The National Hockey League (NHL) has announced a major transformation of the competition format for the 2026/27 season. This decision will be the most significant change in recent decades, affecting both the calendar and the structure of the regular season. The league officially confirmed that the season will begin on September 29, a month earlier than the traditional October start.

Return to 84 Games

The key innovation will be an increase in the number of games in the regular season. Clubs will return to the format used in the early 1990s: now each team will play 84 games instead of the usual 82. The last time such a volume of games was on the agenda was before the 1995/96 season, when the league switched to a shortened format.

The two additional games will be played against opponents from their own division. Now teams will meet each of the seven divisional opponents four times — twice at home and twice away. Organizers expect that this will intensify the competitive struggle for playoff spots and make games against divisional neighbors even more crucial.

New Slots for European Fans

Significant changes will also affect the broadcast schedule. In the 2026/27 season, the NHL will introduce regular games on Monday afternoons in North American time. Games will start at approximately 1:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM Kyiv time).

This step is aimed at maximum convenience for the European audience, allowing them to watch hockey during prime time on a weekday. The league sees this as a way to promote club brands in the international market. Regarding the situation in Ukraine, the broadcasting rights previously belonged to the Setanta Sports platform, but a new agreement for broadcasting NHL games in the country has not yet been concluded.

All-Star Weekend and Open Arenas

In the 2026/27 season, traditional major events will return, which were absent in the last two years due to the Four Nations Tournament and the Olympic Games. The All-Star Weekend will take place in New York at UBS Arena. The Skills Competition is scheduled for February 5, and the All-Star Game itself — for February 6. Organizers have announced an updated format for the show.

Traditional outdoor games will also be preserved:

  • Winter Classic: On December 31, it will take place in Utah for the first time. The local Utah Mammoth club will host the Colorado Avalanche at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
  • Stadium Series: On February 20 in Dallas at AT&T Stadium, the Stars will play against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Despite the expansion of the calendar, the league has shortened the preseason preparation period. This is necessary to avoid stretching the championship and to finish it within the usual spring timeframe.