Bettman and the NHL Reportedly Working to Start the Regular Season Earlier

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L. Honein
July 29, 2025  (11:34)

Oct 14, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; NHL commissioner Gary Bettman gives a press conference before the game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Summer is starting to feel long for hockey fans, and we’re all eagerly awaiting the start of the NHL regular season. Here’s some good news – especially for Montreal Canadiens fans, who are among the most passionate out there!

A rumor suggests the NHL is currently working on moving up the start of the regular season

As early as 2026, the regular season could begin a week earlier – or possibly even more!

“I think the NHL season will start a week sooner at some point; I do think when they get to 84.. we’re gonna be talking about October 1st.”

– John Shannon

This is actually something many insiders and analysts have been advocating for quite some time.

The goal is to shorten the preseason schedule in order to start the regular season sooner.

So this will be an interesting situation to monitor – and we might be living through our last summer where we have to wait until mid-October to see regular season action at the Bell Centre.

Personally, I don’t see how this could be a bad thing. Players and fans alike have been saying for years that the preseason is too long, so why not cut it down a bit?

Everyone wins, in my humble opinion – and it reduces the risk of injuries during exhibition games.

Previously on HabsFanatics

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Bettman and the NHL Reportedly Working to Start the Regular Season Earlier

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