Some info about ESPN+: At this point, we really don't know for sure what NHL games will be offered on ESPN+ in the USA. ESPN+ requires internet. For now, if you have internet and also get ESPN thru your Direct TV satellite pkg, or cable TV, or an internet streaming service, etc., then you can also get to ESPN+ right now, if your TV has the ESPN app, or if you use a home computer, or if you use a separate streaming device (e.g. Roku) for your TV. Once you open the ESPN app, you will see the options to select ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and ESPN+,etc. ESPN+ costs extra at $6.99/month plus taxes. There is usually a free trial period offered for ESPN+.
On your computer, you can go to the ESPN site, then look for ESPN+ in the banner area; just click on it to get started. OR look for Watch ESPN in the same area, and you can see what else is being offered currently and in the future on the various ESPN platforms. In previous years on ESPN+, there were quite of number NHL games offered ON DEMAND for several days after the initial broadcast.
I recently renewed my ESPN+ subscription in order to watch the full array of tennis matches now at the U.S. Open tournament, and this subscription should still be in effect at the start of the NHL season.
I also understand that Direct TV has just introduced Direct TV Streaming at various pkg price levels with some DVR options, which may be worth looking at for the coming NHL season.