The NHL preseason has been changed to accommodate an increased 84-game regular season.
We’ll see fewer preseason games, with the Stanley Cup odds favourites, contenders, and hopefuls at the BetMGM sportsbook using the abbreviated schedule to make sure they’re ready for the start of the 2026-27 campaign.
Related: NHL Strength of Schedule For All 32 Teams: 2026-27
NHL Preseason Schedule: When Does it Start?
The 2026 NHL preseason starts on Sept. 19 and finishes on Sept. 26. Each team will play a maximum of four games, a two-game decrease from previous NHL preseasons.
The reduction is to accommodate an 84-game schedule, an increase of two games from previous regular seasons.
Is the NHL Regular Season Schedule Out?
Yes, the regular season schedule was released on Thursday at 1 p.m. ET.
How Many Games Does Each Team Play in the Preseason?
Each team will play a maximum of four preseason games.
Are There Fewer Games in the 2026 NHL Preseason?
Yes, teams played up to six games in previous preseasons. No team will play more than four games in the 2026 preseason.
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