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NHL Schedule and Key Discussions
| Upcoming Season | Details |
|---|---|
| Tentative Schedule | Regular season is set to start on October 7, with the Stanley Cup Final finishing by June 21-22. |
| Olympic Break Impact | Teams can expect more back-to-back games and triple headers due to the longer Olympic break. The schedule release is expected in June or July. |
Changes in Store for 2026-27
| Proposal | Implications |
|---|---|
| 84-Game Season and Early Start | The NHL and NHLPA are considering an 84-game regular season starting in late September, ending the Cup Final around late June. |
| Latest Proposal Changes | Ideas include home-ice games becoming optional, more divisional and rivalry contests, and a focus on reducing congestion. |
Comments on Early End to Season
The idea of ending the season in early June has been dropped in favor of sticking to late June for the playoffs. This adds more time on the chart but ensures the Stanley Cup remains a marquee late-season event.
Could the NHL Cancel Next Year’s All-Star Game?
| Current Status | Concerns |
|---|---|
| The 2025-26 All-Star Game will be hosted by the New York Islanders. But there are talks about cancelling future games during Olympic years. | Some fans and experts believe the All-Star Game loses luster when it clashes with best-on-best competition like the Olympics. However, the league has already committed to the event. |
Will Kyle Palmieri and Ryan Donato Get Extensions?
| Player | Contract Status |
|---|---|
| Kyle Palmieri (Islanders) | Negotiations are going well with talks nearing an agreement. |
| Ryan Donato (Blackhawks) | Finalizing an extension will likely take longer, but discussions are ongoing. |
NHL Playoff Format Discussions
The NHL General Managers’ meetings in Palm Beach will focus on various topics, but the playoff format won’t be discussed here since it is a Board of Governors issue. However, player strategy and tactical debates will be topical.
| Potential Changes | Details |
|---|---|
| Old 1 vs. 8 Format Return | The league could revert to a format where the top seed faces the eighth seed in conference play-offs. |
| Introduction of Play-In Rounds | A high-stakes best-of-three playoff series involving 7 vs. 10 and 8 vs. 9 in each conference to further intensify the fight for the top 16 spots. |
NHL’s Innovation/Challenges
- Draw More Markets: More teams could feel they have a chance at a postseason spot, offering these markets longer exposure and fresh narrative angles.
- Stocking and Trading: There’s worry about fewer trades at the deadline if more teams perceive they are within reach of the playoffs.
- Godfather-Mandate ESPN & TNT: To champion significant changes like a play-in round, these major broadcasters would have to buy into the new setup.
- Change From Within: Some think commissioner Gary Bettman’s eventual departure could usher in more receptive leadership to playoff format reform.