The offseason is winding down, and Quebec hockey fans are getting ready for the NHL’s return. The 2026–2027 campaign brings a fuller schedule, extra attention on the Canadiens after their strong spring, and an opening stretch that should draw plenty of interest across the province.

The Canadiens’ preseason arrives fast

Montreal has already released its preseason slate, and it is packed into just three dates even though it includes five games. That compact format gives fans a short but busy runway before the regular season starts.

The action opens on September 19 with split-squad matchups against the Toronto Maple Leafs, with one game in Montreal and the other in Toronto. Two days later, the Canadiens head to Trois-Rivières to meet the Ottawa Senators at Colisée Vidéotron as part of a Kraft Hockeyville celebration. The preseason wraps up on September 26 with another set of split-squad games, this time against Ottawa.

Tickets for the home dates have been available since August 5, so supporters have had time to plan ahead.

A schedule that stretches deeper into April

The league’s format is also expanding. Every team will now play 84 regular-season games instead of 82, pushing the league total to 1,344 games and extending the grind through April 16.

That means more nights on the calendar and a slightly tighter pace from start to finish. For teams like Montreal, every point will matter in a season that leaves less room to slow down.

September dates worth tracking

For local fans, the Trois-Rivières stop stands out most because it brings NHL hockey close to home in a special event setting. With training camp and exhibition play right around the corner, September is where the wait finally ends.