The 2026 NHL Winter Classic will be a historic event, as it will take place in Florida for the first time ever. The New York Rangers are scheduled to face off against the Florida Panthers at loanDepot Park, home to the Miami Marlins.

This matchup will not only be significant for the location, marking the southernmost outdoor game in NHL history, but it also represents a milestone for the Panthers, marking their first appearance in an outdoor game. The only NHL franchise yet to compete in an outdoor setting will be the Utah Hockey Club, previously known as the Arizona Coyotes. Additionally, the Columbus Blue Jackets are preparing for their inaugural outdoor game, set to occur in March during a Stadium Series contest against the Detroit Red Wings at Ohio Stadium.

As for the Rangers, this game will be their sixth outdoor appearance, tying them with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers for the second-most outdoor games played in NHL history. The Rangers’ most recent outdoor event was in February 2024, where they secured a thrilling 6-5 overtime victory over the New York Islanders at MetLife Stadium. The Chicago Blackhawks currently lead the NHL with seven outdoor games played, following their appearance in the 2025 Winter Classic against the St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field. The NHL anticipates a competitive matchup next season with both the Panthers and Rangers poised to be playoff contenders. The Rangers, despite early-season challenges in the 2024-25 campaign, are expected to rebound, supported by star goaltender Igor Shesterkin and former Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox, alongside prolific scorers Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Mika Zibanejad. On the other hand, the Panthers are looking to build on their championship success after capturing their first Stanley Cup by defeating Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers, bringing back key players from their championship roster, including Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart, Aleksander Barkov, and Sergei Bobrovsky. The inaugural Winter Classic took place in 2008, featuring the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres, and the upcoming match between the Panthers and Rangers will be the 17th edition of this celebrated event.