NHL considering making schedule changes, adding more regular season games

The NHL is reportedly considering making some major changes to the schedule starting in 2026 when a new CBA begins.

In recent years there has been lots of talk, especially in 2024, that the NHL season runs too late into the summer and should be ending earlier. This year's season ended June 24th, and didn't give teams much time to prepare for the off-season.

In the midst of the craziness that was free agent frenzy, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported that some big changes could be in the cards when it comes to the NHL's schedule as early as 2026.

LeBrun is reporting that the NHL and the NHLPA are in early discussions about changing the schedule, which would include an increase of regular season games.

While these are in the early stages, if given the go ahead, the NHL regular season would increase to 84 games per team, and would see a decrease to preseason games.

These moves would have the NHL begin the regular season in early October, with the Stanley Cup being handed out in early June. LeBrun says that if approval, it would reduce the NHL's calendar by roughly two weeks.

"Some non free-agent news:
The NHL and NHLPA have had very preliminary discussions on what a new NHL calendar could look like. Wouldn't take effect until next CBA 2 years from now.
What's being discussed:
_ Move start of reg season up to very early Oct;
_ Award Cup earlier in June;
_ Cut pre-season to 4 games per team;
_ 84-game regular season;
Basically moving things up 2 weeks or so.
It's not awarding the Cup by May 31 but it sure beats what it looks like now!
Again, these are preliminary discussions. Let's see where it goes."

Previously on HockeyUnplugged

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Jacob Trouba trade now seems unlikely due to his wife's career

NHL agrees to reinstates Joel Quenneville and Stan Bowman

POLL
2 JUILLET \| 79 ANSWERS NHL considering making schedule changes, adding more regular season games Do you think the regular season should increase to 84 games?
▢ Yes
▢ No, stay at 82
▢ Should lower it to 80