NHL Schedule Changes Announced for 2026-27: How the Maple Leafs Are Affected

The new NHL CBA is going to take effect starting in 2026-27, with some of the new rules being implemented early in order to ease the lives of general mangers as they try to acclimate to the new restrictions and safeguards put in place.

One of the biggest talking points is that of the NHL schedule. We heard reports they wanted to move the season up a bit and make things start earlier, and we can seemingly confirm it.

According to NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun, starting in 2026-27, the league has expanded it's season to 84 games, with the preseason shortened and a September start:

It's a monumental bit of business that will make playoff races tighter, and hopefully gives fans more of what they love, at an earlier schedule.

So far, we aren't aware of any changes to important dates such as free agency, draft rights expirations, or arbitration hearings however that will likely be cleared up in the coming months.

For a team like the Maple Leafs, they are going to have to make sure they have all their ducks in a row, and can't be doing what they are currently doing which is sitting on their hands.

If the Cup is awarded mid-June, and we're shooting for a late September start (let's say, three weeks in) that gives them about three months to work with, but if the free agency and other important dates don't shift, it means they are going to be against the clock.

With how important free agency is this upcoming summer, it's going to be imperative that the team gets a head start on offers, and doesn't overlook any potential deals that could benefit them, even if it might feel a bit rushed.

One massive positive though is the fact that fans are going to be happy, as it's always the weird August into mid-September lull that gets fans antsy. Trying to speed up the process and shorten things up in the offseason while extending what counts is going to make Leafs fans excited.

So gear up everyone, we're getting a new schedule with more hockey. It seems like we can actually give kudos to Gary Bettman this time; a rarity for sure.