The 2026-27 NHL preseason schedule, an eight-day, 65-game slate played across 36 NHL and neutral-site venues, begins Saturday, Sept. 19, and runs through Saturday, Sept. 26.
This marks the first season of a reduced preseason schedule resulting from the NHL/NHLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement, accommodating the expansion of the regular-season schedule to 84 games with the addition of two more divisional games per team.
Here is the complete NHL preseason schedule with every game, time and venue.
Key Notes on the 2026-27 NHL Preseason
A marquee preseason matchup will celebrate Saint-Boniface, Que., the Kraft Hockeyville-winning community for 2025. The Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators will face off on Monday, Sept. 21, at the Colisée Vidéotron in Trois-Rivières.
While the Kraft Hockeyville game will be played in nearby Trois-Rivières due to logistical requirements, Saint-Boniface’s local arena Aréna de Saint-Boniface will receive a $250,000 upgrade and $10,000 worth of youth hockey equipment from NHLPA Goals & Dreams.
Other neutral-site contests will be played in Greensboro, N.C. (Carolina vs. Nashville, Sept. 24); Hershey, Pa. (Philadelphia vs. Washington, Sept. 21) and Ontario, Calif. (Los Angeles vs. Vegas, Sept. 19).
The preseason closes with 14 games on Saturday, Sept. 26. The 2026-27 regular season opens on Tuesday, Sept. 29, with an opening-night tripleheader on ESPN in the U.S. and a doubleheader on Sportsnet in Canada.
2026-27 NHL Preseason Schedule (All Times Eastern)
Saturday, Sept. 19 – NHL Preseason Schedule 2026-27
Sunday, Sept. 20 – NHL Preseason Schedule 2026-27
Monday, Sept. 21 – NHL Preseason Schedule 2026-27
Tuesday, Sept. 22 – NHL Preseason Games Schedule 2026-27
Wednesday, Sept. 23 – NHL Preseason Games Schedule 2026-27
Thursday, Sept. 24 – NHL Preseason Games Schedule 2026-27
Friday, Sept. 25 – NHL Preseason Games Schedule 2026-27
Saturday, Sept. 26 – NHL Preseason Games Schedule 2026-27
Key Takeaways from the NHL Preseason Schedule
The reduced eight-day window reflects the new CBA and the longer 84-game regular season. Neutral-site nhl preseason games in Ontario, Calif., Hershey, Pa., Greensboro, N.C., and Trois-Rivières give fans outside traditional markets a chance to see NHL teams up close.
The Kraft Hockeyville matchup between Montreal and Ottawa remains one of the most meaningful dates on the nhl preseason calendar. With 65 total contests packed into just over a week, the nhl preseason dates give coaches limited time to evaluate rosters before the regular season opens on Sept. 29.
Fans looking for the complete NHL preseason schedule can use the tables above for every matchup and tip time. This page will remain the central reference for all nhl preseason action leading into the 2026-27 campaign.
FAQ
When does the NHL preseason schedule begin?
The 2026-27 NHL preseason schedule begins Saturday, Sept. 19.
How many games are on the nhl preseason schedule?
There are 65 nhl preseason games over eight days.
When is the Kraft Hockeyville game?
Montreal vs. Ottawa is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m. ET in Trois-Rivières, Quebec.
When does the regular season start?
The 2026-27 regular season opens Tuesday, Sept. 29.
Are there neutral-site nhl preseason games?
Yes. Neutral-site contests will be played in Ontario, Calif.; Hershey, Pa.; Greensboro, N.C.; and Trois-Rivières, Quebec.
