Every NHL schedule release comes with one question fans immediately ask:
When does he return?
Whether it’s a franchise captain coming home, a fan favourite wearing new colours or a blockbuster trade that changed the league, these are the nights every hockey fan should have circled on the calendar.
Here are the biggest player return games of the 2026–27 NHL season.
Brady Tkachuk Returns to Ottawa
There may not be a more emotional game all season than Brady Tkachuk’s return to Canadian Tire Centre.
After spending eight seasons with the Senators, serving as captain and becoming one of the faces of the franchise, Tkachuk was traded to the Florida Panthers in the biggest move of the summer. The deal stunned the hockey world and instantly changed the balance of power in the Eastern Conference.
Now he’ll skate onto the ice wearing Panthers colours.
Will Senators fans give their former captain a standing ovation? Will the boos drown out the tribute video? Or will the emotions be somewhere in between?
One thing is certain—this won’t feel like an ordinary regular-season game.
Darnell Nurse Returns to Edmonton
Few players have spent more time under the microscope than Darnell Nurse.
After more than a decade with the Oilers, the longtime defenceman begins a new chapter with the San Jose Sharks following one of the offseason’s biggest trades. (Yahoo Sports)
His first game back at Rogers Place promises plenty of emotion.
Nurse played through injuries, logged massive minutes and helped Edmonton make multiple deep playoff runs. While his contract often became the focus of criticism, there’s no denying the impact he had on the organization.
Expect an emotional tribute—and an interesting reaction from Oilers fans.
Vincent Trocheck Returns to Madison Square Garden
Vincent Trocheck quickly became one of the Rangers’ most respected leaders.
His gritty style, playoff performances and leadership made him a fan favourite in New York before he was moved to the Utah Mammoth during the offseason. (ESPN.com)
Returning to Madison Square Garden won’t be easy.
Trocheck knows that building better than almost anyone, and Rangers fans will undoubtedly show their appreciation before immediately hoping he has a quiet night.
Mason McTavish Returns to Anaheim
The Ducks made one of the boldest decisions of the summer when they traded former third-overall pick Mason McTavish.
Now with the St. Louis Blues, McTavish’s first game back at Honda Center becomes an instant measuring stick for both organizations.
If he scores?
Expect Ducks fans to immediately question the trade.
If Anaheim’s young core outplays him?
The organization will feel even better about the direction it’s chosen.
Darren Raddysh Returns to Tampa Bay
Sometimes the quieter moves still create memorable return games.
After being dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Darren Raddysh will make his first return to Amalie Arena looking to prove Tampa Bay made a mistake by moving him.
These games don’t always grab national headlines, but players never forget the teams that traded them.
Trevor Zegras Faces Anaheim… Again
While it won’t be his first game against the Ducks, every Trevor Zegras matchup with Anaheim continues to carry extra meaning.
The former face of the Ducks rebuild now finds himself in Philadelphia, and every meeting serves as another reminder of how dramatically Anaheim’s roster has changed over the past two seasons.
Considering Zegras’ personality and flair, don’t be surprised if he tries to put on a show whenever he sees the orange and black.
Which Return Game Will Be the Loudest?
There are plenty of emotional reunions this season, but a few stand above the rest.
Brady Tkachuk returning to Ottawa feels like the game everyone will be talking about.
Darnell Nurse skating back into Rogers Place won’t be far behind.
Trocheck returning to Madison Square Garden and McTavish’s first trip back to Anaheim could also create unforgettable moments.
The NHL schedule is filled with rivalry games and Stanley Cup rematches, but sometimes the most compelling story isn’t about two teams.
It’s about one player returning to the building he used to call home.
