"Preseason in July? NHL Teams to Kick Off 2026-27 Campaign Early In a shocking twist, the National Hockey League (NHL) appears to be pushing the boundaries of the traditional preseason schedule. With the 2025-26 regular season already underway, a report suggests that Game 82 will mark the beginning of the 2026-27 preseason. This unprecedented move would see teams taking to the ice just a few short months after the conclusion of the current season. As the league continues to navigate scheduling complexities and player burnout, fans are left wondering what this early start will mean for the upcoming campaign."
Game 82 of 2025-26 looks set to be the first preseason game of 2026-27.
