With summer winding down, hockey is moving back to the center of attention in Quebec. The 2026–2027 NHL season should feel a little different, thanks to a heavier schedule, a strong Canadiens momentum from spring, and an opening night that will draw plenty of interest across the province.
Three Preseason Dates to Watch
Montreal has released its preseason slate, and it is built around five games spread across just three dates.
- September 19: split-squad matchups with the Toronto Maple Leafs in Montreal and Toronto at the same time.
- September 21: a stop in Trois-Rivières against the Ottawa Senators at Colisée Vidéotron for a Kraft Hockeyville event.
- September 26: another pair of split-squad games, this time against Ottawa.
For fans in the region, the Trois-Rivières game stands out as a rare chance to see NHL action outside the usual big-market venues. Home tickets have been available since August 5, giving supporters plenty of time to plan ahead.
The Regular Season Will Stretch a Little Longer
The league is also heading into a larger workload this year. Every team will play 84 regular-season games, which means the NHL schedule now includes 1,344 games overall. The regular season is set to finish on April 16.
That extra pace adds more action across the calendar, and it will make every early point matter. For Montreal, September is not just about exhibition games; it is the first real sign that the next campaign is almost here.