As summer fades in Quebec, hockey attention turns back to the National Hockey League. The 2026-2027 campaign is set to feel different, with a tighter calendar, an energized Canadiens team, and an opening night that should draw plenty of interest across the province.
The Canadiens’ preseason arrives fast
Montreal has already released its preseason slate, and this year’s schedule is packed into just three dates. In total, the Canadiens will play five exhibition games, giving the team a compact but meaningful tune-up before the real action begins.
- September 19: split-squad games against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Montreal and Toronto
- September 21: a visit to Trois-Rivières to meet the Ottawa Senators at Colisée Vidéotron for a Kraft Hockeyville event
- September 26: split-squad games against Ottawa to close out the preseason
For local supporters, the Trois-Rivières stop stands out as the most accessible chance to see the Canadiens in person. Home-game tickets have been available since August 5, so planning ahead is already possible.
A busier NHL calendar is on the way
The league is also entering a longer season. Every team will now play 84 regular-season games instead of the previous total, pushing the league-wide count to 1,344 games.
That added volume means more nights on the schedule and less margin for error throughout the year. The regular season will finish on April 16, leaving teams with a demanding stretch from start to finish.
What fans should watch in September
September is more than just preseason noise. It gives coaches a first real look at line combinations, young players, and roster depth before opening night arrives.
For Canadiens fans, the month also carries extra weight because of the excitement generated by last spring’s run. If that momentum carries into camp and exhibition play, anticipation for the new season could build quickly.
Why this month matters in Quebec
The return of NHL hockey always brings a shift in routine, but this year’s version feels especially notable. Between Montreal’s compact exhibition schedule and the league’s expanded regular season, there is already plenty to track before the puck drops for real.
In other words, September is where the new season starts to feel tangible.
