously an assistant coach under Trotz, was named head coach on May 16.[39]
Vigneault was fired on December 6, 2021, after the Flyers began the season 8–10–4. Vigneault compiled a 74–54–19 record in just over two seasons with Philadelphia, reaching the second round of the playoffs in 2020. Assistant coach Yeo was retained and named interim head coach;[40] he finished out with a record of 17–36–7, before being fired on May 3, 2022, after the conclusion of the season.[41] Tortorella, most recently head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2015 to 2021, was named head coach on June 17.[42]
Boughner was fired on July 1, 2022, two months after the conclusion of the Sharks' season. In two and a half seasons with San Jose, Boughner totaled a 67–85–23 record, failing to record a playoff appearance.[43] Quinn, most recently head coach of the New York Rangers from 2018 to 2021, was named head coach on July 26.[44]
DeBoer was fired on May 16, 2022, 16 days after the conclusion of the Golden Knights' season. DeBoer registered a 98–50–12 record in just over two seasons with Vegas, reaching the third round of the playoffs in back-to-back years.[45] Cassidy, most recently head coach of the Boston Bruins from 2016 to 2022, and who had been fired by Boston one week prior, was named head coach on June 14.[46]
Maurice resigned on December 17, 2021, after the Jets started the season 13–10–5. In just under eight and a half seasons with Winnipeg, Maurice totaled a 315–223–62 record, with five playoff appearances. Assistant coach Lowry was named interim head coach.[47] Lowry finished the season 26–22–6, failing to reach the playoffs. Bowness, most recently head coach of the Dallas Stars from 2019 to 2022, and who had briefly coached the original Jets during the 1988–89 season, was named head coach on July 3, 2022.[48]
Boudreau was fired on January 22, 2023, after the Canucks started the season 18–25–3. During parts of two seasons with the team, Boudreau totaled a 50–40–13 record, missing the playoffs in 2022. Tocchet, most recently head coach of the Arizona Coyotes from 2017 to 2021, was named head coach the same day.[49]
Sakic was promoted to president of hockey operations on July 11, 2022. MacFarland, formerly an assistant general manager, assumed the role of general manager.[50]
Wilson resigned on April 7, 2022, for medical reasons,[51] with the Sharks holding a record of 29–31–9. Wilson had served as general manager of the Sharks since 2003, overseeing fourteen playoff appearances, five Pacific Division titles, one Presidents' Trophy, and one Stanley Cup Finals appearance. Will, the assistant general manager at the time, assumed the role of interim general manager.[51] Grier, a former player and most recently a hockey operations advisor with the New York Rangers, was named general manager on July 5, 2022. With his hiring, he became the first African-American general manager in NHL history.[52]
Fletcher was fired on March 10, 2023 with the Flyers holding a record of 24–30–11. Fletcher served as general manager since 2018 with the team making the playoffs once. Briere, the assistant general manager, was promoted to interim general manager.[53]
The regular season began on October 7, 2022, and ended April 14, 2023.[1] Sixteen NHL games were played on the same day for the first time on April 8, 2023.[56]
Two Nashville Predators home games, against Colorado on November 25 and Columbus on November 26, were postponed due to damage caused by a broken water main at Bridgestone Arena.[60][61] The one against Columbus was rescheduled to January 17, and the one against Colorado was rescheduled to April 14 (the day after the regular season was originally scheduled to end).[62]
Source: National Hockey League[66] Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF)
Source: National Hockey League[66] Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF)
Source: National Hockey League[67] Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF) e – Eliminated from playoff contention; x – Clinched playoff spot
Source: National Hockey League[66] Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF)
Source: National Hockey League[66] Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF)
Source: National Hockey League[67] Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF) e – Eliminated from playoff contention; x – Clinched playoff spot
In each round, teams compete in a best-of-seven series following a 2–2–1–1–1 format (scores in the bracket indicate the number of games won in each best-of-seven series). The team with home ice advantage plays at home for games one and two (and games five and seven, if necessary), and the other team is at home for games three and four (and game six, if necessary). The top three teams in each division make the playoffs, along with two wild cards in each conference, for a total of eight teams from each conference.
In the First Round, the lower seeded wild card in each conference played against the division winner with the best record while the other wild card played against the other division winner, and both wild cards were de facto #4 seeds. The other series matched the second and third place teams from the divisions. In the first two rounds, home ice advantage was awarded to the team with the better seed. In the Conference Finals and Stanley Cup Finals, home ice advantage was awarded to the team with the better regular season record.
