Overview

• The preseason runs Sept. 20 through Oct. 4 with games spread across 40 NHL and neutral venues.
• All 32 teams will host at least one game, with several split‑squad dates featured on the slate.
• Nine neutral‑site matchups include stops in Abbotsford, Bakersfield, Boise, Hershey, Ontario (Calif.), Orlando, Quebec City and Denver’s Magness Arena for Colorado vs. Utah.
• The schedule concludes with 11 games on Oct. 4, and the regular season begins Oct. 7 with an ESPN tripleheader.
• Starting in 2026–27, the new CBA caps each team at a maximum of four preseason games as the regular season expands to 84.