The southernmost matchup in NHL history and the first of two outdoor games that will be played in the Sunshine State next season, the Panthers will host the New York Rangers in the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic at loanDepot Park in Miami on Jan. 2. It will be the 17th NHL Winter Classic and the 44th NHL regular-season outdoor game.

Classic is an annual hockey game that has taken place since 2008. Learn more about its history, all-time results and other stats now.

For the first time, the NHL's annual winter classic will be played on New Year's Eve. But the matchup is familar, with the Chicago Blackhawks hosting the St. Louis Blues.

The 2025 NHL Winter Classic went back to Chicago to ring in the new year and the views were absolutely stunning.

The NHL announced Wednesday that the Florida Panthers will host the 2026 Winter Classic, facing the New York Rangers on Jan. 2 at loanDepot park, home of the Miami Marlins. “Our time has come that we deserve an outdoor game,” Panthers president and CEO Matt Caldwell said. “We’re fired up to have it right here locally.”

The Rangers’ 2025-26 schedule will include another outdoor game, with the Blueshirts set to face the Panthers in the Winter Classic at loanDepot Park in Miami on Jan. 2, 2026, the league announced Wednesday.

The two outdoor games have been announced. On Wednesday afternoon, it was announced that the Florida Panthers will host the 2026 Winter Classic on Jan.

The Florida Panthers have never appeared in an outdoor game. This is set to change in 2026 when they host the New York Rangers for the Winter Classic.