Tentative Schedule Agreement for Next Season!

Exciting news for hockey enthusiasts! The start date for the next NHL season is tentatively set for October 7th, with the Stanley Cup Final potentially extending into the third week of June. While there may be slight adjustments before the schedule’s official release in July, this timeline brings a sense of stability to fans eagerly awaiting the puck drop.

2026 Winter Olympics Impact

With the XXV Olympic Winter Games scheduled in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, expect a significant disruption to the NHL calendar. Anticipating a longer break for players than what was seen during the recent 4 Nations Faceoff, the league is preparing for about a three-week hiatus around the Olympics, in conjunction with the NHL's All-Star Game.

Bettman's Packed Schedule Strategy

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has hinted that fans should brace for more back-to-back games next season and a busier overall schedule. This approach comes as the current Collective Bargaining Agreement is set to expire before the 2026-27 season. Major changes could be on the horizon as the NHL and NHL Players' Association (NHLPA) work towards an improved schedule.

A Revolutionary 84-Game Regular Season?

In a bold shift, discussions are underway about shortening the preseason while expanding the regular season to 84 games. This would push the start date to the last week of September, aiming to ease the intense saturation of the current seven-month schedule, all while accommodating biennial Olympic and World Cup events.

Critiques on Arena Game Requirements

An interesting proposal being floated is the potential removal of the requirement for each NHL team to host at least one game per season in every arena. However, this idea lacks traction since franchises benefit greatly from star players like Connor McDavid visiting their towns, as well as from the existence of high-profile teams like the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers drawing large crowds.

Will the All-Star Game be History?

Finally, LeBrun has revealed that while there are negotiations concerning the NHL All-Star Game, any potential removal doesn’t seem imminent. With a game scheduled for next season already, the Board of Governors appears eager to keep this fan-favorite event alive, though some challenges are on the table.