NHL announces key dates for trade deadline, start of playoffs

The NHL has announced several key dates to add to the calendar for the upcoming season.

Among the announcements is that the trade deadline has been set for March 7 at 3 p.m. ET. Also announced, the Stanley Cup Playoffs will begin April 19 and end no later than June 23.

Puck drop on the 2024-25 season is on Oct. 4 and 5 with a pair of games between the Sabres and Devils in Prague. The season begins in North America on Oct. 8.

Here are all the key dates announced by the league on Wednesday.

Oct. 1: NHL Board of Governors meeting (New York)
Oct. 4-5: NHL Global Series in Prague (Sabres vs. Devils)
Oct. 8: Opening night
Oct. 22: NHL Frozen Frenzy: All 32 teams in action
Nov. 1-2: NHL Global Series in Tampere, Finland (Stars vs. Panthers)
Dec. 9-10: NHL Board of Governors meeting
Feb. 10-21: Season paused for 4 Nations Face-Off
March 7: Trade deadline (3 p.m. ET)
April 17: Final day of regular season
April 19: Stanley Cup Playoffs begin
June 23: Last possible day for Stanley Cup Playoffs