Golden Knights' era begins Oct. 6 in Dallas before home opener vs. Coyotes

The expansion Vegas Golden Knights will make their regular-season debut on the road in Dallas on Oct. 6 and host the Arizona Coyotes on Oct. 10 in the first home game in franchise history.

NHL teams announced their home openers Wednesday with the full, 1,271-game schedule for the 2017-18 season set to be released Thursday.

Vegas will play its first two games on the road, visiting Arizona on Oct. 7 before the second leg of an early back-to-back for coach Gerard Gallant's club.

As for the Canadian teams, the Toronto Maple Leafs open at Winnipeg on Oct. 4 in a showcase of this year's top Calder Trophy candidates, Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine. The Leafs' home opener takes places three days later against the New York Rangers.

The Montreal Canadiens will begin their season at the Bell Centre against their division-rival Buffalo Sabres. The Ottawa Senators also start at home, against back-to-back Presidents' Trophy-winning Washington Capitals.

Battle of Alberta renewed

The battle of Alberta will be renewed on Oct 4., as the Calgary Flames visit Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. The Flames will then open their home schedule on Oct 7 against the Jets.

The Vancouver Canucks will host the Oilers in their home opener on Oct 7.

The Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins will raise another banner and begin their quest for a three-peat Oct. 4 against the St. Louis Blues. The Penguins visit the Chicago Blackhawks on Oct. 5 in a matchup of the only teams to win the Cup three times in the salary-cap era.

The Western Conference-champion Nashville Predators open the season Oct. 5 at Boston. Nashville celebrates the longest playoff run in franchise history at home Oct. 10 against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Philadelphia opens Oct. 4 at the San Jose Sharks, who have the longest active season-opener winning streak at seven. 

The Detroit Red Wings host Minnesota on Oct. 5 in the first NHL regular-season game at the new Little Caesars Arena.

The  Capitals host the Montreal Canadiens in their home opener Oct. 7.