As summer winds down, hockey takes center stage again in Quebec. The 2026–2027 NHL campaign is shaping up to feel different, thanks to a fuller schedule, the Canadiens entering the season after a strong spring, and an opening night that should draw plenty of attention across the province.

The Canadiens’ Preseason Takes Shape

Montreal has already laid out its preseason plan, and it is a compact one: five games spread over just three dates. The slate opens on September 19 with split-squad matchups against the Toronto Maple Leafs, with one game in Montreal and the other in Toronto at the same time.

Two days later, on September 21, the Canadiens head to Trois-Rivières to meet the Ottawa Senators at Colisée Vidéotron as part of a Kraft Hockeyville celebration. For local supporters, that game offers a rare chance to see the team up close without traveling far.

The preseason wraps up on September 26 with another pair of split-squad contests against Ottawa. Tickets for the home dates have been available since August 5, giving fans plenty of time to lock in their plans.

A Busier NHL Calendar Awaits

The league itself is also entering a longer, heavier season. Each team will play 84 regular-season games, which is two more than before, bringing the league total to 1,344 games. The regular season is set to end on April 16, so the schedule will be packed from start to finish.

Why September Matters So Much

September is the month when expectations start to feel real. Rosters begin to take shape, preseason games offer the first live look at changes, and fans get a clearer picture of what their team might become once the points count.

For Canadiens supporters, that means every early game will carry extra weight, especially after last spring’s momentum and the spotlight that comes with a fresh season in a more demanding league calendar.