NHL Schedules Increase to 84 Regular Season Games, First in Decades

Amarillo, TX, September 25, 2026 —

The National Hockey League (NHL) has announced an increase in its regular season schedule, moving to 84 games per team. This adjustment marks a return to a longer format not implemented in the league for several decades.

The decision to extend the regular season comes after a period where the standard schedule has been 82 games for many years. Details regarding the specific start date or season in which this change will be fully implemented were not provided in the initial announcement.

This expansion of the regular season schedule is a significant shift for the league and its franchises. Historically, the NHL has varied its schedule length, with 84 games being a format that was previously utilized but has not been the standard for a considerable amount of time. The implications for player endurance, travel, and competitive balance are aspects that will likely be examined as the league transitions to this new structure.

No further information was immediately available regarding potential changes to playoff formats or other league-wide scheduling adjustments that might accompany this extended regular season.

Story summarized from the original created by STEPHEN WHYNO, Associated Press on www.myhighplains.com, see more information here.

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