Breaking News: NHL to Extend Regular Season from 82 to 84 Games for 2026-27
June 4, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; In a monumental decision that is set to reshuffle the NHL landscape, Commissioner Gary Bettman has announced the potential extension of the regular season from 82 to 84 games for the 2026-27 season. The news broke just before Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place, with media outlets reporting that the decision emerges from ongoing discussions with the NHL Players’ Association during the Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations.
Unbalanced Divisional Play Momentum
The move aims to cater to the growing demand for more games against division rivals, which historically draw higher fan attendance and television ratings. This shift wouldn’t alter the overall format that requires each team to play every other team at least once per season but would arrange for divisional clashes to occur four times a season.
Potential Player Concerns and Possible Solutions
While players are reportedly worried about increased wear and tear from the extra games, the NHL anticipates reducing the number of preseason games to offset the additional strain. Historically, the league has experimented with a similar 84-game format between 1992 and 1994, involving neutral-site games.
Salary Cap Exemptions in Spotlight
Another hot topic in the negotiations is the way teams use the long-term injured reserve (LTIR) exemption near the end of the regular season to exceed the salary cap. To address concerns, discussions are progressing towards a solution where playoff-participating teams must meet the active player salary cap even if the general cap is exceeded.
Progress Towards a New Collective Bargaining Agreement
Despite not reaching a definitive agreement yet, Bettman reassured that conversations are heading in the right direction. “We start a little later than expected for various reasons from both parties, so I have nothing to announce today about an agreement,” Bettman stated before the Stanley Cup Final game. “We have more than a year left, and I think our relationship is in very good condition.”
Evergreen Context: The Evolution and Impact of the NHL Schedule
Since its inception, the NHL schedule has seen several significant changes. The move to an 82-game format in the 2004-05 season aimed to increase competition and reduce the end-of-season grind. An increase to 84 games could further intensify the regular season, potentially shaping up the playoff race and offering fans more opportunities to witness their favorite teams competing head-to-head.
This development underscores the NHL’s continuous effort to evolve and better serve its global audience. With negotiations converging and key decisions on the horizon, the future of the NHL is poised to be more dynamic than ever.
We invite our readers to stay connected with archyde.com for the latest updates on the upcoming NHL season and continuing developments in the Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations.
