As summer fades, Quebec hockey fans can finally turn their attention back to the NHL. The 2026–2027 campaign is shaping up to feel busier than usual, with an expanded schedule, renewed excitement around Montreal, and an opening night likely to draw plenty of attention across the province.
Montreal’s exhibition slate is packed into just three dates
The Canadiens have announced a compact preseason schedule that features five games spread across only three days. It starts on September 19 with split-squad matchups against the Toronto Maple Leafs, played at the same time in Montreal and Toronto.
One of the most intriguing stops comes two days later, when Montreal heads to Trois-Rivières to meet the Ottawa Senators at Colisée Vidéotron for a Kraft Hockeyville celebration. That game should give local supporters a rare chance to see NHL action up close.
The preseason wraps up on September 26 with another set of split-squad games against Ottawa.
- September 19: split-squad games vs. Toronto
- September 21: game in Trois-Rivières vs. Ottawa
- September 26: split-squad games vs. Ottawa
Tickets for the home dates have been available since August 5, making it easy for fans to plan ahead.
The regular season will stretch a little longer
The NHL is also adjusting its structure this year. Each club will play 84 regular-season games instead of the previous total, pushing the league-wide schedule to 1,344 contests.
The regular season will end on April 16, so teams will have a slightly heavier calendar to manage from start to finish.
What September means before the first puck drop
For Canadiens fans, September offers more than just warm-up games. It is the month when roster battles become clearer, travel plans take shape, and the excitement of a fresh season starts to build.
With a memorable spring still fresh in memory, Montreal enters the new year with momentum and plenty of eyes on what comes next.
