NHL Returns: Everything You Need to Know This September

Summer is coming to an end, and for Quebec hockey fans, that means one thing: the National Hockey League is almost back. The 2026–2027 season promises to be different, with a busier schedule, the Canadiens coming off a memorable spring, and an opening night that is sure to capture the province’s attention. Here is everything to watch for in September before the regular season gets underway.

Mark the Canadiens’ Preseason Schedule on Your Calendar

The Montreal Canadiens have unveiled their preseason schedule, which includes five games played across only three dates this year.

It begins on September 19 with split-squad games against the Toronto Maple Leafs, played simultaneously in Montreal and Toronto. On September 21, the Canadiens will travel to Trois-Rivières to face the Ottawa Senators at Colisée Vidéotron as part of a Kraft Hockeyville event. It will be a great opportunity for local fans to see the team in person.

The preseason concludes on September 26 with another pair of split-squad games, this time against Ottawa.

Tickets for the home games have been on sale since August 5, giving fans plenty of time to plan their evening at the arena.

A Longer Season and an Ambitious Schedule

The NHL has also changed its format this year. Each team will play 84 regular-season games, two more than in previous seasons, for a total of 1,344 games across the league. The regular season ends on April 16, creating a slightly busier schedule than usual.

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