NHL training camps are set to begin this week with preseason games slated to begin for 2025-26:
🏒 Training Camps
- NHL training camps for the 2025-26 season officially open mid-September, on September 17. NHL
- Many teams have specific announcements: e.g. the Winnipeg Jets’ camp runs from Thursday, September 18 to Friday, October 3. NHL
- The Pittsburgh Penguins also open their training camp on Thursday, September 18. NHL
⚔️ Preseason Games
- The NHL’s 2025-26 preseason officially begins Saturday, September 20 and runs through Saturday, October 4. NHL+2Daily Faceoff+2
- This slate includes 104 games played across various venues. NHL
Some interesting storylines for the 2025-26 Pre Season include:
- The new CBA
- The NHL and NHLPA ratified a four-year labor deal that will run through the 2029-30 season. Reuters
- Key changes include the regular season expanding from 82 to 84 games, and a reduction in the number of preseason games per team. Reuters+1
- Also, there’s more protection for veteran players in terms of preseason usage and health/care for retired players. AP News+1
- Neutral site games
- Neutral-site games are pitched in places like Abbotsford (BC), Hershey (PA), Boise (ID), Orlando (FL), Quebec City, etc. These help expand the NHL’s footprint and give fans in non-center markets a chance to host games. NHL
- Player negotiations & contract stories
- Goaltender Spencer Knight (Chicago) locked in a 3-year, $17.5 million extension. Reuters
- Kirill Kaprizov reportedly turned down a monstrous contract offer (reportedly $128M over eight years) from his team (Minnesota Wild). His decision, and what he’ll agree to, is a huge storyline.
Stay tuned. Exciting Year ahead.
