National Hockey League Expands Regular Season to 84 Games Amidst Business Growth

Peoria Bloomington, IL, September 25, 2026 —

The National Hockey League (NHL) is set to expand its regular season schedule to 84 games. This change represents the first adjustment to the length of the regular season in several decades, aligning with a period of notable business expansion for the league.

The decision to increase the number of regular season games comes as the NHL experiences robust growth in its business operations. Specific details regarding the exact timeline for the implementation of the 84-game schedule were not provided in the summary. However, the shift signifies a significant decision by league administrators regarding the structure of play for its teams and the overall fan experience.

Increasing the regular season from its current length to 84 games means that teams will play two additional games each. This adjustment could have implications for player endurance, team strategies, and the overall narrative of the season leading up to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The league’s financial and operational performance is reportedly strong, providing a context for this schedule alteration.

Further details concerning the precise implementation, including any impact on the start or end dates of future seasons, player union agreements, or divisional scheduling adjustments, have not been made public. The NHL has a history of modifying its schedule over the years, with the current 82-game format having been in place for an extended period. The league’s continued business expansion suggests a strategic approach to maximizing engagement and revenue streams, with schedule adjustments being one potential lever.

This move to an 84-game schedule is a notable development for professional hockey, reflecting the league’s current trajectory. The last time the NHL played an 84-game regular season was decades ago. The specific start date for this expanded schedule was not detailed. The league’s ongoing business growth serves as the backdrop for this structural change to its competitive calendar.

Story summarized from the original created by STEPHEN WHYNO, Associated Press on www.centralillinoisproud.com, see more information here.

Media gallery