Flyers' top games include a date with Cutter Gauthier and a potential farewell

It may be July and sweltering outside, but ice hockey is dancing in everyone's head now that the Flyers' 2025-26 schedule has been released. Philly's first season under Rick Tocchet begins on the road against the two-time defending champion Florida Panthers on Oct. 9.

Here are a few more games to be excited about:

Oct. 13: The home opener

Philly lifts the lid on its home schedule — and the renamed Xfinity Mobile Arena — on Oct. 13 against the Panthers. Fans get their first up-close look at the revamped lineup as Trevor Zegras and Christian Dvorak make their home debuts.

Afternoon games

There are seven afternoon home games this season: New York Islanders on Oct. 25; Ottawa Senators on Nov. 8; Colorado Avalanche on Dec. 7; New York Rangers on Jan. 17; Los Angeles Kings on Jan. 31; and Boston Bruins on Feb. 28 and April 5.

Nov. 12: McDavid says hello

Everyone will have Anaheim circled, but when Connor McDavid swings through town, that's another must-attend contest. The Edmonton star continues to place himself among the game's all-time greats with his quick feet and high-octane offense.

Nov. 1: Laughts of love

Scott Laughton had a long run in Philly, and fans will get to show him some love and some grace, too, when the forward and the Toronto Maple Leafs visit on Nov. 1 and Jan. 8. The beloved leader played 661 games for the Flyers.

Nov. 28: Black Friday hits the road

For the first time since 2005 (in an 82-game season), the Flyers do not have a home game on Black Friday. Why? The Eagles are hosting the Chicago Bears at the Linc, so the Orange and Black head to UBS Arena for a matchup with the Islanders.

Dec. 30: Tocchet returns to Vancouver

Tocchet gets to see his former club twice before 2025 wraps. The Canucks visit Philly on Dec. 22, and the Flyers head west for their annual trip out of town — Disney on Ice is at Xfinity Mobile Arena — with a stop in Vancouver on Dec. 30.

Jan. 6: Mighty matchup

The game everyone has circled is Jan. 6. Obviously, that's when Ryan Poehling returns and Zegras sees his old team; oh, and some guy named Cutter Gauthier returns to Philly for the second time. If last year is any indication, expect boos.

March 11: Ovi and out?

Of course, Alex Ovechkin hasn't confirmed this is his last season, but if it is the finale for the NHL's goal-scoring king, he'll hit the ice in Philly on March 11. Ovi, 39, has 52 goals in 78 career games vs. the Flyers.