The following goaltenders led the league in regular season goals against average at the completion of games played on April 13, 2023, while playing at least 1,920 minutes.[69]
On March 21, 2023, the NHL announced that Fanatics would become the new official apparel provider of the NHL beginning with the 2024–25 season, agreeing to a 10-year contract.[70]
The Arizona Coyotes introduced a new "Desert Night" alternate, featuring the team's former maroon and sand colors and a new wordmark.[71]
The Buffalo Sabres introduced an updated version of the black bison head (known as the "goathead") jersey, originally introduced in 1996, as a third jersey for this season.[72]
The Calgary Flames introduced an all-black version of their 1998 third jersey as their new alternate jersey, similar to their 2020–21 Reverse Retro uniforms.[73]
The Carolina Hurricanes promoted their black alternate uniform to their primary home set.[74] They also unveiled a throwback 1997 to 2007 red alternate in commemoration of the franchise's 25th anniversary in Carolina.[75]
The Edmonton Oilers changed their primary uniforms to the royal blue/orange/white set previously worn from 1981 to 1996, and from 2011 to 2017. The midnight blue alternates were retained.[77]
The San Jose Sharks unveiled new uniforms which were mainly inspired by the team's original 1991 to 1998 set. These uniforms will also feature teal pants, gloves, and home helmets.[78]
The Vancouver Canucks unveiled a modernized version of their 1990s black/red/yellow "Flying Skate" uniforms as their new alternate jersey.[79]
The Vegas Golden Knights promoted their gold alternate jerseys to primary home jersey, as part of their "Golden Age" campaign.[80]
Each NHL team wore "Reverse Retro" jerseys for select games during the 2020–21 season, utilizing a variety of uniform designs and color schemes from the teams' histories. After several months of speculation,[81] the NHL formally announced the return of the "Reverse Retro" program for the 2022–23 season on October 19, 2022, with new designs.[82] All 32 jerseys were formally revealed the next day on October 20, with all containing a vintage-styled orange and black NHL shield logo.[83] The jerseys for the 2023 NHL All-Star Game, revealed in late January 2023, were also revealed to be part of the program.[84]
League-wide
All-Star Game: The same design as those used from the 1994to1997 All-Star Games, but recolored in black, teal, and pink, reflecting the South Florida setting of the game.
Metropolitan Division
Carolina Hurricanes: The current away jersey, but in red with black stripes.
Columbus Blue Jackets: The team's first third jersey in 2003, but in black with light blue stripes (the latter taken from their current third jerseys).
New Jersey Devils: 1982 throwbacks, the team's first season after relocating from Denver, in Colorado Rockies colors. This jersey also commemorates the 40th anniversary of the team's relocation.
New York Islanders: 1995 throwbacks featuring the infamous "Fisherman" logo, but with most of the teal removed and the wave pattern, numbers, and name bars simplified.
New York Rangers: 1996 alternate jerseys that feature the head of the Statue of Liberty, similar to their first Reverse Retro, but now in royal blue with red sleeves.
Philadelphia Flyers: 1975 throwbacks, commemorating the team's back-to-back Stanley Cup championships, but with the black and orange stripes swapped.
Pittsburgh Penguins: 1992 throwbacks featuring the "robo-penguin" logo, except in black, similar to an unused concept from their 1992 rebrand.[85]
Washington Capitals: 1995 throwbacks featuring the "screaming eagle", except with the blue and black swapped; the "2005" in the collar commemorates Alexander Ovechkin's rookie year, rather than the year of the jersey.[86]
Atlantic Division
Boston Bruins: The team's first third jersey in 1995, featuring the "pooh bear" logo, but in white.
Buffalo Sabres: 1996 "goathead" throwbacks, but in the team's current color scheme.
Detroit Red Wings: The team's 1991 NHL 75th Anniversary jersey, but with a red base and black stripes.
Florida Panthers: 1998 throwbacks, but with the secondary palm tree and hockey stick logo as the crest, on the powder blue from their 2009 third "JetBlue" jersey.
Montreal Canadiens: 1979 throwbacks, but with red swapped with powder blue based on the Montreal Expos, Montreal's Major League Baseball team from 1969 to 2004. The year commemorates the Expos' introduction of Youppi!, who now serves as the Canadiens' mascot.
