Discussions between the National Hockey League and the NHL Players` Association regarding a potential shift from the current 82-game regular season to an 84-game schedule are underway as part of ongoing collective bargaining negotiations.
An individual with knowledge of the talks, speaking anonymously due to the confidential nature of the CBA discussions, confirmed this development. The subjects involved in these negotiations are not being publicly disclosed by either side.
This proposed change, which could potentially be implemented as early as the 2026-27 season, would involve shortening the preseason schedule to four games per team. It`s understood to be one of several potential adjustments being considered by the league and the union. Other topics reportedly include aspects of player contract terms and rules governing long-term injuries.
A move to 84 games could also offer benefits for scheduling across the 32-team league. This format might facilitate a more balanced schedule, such as playing divisional opponents four times, teams from the other division in the same conference three times, and teams from the opposing conference twice. Alternatively, it could be structured to increase the number of rivalry matchups.
The NHL previously utilized an 84-game regular season format between 1992 and 1994. During that period, the league and the union had agreed to include two neutral-site games for each team within the schedule.
