Summer is just beginning but thoughts are already turning to the upcoming NHL season after the Winnipeg Jets released their 2012-13 schedule.

The team opens its sophomore season at home against the Carolina Hurricanes on Oct. 13th.

Winnipeg remains at home to host the Chicago Blackhawks for their first ever visit to MTS Centre on Oct. 16 before heading out on the road for an Oct. 19 game against the Washington Capitals and Oct. 20 game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

As for all-Canadian matchups at the MTS Centre, there are plenty. The Vancouver Canucks (Feb 9, 2013) and Calgary Flames (Feb. 28, 2013) make their first visits to Winnipeg.

The Jets also host the Montreal Canadiens on Nov. 15 and Feb. 17 , Toronto Maple Leafs on Nov. 29 and Feb. 7, and the Ottawa Senators on Jan. 19 and March 16.

With the Jets remaining in the Southeast Division this season, Winnipeg will once again face their division rivals in the Capitals, Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Florida Panthers a total of six times each, with three games against each played at MTS Centre.

The Jets also face their fellow Eastern Conference teams four times each, including two each at MTS Centre. They will play all Western Conference opponents once, but will face the Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, and St. Louis Blues twice each.

And once again, the Jets will host a New Year’s Eve game, closing out 2012 against the Lightning on Dec. 31 at 4 p.m.

Winnipeg’s longest homestand during the regular season is five games beginning on Jan. 11, when they host the New Jersey Devils, and concluding on Jan. 19 against the Senators.

The team will take to the road for a season-high six consecutive games beginning Nov. 17, visiting the Boston Bruins and ending Nov. 27 in Buffalo against the Sabres.

The regular season schedule wraps up on the road in Ottawa on Apr. 13.