The NHL is gearing up for a significant shake-up in its schedule, and it's set to make waves for the Montreal Canadiens next season. Starting with the 2026-2027 season, the league will kick off its regular season earlier than ever, with the puck dropping on September 29.
This change, first reported by Renaud Lavoie, marks a departure from the traditional start times we've come to expect. Pierre LeBrun, another well-connected insider, provided further insights into this new structure that's currently in the works.
League executives are crafting a plan to expand the regular season to 84 games, up from the familiar 82. This extension means the season will wrap up on April 10 for all teams. For the Canadiens, this translates to two extra games on their calendar.
So, what's driving the NHL to push for an 84-game schedule and an earlier start? The primary goal is to replace preseason games with official matchups, maximizing gate revenue and delivering more meaningful hockey right from the get-go. Training camps, often criticized for dragging on with games that don't impact standings, would be shortened, giving fans high-quality action sooner.
However, this increase in game nights means players will need to be in peak physical condition to handle the demands and reduce the risk of injuries. As the league navigates these changes, teams and fans alike will be watching closely to see how this new schedule unfolds.