The NHL has announced its shortened, 8-day preseason schedule for the 2026-2027 season, taking place between Saturday, September 19 and Saturday, September 26.
Each team will play a total of four games, with the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens playing one extra game as part of the Kraft Hockeyville 2025 celebration. This shortened preseason comes with the extension of the regular season, with each team playing 84 games during the 2026-2027 season, replacing the 82-game season that reigned since the 1995-1996 season.
Neutral site games
Four games will be played at neutral sites this preseason:
Los Angeles Kings vs. Vegas Golden Knights, Toyota Arena, Ontario, CA: Sept. 19, 6pm PT
Washington Capitals vs. Philadelphia Flyers, GIANT Center, Hershey, PA: Sept. 21, 7pm ET
Ottawa Senators vs. Montreal Canadiens, Colisée Vidéotron, Trois-Rivières, QC: Sept. 21, 7pm ET
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Nashville Predators, First Horizon Coliseum, Greensboro, NC: Sept. 24, 7pm ET
Why should you see a preseason game?
Preseason games are typically less expensive than regular-season games, with better seats, including glass seats, often available for more affordable prices. They’re a great choice if you have kids, as you can get a little closer to the action and watch up-and-coming prospects battle it out for a chance to make the NHL roster.
Preseason games also typically feature teams that are geographically close, creating the opportunity for an easy roadtrip, and to experience some fun rivalries between regional competitors like the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Neutral-site games are always a good time, especially if you live within driving distance and don’t typically get to experience NHL hockey.
How to buy preseason ticketsÂ
Each team’s preseason tickets go onsale on a different date. Here are the teams that have already published onsale dates:
| Home Team | Preseason onsale | Regular season onsale |
|---|---|---|
| New York Islanders | Now | TBD |
| Chicago Blackhawks | Now | TBD |
| Winnipeg Jets | Now | TBD |
| Los Angeles Kings | Now | TBD |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | July 23 | TBD |
| Montreal Canadians | August 5 | TBD |
| Ottawa Senators | August 14 | TBD |
| All other teams | TBD | TBD |
Resale sites are also a great place to buy preseason tickets, as ticket prices tend to be marked down significantly from face value as the game approaches.
Doubleheader Digest
If you’re considering seeing a preseason game, be sure to check out our Ultimate Sports Calendar to see what else may be happening in that city. NFL, MLB, MLS, WNBA, NWSL, and other leagues will all be active during this time frame.
Next Steps
For the neutral site games, you’ll want to keep a very close eye on onsale times, since these games are incredibly popular and will likely sell out. As soon as those games go on sale, you should purchase your tickets. Tickets to the Washington Capitals vs. Philadelphia Flyers game at GIANT Arena in Hershey, PA are onsale now.
For other preseason games, our advice is:
- If you’re looking for a specific type of seat (like glass or club seats), keep an eye on the resale markets and grab tickets as soon as the price works for you.
- If you’re less fussy about where you’re sitting, we would recommend waiting until closer to the game date to buy tickets. Preseason tickets will typically fall as the game approaches, and there are tons of great deals to be had.
