Maple Leafs' Opening Night Opponent Officially Revealed by the NHL

On Monday, the NHL shared the schedule for the opening night of the 2025-26 season on October 7th that features a triple-header that begins with the Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers raising their second consecutive banner.

As Leafs Nation anxiously awaits the release of Mitch Marner's return to Toronto, reports surfaced that the club will open it's 2025-26 season against a long-time division rival on October 8th.

According to Karine Hains, the Habs' reporter for The Hockey News, the Leafs will kick off their season against the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena.

It seems to be tradition at this point, as this marks the sixth consecutive season that the Atlantic Division rivals will face-off to open the Leafs' season. Over the past five opening night games, the Leafs hold a slight 3-2 edge with the Habs winning a tightly contested 1-0 game at the start of last season, that saw Sam Montembeault make 48 saves in the victory.

Entering the 2025-26 season, the Habs are hoping to take another step forward, while the Leafs are hoping the loss of Marner doesn't send them into a heavy descent from the top of the Atlantic Division.