Ottawa Senators: 2007 throwbacks, commemorating the franchise's trip to the Stanley Cup Finals, but in a two-tone black and red, with the current main crest in place of the original 2007 one.
Tampa Bay Lightning: The team's first third jersey from 1997, featuring the "storm" design, but now in white.
Arizona Coyotes: The team's first third jersey in 1999, similar to their first Reverse Retro, but now in burnt orange instead of the previous Reverse Retro's purple or the original green.
Chicago Blackhawks: 1938 throwbacks, but with a "Chicago" wordmark in place of a crest, and the black and red inverted.
Dallas Stars: 1993 throwbacks, but in black with victory green shoulders instead of white with black shoulders, and the logos featuring silver instead of gold.
Minnesota Wild: Features the current Wild logo with the style and colors of the 1978 Minnesota North Stars jerseys, similar to their first Reverse Retro, but now primarily in green instead of white.
Nashville Predators: The team's first third jersey in 2001, but with the primarily mustard-yellow color replaced by the team's current shade of gold.
St. Louis Blues: 1966 prototype jerseys, but in gold instead of blue.
Winnipeg Jets: 1990 throwbacks, but in the team's current color scheme.
Pacific Division
Anaheim Ducks: 1993 throwbacks, but in the team's current color scheme.
Calgary Flames: 1995 "pedestal" throwbacks, but in black instead of white.
Edmonton Oilers: The team's first third jersey in 2001, featuring the "oil drop gear" logo designed by artist and former Oilers co-owner Todd McFarlane, but with the silver trim replaced by orange.
On October 20, 2022, Minnesota Wild defenseman Alex Goligoski played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 371st player to reach the mark.[96]
On October 22, 2022, Nashville Predators general manager David Poile became the first-ever general manager to oversee 3,000 regular season NHL games.[97]
On October 25, 2022, Vegas Golden Knights forward Phil Kessel played his 990th consecutive NHL game, setting a new record for consecutive games played, and surpassing the record previously held by Keith Yandle.[98]
On October 28, 2022, New York Islanders forward Josh Bailey played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 372nd player to reach the mark.[99]
On November 5, 2022, Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin scored his 787th goal as a Capital, setting a new record for goals with one franchise, and surpassing the record previously held by Gordie Howe.[100]
On November 17, 2022, Vegas Golden Knights forward Phil Kessel became the first player in NHL history to play 1,000 consecutive games.[101]
On November 20, 2022, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 373rd player to reach the mark.[102]
On November 21, 2022, Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron recorded his 1,000th point, becoming the 94th player to reach the mark.[103]
On November 21, 2022, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar recorded his 200th point in his 195th NHL game, becoming the fastest defenseman to 200 points in NHL history, and surpassing the record previously held by Sergei Zubov. Additionally, Makar became the first defenseman in NHL history to record 200 points in fewer than 200 games.[104]
On November 21, 2022, Nashville Predators general manager David Poile became the first-ever general manager to win 1,500 regular season NHL games.[105]
On November 21, 2022, New York Islanders forward Cal Clutterbuck recorded his 3,633rd hit, becoming the all-time leader in hits since the statistic began to be tracked, and surpassing the record previously held by Dustin Brown.[106]
On November 29, 2022, Seattle Kraken goaltender Martin Jones allowed eight goals in a 9–8 overtime win against the Los Angeles Kings, becoming the first goaltender to allow eight or more goals and record a victory since Mike Vernon in 1991.[107]
On November 29, 2022, Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin scored his 403rd road goal, setting a new record for road goals, and surpassing the record previously held by Wayne Gretzky.[108]
On December 1, 2022, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos recorded his 1,000th point, becoming the 95th player to reach the mark.[109]
On December 7, 2022, Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson scored five goals in one game, becoming the 48th player in NHL history to do so. Thompson also became the fourth player in league history to score four first-period goals in one game.[110]
On December 10, 2022, Detroit Red Wings forward David Perron played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 374th player to reach the mark.[111]
On December 13, 2022, Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin scored his 136th game-opening goal, setting a new record for game-opening goals, and surpassing the record previously held by Jaromir Jagr.[112]
On December 13, 2022, Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin scored his 800th goal, becoming the third player to reach the mark.[113]
On December 22, 2022, Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin registered his 6,210th shot on goal, setting a new record for shots on goal, and surpassing the record previously held by Ray Bourque.[114]
On December 23, 2022, Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin scored his 802nd goal, surpassing Gordie Howe (801) for second all-time in NHL goals.[115]
On December 29, 2022, Winnipeg Jets forward Sam Gagner played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 375th player to reach the mark.[116]
On December 31, 2022, Los Angeles Kings defenseman Alexander Edler played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 376th player to reach the mark.[117]
On January 14, 2023, Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin recorded his 17th 30-goal season, tying the league record for most 30-goal seasons held by Mike Gartner.[118]
On January 16, 2023, Boston Bruins forward David Krejci played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 377th player to reach the mark.[119]
