As the NHL continues to refine its plans for the upcoming season, discussions surrounding the league's schedule and playoff format are gaining momentum. Tentatively set for an October 7 start, the regular season is expected to culminate with the Stanley Cup Final concluding around late June. The Olympic break will further congest the calendar, prompting teams to brace for more back-to-back games and three-in-four-night sets. Amidst these challenges, the league anticipates releasing the finalized schedule sometime in June or July. Looking ahead to the 2026-27 season, significant changes may be on the horizon, including potential adjustments to the traditional 82-game schedule and a reevaluation of the playoff structure.

With the 2026-27 season looming, the NHL and NHL Players' Association are contemplating a shift to an 84-game regular season, starting as early as late September. This proposal aims to alleviate the congestion caused by international breaks while maintaining the traditional end date for the Stanley Cup Final. Such a change would allow for a more evenly distributed schedule, accommodating both Olympic and World Cup interruptions every two years. Additionally, there is talk of modifying the current formula to reduce the requirement for teams to play in every NHL arena annually, focusing instead on enhancing divisional rivalries.

Beyond scheduling, the possibility of canceling the All-Star Game in Olympic years has sparked debate within the league. Although the NHL announced that the New York Islanders will host the event in 2026, some argue that it might detract from the excitement of international competitions like the 4 Nations Face-Off and the Milan Olympics. Despite this, logistical commitments make last-minute cancellations unlikely. Meanwhile, contract negotiations for key players such as Ryan Donato and Kyle Palmieri remain ongoing, with varying degrees of progress reported.

Amidst these discussions, the topic of altering the playoff format remains conspicuously absent from the GMs meetings agenda. Commissioner Gary Bettman has consistently opposed modifications to the current system, despite growing calls for reform. Advocates suggest reverting to the classic 1-versus-8 conference playoffs and introducing a play-in round to engage more markets during the season's final stretch. While concerns about reduced trade deadline activity persist, proponents argue that increased exposure could benefit the league significantly. Any substantial changes, however, may hinge on the support of U.S. broadcasters and potentially a new commissioner in the coming years.

The future of the NHL appears poised for transformation, with potential shifts in scheduling, player contracts, and even the fundamental structure of the playoffs under consideration. As stakeholders weigh the pros and cons of each proposal, one thing is certain: the landscape of professional hockey could look markedly different in the near future. Fans and teams alike eagerly await the outcomes of these deliberations, which promise to shape the sport for years to come.