Jason Spezza was named Ottawa’s captain, then requested a trade at the end of last season. Jan. 29, 2015 will be Spezza’s first game in Ottawa in a rival jersey.DARRYL DYCK/The Canadian Press
1. Oct. 8, Sharks at Kings
The San Jose Sharks will endure the Stanley Cup banner raising at Staples Center in Los Angeles on opening night in the NHL. The Kings became only the fourth team to win a playoff series after trailing 3-0 when they ousted the Sharks in the first round in April.
2. Jan. 11, Jets at Ducks
Teemu Selanne will have his Anaheim No. 8 jersey retired as the Ducks play host to the high-scoring Finn's first NHL team, the Winnipeg Jets. Another jersey retirement will see defence great Guy Lapointe's No. 5 go up in Montreal on Nov. 8 versus Minnesota.
3. Oct. 16, Bruins at Canadiens
In the handshake line after Montreal eliminated Boston in seven games in the playoffs, the Bruins' Milan Lucic reportedly told Dale Weise and Alexei Emelin, "I'm going to kill you next year." This will be Lucic's first chance.
4. Jan. 1, Blackhawks at Capitals
The NHL Winter Classic will be held at Nationals Park in Washington. By that time, it should be clear what success new Caps coach Barry Trotz has in turning goal-hungry Alex Ovechkin and Co. into a defensively sound squad.
5. Jan. 29, Stars at Senators
Jason Spezza was named Ottawa's captain, then requested a trade at the end of the season. He vetoed a deal to Nashville, then was dealt to the Stars. After 12 years as a Senator, it will be Spezza's first game in Ottawa in a rival jersey.
6. Feb. 21, Kings at Sharks
The NHL Stadium Series goes to Santa Clara, Calif., for another spotlight game between Los Angeles and San Jose.
7. Nov. 29, Blackhawks at Kings
Some feel the Stanley Cup was really decided in the Western Conference final between Los Angeles and Chicago. Their first meeting of the season will be a can't-miss matchup on Hockey Night in Canada.
8. Nov. 29, Sabres at Canadiens
Two key leaders on last season's Montreal team , Brian Gionta and Josh Gorges, pay their first visit to the Bell Centre as members of the Sabres. If Habs fans are true to form, they'll get booed.
9. Oct. 8, Canucks at Flames
Willie Desjardins makes his Canucks coaching debut, trying to restore order after John Tortorella's er … interesting year.
10. April 11, Flames at Jets
The final night of the regular season could see a showdown for a playoff spot if both teams lift their game a notch this season.