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Babcock’s Detroit return highlights NHL openers

Mike Babcock, Brendan Shanahan

Mike Babcock, Brendan Shanahan

AP

While the full NHL regular-season schedule for 2015-16 won’t be released until tomorrow, teams were able to provide a bit of a tease on Wednesday by announcing their home openers.

And with that, Detroit stole the spotlight.

The Red Wings announced their first game at Joe Louis will be on Friday, Oct. 9 -- against Mike Babcock and the Toronto Maple Leafs. The game promises to be an exciting and emotional affair; Babcock, of course, orchestrated his highly-publicized departure from Detroit last month, ending his 10-year stint in the Motor City to sign a monster eight-year, $50 million deal to coach the Leafs.

Some other openers of note:

• The Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks will raise their banner on Wednesday, Oct. 7, with an original six matchup against the New York Rangers at the United Center.

• Connor McDavid will make his (likely) NHL debut on the road, as Edmonton will open its campaign in St. Louis on Thursday, Oct. 8.

• The Isles will play their first regular-season game in their new digs, Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, on Oct. 9 against Chicago.

• For the second consecutive year, the San Jose Sharks will open at Staples against their in-state rival Los Angeles (on Oct. 7).

FULL LIST OF HOME OPENERS, 2015-16 SEASON

Anaheim Ducks: Monday, Oct. 12 vs. Vancouver
Arizona Coyotes: Saturday, Oct. 10 vs. Pittsburgh
Boston Bruins: Thursday, Oct. 8 vs. Winnipeg
Buffalo Sabres: Thursday, Oct. 8 vs. Ottawa
Calgary Flames: Wednesday, Oct. 7 vs. Vancouver
Carolina Hurricanes: Saturday, Oct. 10 vs. Detroit
Chicago Blackhawks: Wednesday, Oct. 7 vs. NY Rangers
Colorado Avalanche: Thursday, Oct. 8 vs. Minnesota
Columbus Blue Jackets: Friday, Oct. 9 vs. NY Rangers
Dallas Stars: Thursday, Oct. 8 vs. Pittsburgh
Detroit Red Wings: Friday, Oct. 9 vs. Toronto
Edmonton Oilers: Thursday, Oct. 15 vs. St. Louis
Florida Panthers: Saturday, Oct. 10 vs. Philadelphia
Los Angeles Kings: Wednesday, Oct. 7 vs. San Jose
Minnesota Wild: Saturday, Oct. 10 vs. St. Louis
Montreal Canadiens: Thursday, Oct. 15 vs. NY Rangers
Nashville Predators: Thursday, Oct. 8 vs. Carolina
New Jersey Devils: Friday, Oct. 9 vs. Winnipeg
New York Islanders: Friday, Oct. 9 vs. Chicago
New York Rangers: Saturday, Oct. 10 vs. Columbus
Ottawa Senators: Sunday, Oct. 11 vs. Montreal
Philadelphia Flyers: Monday, Oct. 12 vs. Florida
Pittsburgh Penguins: Tuesday, Oct. 13 vs. Montreal
San Jose Sharks: Saturday, Oct. 10 vs. Anaheim
St. Louis Blues: Thursday, Oct. 8 vs. Edmonton
Tampa Bay Lightning: Thursday, Oct. 8 vs. Philadelphia
Toronto Maple Leafs: Wednesday, Oct. 7 vs. Montreal
Vancouver Canucks: Saturday, Oct. 10 vs. Calgary
Washington Capitals: Saturday, Oct. 10 vs. New Jersey
Winnipeg Jets: Friday, Oct. 16 vs. Calgary