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NHL announces reduced 2026 preseason schedule starting September 19

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 13, 2026, 10:46 PM

Last updated Aug 13, 2026

NHL announces reduced 2026 preseason schedule starting September 19

Summary

The NHL has announced its preseason schedule for the 2026-27 season, featuring 65 games across eight days, beginning on September 19 and concluding on September 27. The reduction in games is due to an increase in the regular season from 82 to 84 games under the new collective bargaining agreement. Among the highlights is the Kraft Hockeyville game, where the Montreal Canadiens will face the Ottawa Senators in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, on September 21. The regular season will kick off two days later on September 29 with five games scheduled.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•65 preseason games scheduled from Sept. 19 to Sept. 27
•Kraft Hockeyville game features Canadiens vs. Senators
•Regular season begins on Sept. 29 with five matchups
•Preseason includes four neutral-site games
•Teams prepare for expanded 84-game regular season

Latest Updates

10:46 PMYahoo Sports — 2026 NHL preseason schedule announced with reduced number of games

What they're saying

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The 2026 NHL preseason schedule will be shorter because the regular season is increasing to 84 games. Here are the dates, times and locations.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Montreal Canadiens New York Islanders New York Rangers Ottawa Senators NHL Hockey