Maple Leafs' Preseason Schedule Announcement is Turning Heads

Maple Leafs’ Preseason Schedule Announcement is Turning Heads originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced their full preseason schedule, confirming a six-game slate that mirrors last year’s format and opponents.

The exhibition games will allow the team to go through the team’s initial preparation for the 2025–26 season following training camp, with the start of the regular season set for Oct. 7.

All six games will come against familiar rivals, with Toronto facing the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, and Detroit Red Wings twice each in a series of home-and-home sets.

The preseason opener is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 21, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, while the finale will take place on Saturday, Oct. 4, in Detroit.

Under the current collective bargaining agreement, NHL teams are required to play a minimum of six preseason games, which is what the Leafs opted to do once more for the upcoming fall.

Given the nature of the choice and the repeat in opponents, hockey fans took to X with their reactions to the early announcement made by the Leafs on Thursday.

“Why is it always the same 3 teams?” one fan wondered.

“I don’t care about this, I need signings first,” another user commented.

Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matthew Knies (23) is congratulated by right wing Mitch Marner (16) and center Auston Matthews (34) after his goal against the Boston Bruins.Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

“Nice to see you all change it up each season to keep interest high,” an account joked.

“We don’t need pre-season games. Pointless and useless,” one user bluntly noted.

“Only six games, praise Jesus. Only really need four or five but oh well,” one person suggested.

“Get rid of those October preseason games and make them regular-season games. Preseason is too (expletive) long,” a fan criticized.

“Man, you guys are shameless lol. Should have kept this one in the drafts until later this summer,” one account posted about the early announcement.

The full Maple Leafs’ preseason schedule, including dates, puck-drop times, and venues, can be found below:

• Sunday, September 21 – 3:00 p.m. ET at Ottawa, Canadian Tire Centre

• Tuesday, September 23 – 7:00 p.m. ET vs. Ottawa, Scotiabank Arena

• Thursday, September 25 – 7:00 p.m. ET at Montreal, Bell Centre

• Saturday, September 27 – 7:00 p.m. ET vs. Montreal, Scotiabank Arena

• Thursday, October 2 – 7:00 p.m. ET vs. Detroit, Scotiabank Arena

• Saturday, October 4 – 7:00 p.m. ET at Detroit, Little Caesars Arena

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.

Maple Leafs’ Preseason Schedule Announcement is Turning Heads

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