On January 18, 2023, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos scored his 500th career goal, becoming the 47th player to reach the mark.[120]
On January 29, 2023, Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 378th player to reach the mark.[121]
On February 6, 2023, Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 379th player to reach the mark.[122]
On February 26, 2023, Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mark Giordano blocked his 2,045th shot, becoming the all-time leader in blocked shots since the statistic began to be tracked, and surpassing the record previously held by Kris Russell.[124]
On March 1, 2023, Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid scored two goals against the Toronto Maple Leafs, becoming the fifth player in NHL history to record multiple goals in five consecutive games.[125]
On March 2, 2023, Ottawa Senators forward Derick Brassard played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 380th player to reach the mark.[126]
On March 2, 2023, the Boston Bruins recorded their 100th point of the season in their 61st game, becoming the fastest team to 100 points in NHL history, and surpassing the record previously held by the 1976–77 Montreal Canadiens.[127]
On March 11, 2023, the Boston Bruins recorded their 50th win of the season in their 64th game, becoming the fastest team to 50 wins in NHL history, and surpassing the record previously held by both the 1995–96 Detroit Red Wings and 2018–19 Tampa Bay Lightning.[128]
On March 14, 2023, Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid recorded his 129th point of the season, setting a new record for single-season points in the 21st century, and surpassing the record previously set by Nikita Kucherovin2018–19.[129]
On March 21, 2023, Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin scored his 40th goal of the season, becoming his 13th 40-goal season, setting a new record for 40-goal seasons, and surpassing the record previously held by Wayne Gretzky.[130]
On March 21, 2023, New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello became the second general manager to reach 1,400 NHL regular season wins, alongside David Poile.[131]
On March 22, 2023, Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid scored his 60th goal of the season, becoming the 22nd player to reach the mark, and recording the 41st 60-goal season in NHL history.[132]
On April 1, 2023, Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery led the Bruins to their 59th win of the season, setting a new record for wins by a head coach in their first year with a team, and surpassing the record previously set by Mike Babcock with the 2005–06 Detroit Red Wings.[133]
On April 2, 2023, Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 381st player to reach the mark.[134]
On April 6, 2023, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 382nd player to reach the mark.[135]
On April 8, 2023, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby recorded his 1,500th point, becoming the 15th player to reach the mark.[136]
On April 8, 2023, Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid recorded his 150th point of the season, becoming the sixth player to reach the mark, and the first since Mario Lemieuxin1995–96.[137]
On April 9, 2023, Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak scored his 60th goal of the season, becoming the 23rd player to reach the mark, and recording the 42nd 60-goal season in NHL history. In addition, Pastrnak and Connor McDavid became the first pair of players to score 60 goals in a season since Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr did so in 1995–95.[138]
On April 9, 2023, the Boston Bruins recorded their 63rd win of the season, setting a new single-season record for wins, and surpassing the record previously held by both the 1995–96 Detroit Red Wings and 2018–19 Tampa Bay Lightning.[138]
On April 10, 2023, Ottawa Senators forward Claude Giroux recorded his 1,000th point, becoming the 96th player to reach the mark.[139]
On April 10, 2023, Dallas Stars forward Joe Pavelski recorded his 1,000th point, becoming the 97th player to reach the mark.[140]
On April 10, 2023, San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson recorded his 100th point of the season, becoming the sixth defenseman to reach the mark, and the first since Brian Leetchin1991–92.[141]
On April 11, 2023, the Boston Bruins recorded their 133rd point of the season, setting a new record for regular season points, and surpassing the record previously held by the 1976–77 Montreal Canadiens.[142]
On June 13, 2023, Vegas Golden Knights forward Mark Stone scored a hat trick in game 5 of the 2023 Stanley Cup Finals, becoming the first player to score a hat trick in the Finals since Peter Forsbergin1996.[143] Stone also became the first player to score a hat trick in a Stanley Cup-clinching game since Babe Dyein1922, over 100 years before.[144]
This was the ninth season of the league's 12-year Canadian national broadcast rights deal with Sportsnet. This included Sportnet's sub-licensing agreements airing Saturday Hockey Night in Canada games on CBC Television and French-language broadcasts on TVA Sports.[145] Sportsnet has discontinued the Hometown Hockey format for its Monday-night national games and replaced it with Rogers Monday Night Hockey.[146][147] The schedule included two special Friday editions of Hockey Night in Canada on January 13 and 27, and the Hockey Day in Canada games on January 21.[148]
NHL Live, the digital streaming package for both national and out-of-market games, was discontinued. Out-of-market games were now streamed exclusively on Sportsnet Now Premium, albeit with reduced functionality with no home/away or radio broadcast features available.[149]
This followed the league's trend of moving out-of-market streaming rights directly onto a media partner's platform, after the previous season when ESPN+ took over the U.S. rights from the league's in-house NHL.tv.
