The NHL’s recent collective bargaining agreement has increased the length of the 2026-27 regular season from 82 to 84 games. As a consequence, the preseason will be cut shorter, with training camps starting on September 17 and the first preseason games scheduled for September 19, wrapping up a week later. Each team will participate in four preseason games, except for the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators, who will play five due to their involvement in the annual Kraft Hockeyville game on September 21. The full preseason schedule, including dates, times, and venues, is set before the regular season kicks off on September 29.
Fan Take: This expansion signals a boost in the competitive action for fans and could lead to more exciting, longer seasons. It also reflects the NHL’s commitment to growing the sport and engaging audiences, making it an eventful year for hockey enthusiasts.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
