3 Benefits of the NHL's Shortened Preseason
The NHL is shortening its preseason, starting in 2026–27.
Starting in 2026–27, the NHL’s preseason will be shortened to a maximum of four games for each team. To make up for that, the regular season will be expanded to 84 games, a length the league abandoned over three decades ago.
Focusing on the former, why is shortening the preseason a good idea? Let’s look at a few benefits.
Benefit 1: Prospects Can Return to Development Clubs
Perhaps the biggest downside of the preseason comes for the development clubs of prospects (in other words, the team they’ll be spending the majority of the season with). Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players miss several games’ worth of action, while those residing in Europe rarely come over at all.
It’s always good to catch up with your future teammates, but the preseason is arguably a big waste of time for these prospects. Despite usually having no chance of a roster spot to begin with, their CHL club may have dropped three or four games by the time they get back.
Instead of getting fourth-line looks in an NHL preseason matchup, prospects can return to their junior clubs earlier and get top-line usage. For people who enjoy the CHL in particular, the early-season stage where the best players are absent can be forgettable.
Even when prospects are returned to their development clubs, they don’t suit up for games instantly (traveling from the United States to Canada and all, in the case of most CHL teams). A quicker transition is good for everyone.
Benefit 2: Preseason Quickly Becomes Redundant
