As summer winds down, Quebec hockey fans can finally turn their attention back to the NHL. The 2026–2027 campaign should feel especially lively, with a heavier schedule, a Canadiens team coming off a strong spring, and an opener likely to draw plenty of interest across the province.
Canadiens preseason action starts fast
Montreal has already announced its preseason slate, and it is packed into just three dates with five games total.
- September 19: split-squad games against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Montreal and Toronto.
- September 21: a trip to Trois-Rivières to meet the Ottawa Senators at Colisée Vidéotron for a Kraft Hockeyville show.
- September 26: two more split-squad games, this time against Ottawa.
The Trois-Rivières stop gives local supporters a rare chance to see NHL players up close, while tickets for the home dates have been available since August 5.
A busier regular season is coming
The league’s format is changing again this year. Each club will play 84 regular-season games instead of 82, pushing the league total to 1,344 games.
The schedule also runs later than before, with the regular season set to finish on April 16. That means fans should expect a tighter pace and fewer long breaks between games.
What stands out before puck drop
Several details make this September worth watching closely:
- The Canadiens are entering camp with more momentum than in recent seasons.
- The preseason includes both local and road matchups in a short window.
- The expanded NHL calendar adds extra pressure from opening night onward.
Why Quebec fans should pay attention now
September always signals the start of hockey season, but this year carries even more anticipation. Between Montreal’s busy preseason and the league’s longer grind, the lead-up to opening night already feels important.
For fans in Quebec, the next few weeks will set the tone for a season that looks packed from the first faceoff to the final day.