NHL 2026-27 Preseason Schedule Officially Released

Preseason Kickoff and Key Changes The NHL preseason for the 2026-27 season will officially begin on September 19 and run through September 26. This year brings a significant change to the schedule: the total number of preseason games has been reduced to just 65, down from over 100 games in previous seasons. This adjustment comes as part of a new collective bargaining agreement between the league and the NHLPA, aimed at extending the regular season to 84 games — the longest in NHL history.

The longer regular season presents a major challenge for players, increasing physical and mental demands and requiring teams to make strategic adjustments. However, the reduction in preseason games is designed to ease this burden and provide teams with more focused, quality preparation time ahead of the season opener. This move highlights the league’s shift in priorities, placing greater emphasis on the regular season — the true heartbeat of the competition.

Special Games at Neutral Venues One of the most exciting preseason events will take place on September 21, when the Montreal Canadiens host the Ottawa Senators at the Videotron Centre in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. This game is part of the celebrations honoring Saint-Boniface’s 2025 Kraft Hockeyville win — a competition that promotes hockey in smaller communities and brings special events to them.

In addition to the Quebec matchup, three other games will be held at neutral sites across the U.S.: the Los Angeles Kings vs. Vegas Golden Knights in Ontario, California; the Philadelphia Flyers vs. Washington Capitals in Hershey, Pennsylvania; and the Carolina Hurricanes vs. Nashville Predators in Greensboro, North Carolina. These neutral-site games offer communities that have never hosted NHL games a chance to experience the league’s unique atmosphere, helping to grow hockey’s popularity.

Summary and Important Dates The preseason will conclude on September 26 with a busy day featuring 14 games, ahead of the regular season opener on September 29. Notable preseason matchups include the Dallas Stars vs. St. Louis Blues, Winnipeg Jets vs. Edmonton Oilers, and Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild.

The schedule changes — fewer preseason games paired with an extended regular season — reflect the league’s effort to balance player health with delivering an exciting viewing experience for fans. Fewer preseason games allow teams to focus on tactical and physical preparation for a demanding season, while the longer regular season raises the level of competition and creates more marquee matchups between top teams.

In conclusion, the NHL 2026-27 preseason promises fans unique and diverse matchups alongside strategic scheduling changes that will impact how teams prepare and perform throughout the season. Moreover, the neutral-site games provide new communities with the chance to connect with the world’s premier hockey league, strengthening the NHL’s position as a leading sport in North America.