TSN analyst Mike Johnson replaced Ray Ferraro as a color commentator of the network's Toronto Maple Leafs broadcasts. Ferraro departed TSN to focus primarily on his duties as the lead color commentator on ESPN and ABC's NHL broadcasts in the United States.[152][153]
ESPN aired exclusive regular season games on selected Tuesdays, Thursdays, and weekends. ABC continued to air games on selected Saturdays during the second half of the season. ESPN+ and Hulu exclusively streamed games throughout the season, primarily on most Tuesdays, Thursdays, and weekends. The All-Star Game and the Stadium Series was broadcast by ABC, while the All-Star skills competition aired on ESPN.[154] NHL content on ESPN+, including out-of-market games, was rebranded under the blanket title "NHL Power Play on ESPN+".[155] ESPN also collaborated with Disney Channel on a youth-oriented alternate broadcast of the Washington Capitals–New York Rangers game on March 14, 2023, using the player and puck tracking system to render a live, 3D animated version of the game portrayed by characters from its animated series Big City Greens.[156]
WBD aired regular season games primarily on TNT, with TBS, truTV, and HLN being used as overflow. TNT primarily aired national games on Wednesday nights, along with the Thanksgiving Showdown, Winter Classic, and selected Sunday games during the later half of the season. Unlike the previous season, not all of TNT's games were exclusive broadcasts, and were thus subject to blackout.[154]
NHL Network continues to nationally televise selected regular season games not broadcast by either ESPN or TNT. The network also produces its own game broadcasts on Saturday and Sunday afternoons as part of the NHL Network Showcase series.
In September 2022, Ted Leonsis's Monumental Sports & Entertainment bought out NBCUniversal's ownership stake in NBC Sports Washington, which carries broadcasts of the Washington Capitals and the NBA's Washington Wizards, both Monumental-owned teams. Monumental initially took minority ownership of the network in 2016. NBC will provide transitional corporate, technical, and distribution support up to 18 months after the sale, and Monumental plans to rebrand the network after the 2022–23 season.[157][158]
On February 24, 2023, the AT&T SportsNet regional sports networks sent letters to the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Vegas Golden Knights saying they had until March 31, 2023, to reach an agreement to take their local television rights back. Warner Bros. Discovery, the owners of the networks, intends to leave the regional sports networks business. If a deal is not reached the networks will file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The Seattle Kraken's deal with Root Sports Northwest is not affected because Warner Bros. Discovery only has minority control of that network.[159][160]
The Seattle Kraken hired Eddie Olczyk as a TV color commentator, joining John Forslund and J. T. Brown on a three-person booth for a majority of games. Olczyk will continue to hold the same position with TNT on a concurrent basis.[162]
After selling its stake in Disney Streaming, the NHL partnered with Sportradar (which had a ten-year deal with the league for data and video distribution) to assume the operations of its international streaming service NHL.tv.[165]
^ abcd"NHL releases 2022-23 regular season schedule". NHL.com. July 6, 2022. Archived from the original on July 6, 2022. Retrieved July 6, 2022. The NHL previously announced the Nashville Predators and San Jose Sharks will begin the regular season with two games in the 2022 NHL Global Series at O2 Arena in Prague on Oct. 7 and 8
^ ab"Doug Wilson to Step Down As General Manager of Sharks After 19 Seasons". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L. P. April 7, 2022. Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved April 7, 2022. 'I feel it is in the best interest of the organization and myself to step down from my current duties and focus on my health and full recovery.' - Doug Wilson
