Watching NHL games live from anywhere boils down to navigating regional blackouts, national broadcast rights, and geo-restrictions that lock content behind borders. In the 2025-26 season, ESPN+ handles most out-of-market and exclusive US games, Sportsnet+ dominates in Canada, and DAZN powers international access via nhl.tv integration.
Free legal options are limited but still available for some broadcasts, like Hockey Night in Canada. This guide explains the main legal ways to watch in 2026, starting with free or low-cost options and moving on to paid bundles. It focuses on reliable HD streams, device support, and ways to avoid blackouts.
1. CBC Gem
- Starting Price: Free (ad-supported)
- Availability: Canada primarily
- Key Features: Live Saturday games (Hockey Night in Canada), on-demand replays
- Device Support: Web, iOS, Android, smart TVs
- Simultaneous Streams: 2-3
CBC Gem lets you watch select national games for free, especially doubleheaders on Saturdays. It’s the top legal free choice for Canadian fans. The service covers big matchups but doesn’t offer full out-of-market access.
Pros
- No subscription cost
- Official broadcast quality
- Easy app access
Cons
- Limited to specific games
- Ads interrupt play
- Geo-restricted outside Canada
2. ESPN+
- Starting Price: $12.99/month (ESPN Select) or bundled with Hulu/Disney+
- Availability: US only
- Key Features: 1,000+ out-of-market games via Power Play, exclusive national windows, replays
- Device Support: ESPN app, Disney+, smart TVs, consoles
- Simultaneous Streams: Up to 3
ESPN+ is the main option for US viewers who want to watch most regular-season games. It streams out-of-market matchups and some national broadcasts, along with extra content like analysis shows. Local team games may still be blacked out.
Pros
- Vast out-of-market library
- Bundles save money
- HD quality, no cable needed
Cons
- Local blackouts persist
- National games may require add-ons
- US-restricted
3. Sportsnet+
- Starting Price: Varies (around $20-30/month)
- Availability: Canada
- Key Features: National games, regional streams, NHL Centre Ice for out-of-market
- Device Support: Sportsnet app, web, TVs
- Simultaneous Streams: Multiple
Sportsnet+ gives Canadian fans national broadcasts and out-of-market access through Centre Ice. Some packages also include Prime Video and TVA games. It’s a reliable choice for watching the full season in Canada, and you can use a VPN to watch from other countries.
Pros
- Deep Canadian rights
- High-quality feeds
- Includes playoffs push
Cons
- Higher cost for full access
- Regional limits
- Not all games in the base plan
4. DAZN
- Starting Price: Varies by country (often $20-40/month)
- Availability: Many countries outside the US/Canada (full list on NHL site)
- Key Features: Live games, replays, on-demand
- Device Support: DAZN app, web, TVs
- Simultaneous Streams: 2-4
DAZN has international NHL rights in many countries, taking over from NHL.TV. It offers live games and highlights without US blackouts in supported areas. It’s a good option for fans in Europe, Asia, and other regions. Check if it’s available in your country.
Pros
- No local blackouts in many areas
- Global access
- Solid international feed
Cons
- Price fluctuates
- Not available everywhere
- May miss some US exclusives
5. Hulu + Live TV
- Starting Price: $76.99/month
- Availability: US
- Key Features: ESPN, ABC, TNT games, DVR
- Device Support: Hulu app, wide compatibility
- Simultaneous Streams: 2 (unlimited with add-on)
Hulu + Live TV lets you watch national NHL games on ESPN, ABC, and TNT, and includes a cloud DVR for recording. It’s a great choice for cord-cutters who want wide coverage without being tied to one service.
Pros
- Includes multiple channels
- DVR storage
- Bundle perks
Cons
- Expensive
- Misses some out-of-market
- US geo-blocked
6. Max (with TNT)
- Starting Price: $9.99/month (ad-supported) or higher tiers
- Availability: US primarily
- Key Features: Live TNT broadcasts, on-demand
- Device Support: Max app, TVs
- Simultaneous Streams: 3
Max streams TNT’s NHL national games, which are an important part of the regular season. It is an easy add-on if you already have a Max subscription.
Pros
- Affordable for TNT games
- Good quality
- Easy integration
Cons
- Only the TNT portion
- Blackouts apply
- Not a full season
7. Free trials and occasional free broadcasts
- Starting Price: Free during trial periods
- Availability: Varies
- Key Features: Test ESPN+, Hulu, Sportsnet+
- Device Support: Standard apps
Many services have 7-day trials, so you can watch big games for free during that time. Sometimes, games are also shown for free on over-the-air TV or platforms like 9Now in Australia. However, there isn’t a legal way to watch the full season live for free.
Pros
- No upfront cost
- Test quality
- Legal access
Cons
- Time-limited
- Not reliable long-term
- Sparse free games
8. Pluto TV
- Starting Price: Free (ad-supported)
- Availability: US and select international markets
- Key Features: Select live local games via FanDuel Sports Network simulcasts, NHL highlights, classic replays
- Device Support: Pluto app, web, smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV
- Simultaneous Streams: Unlimited (app-based)
Pluto TV works with FanDuel Sports Network to stream select NBA and NHL games for free in some markets. Starting in late 2025 and into 2026, some live local NHL games will be on Pluto channels with no login required. You’ll see ads, NHL Network-style content, highlights, and sometimes full games. It’s a good option for cord-cutters who want to catch random matchups.
Pros
- Truly free with no account required
- Live games in select regions
- Bonus hockey channels for replays
Cons
- Limited to specific games/markets
- Ads interrupt play
- Not full-season access
9. Team-specific free streams and preseason access
- Starting Price: Free
- Availability: Team markets or official platforms
- Key Features: Preseason games, select in-market broadcasts, highlights
- Device Support: Team apps, websites, smart TVs
- Simultaneous Streams: Varies
Teams like the Vegas Golden Knights offer free preseason streams on platforms such as KnightTime+. Other clubs offer free in-market viewing of select games or preseason games via their official apps. Check your favourite team’s NHL page for announcements.
However, the regular season rarely goes fully free, but the preseason delivers live action without cost.
Pros
- Official high-quality feeds
- No subscription for the preseason
- Team-focused content
Cons
- Preseason is only available in most cases
- Limited to specific teams
- Availability spotty
10. Over-the-air antenna for national broadcasts
- Starting Price: One-time antenna cost ($20-50)
- Availability: Areas with strong signals
- Key Features: Free HD national games on ABC (select NHL broadcasts)
- Device Support: Any TV with a tuner
- Simultaneous Streams: N/A (broadcast)
If you have good reception, a basic digital antenna lets you watch ABC over-the-air for free. ABC shows select NHL games nationally, especially big matchups. In Canada, you can also use an antenna to watch CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada. There are no streaming fees—just plug in your antenna and scan for channels.
Pros
- Completely free after hardware purchase
- No internet needed
- Crystal-clear HD
Cons
- Requires proximity to broadcast towers
- Limited to aired national games
- The weather can affect the signal
These options let you watch almost every NHL game legally. Paid services give you the most complete coverage. Be sure to check local rights and blackout rules before you sign up.