As summer fades in Quebec, hockey talk starts to take over again. The 2026-2027 NHL season will bring a fuller schedule, renewed excitement around the Canadiens after a strong spring, and an opening night that should draw attention across the province.
September is the month when the countdown becomes real. Between preseason dates, a new league format, and a few notable early-season matchups, there is already plenty for fans to track before the standings begin to matter.
Montreal’s Preseason Plan Is Short but Packed
The Canadiens have released a condensed preseason slate that still offers plenty of action. Instead of spreading exhibition games across many dates, Montreal will play five games on only three days.
The schedule opens on September 19 with split-squad meetings against the Toronto Maple Leafs, with one game in Montreal and the other in Toronto. Two days later, the team heads to Trois-Rivières to meet the Ottawa Senators at Colisée Vidéotron as part of a Kraft Hockeyville celebration, giving local supporters a rare chance to see NHL players nearby.
- September 19: split-squad games against Toronto in Montreal and Toronto
- September 21: Canadiens vs. Senators in Trois-Rivières
- September 26: split-squad games against Ottawa
The exhibition schedule wraps up on September 26 with another pair of split-squad contests against Ottawa. Tickets for home games have been available since August 5, so fans have had time to lock in their plans.
A Busier Regular Season Awaits
The NHL is also entering a slightly different rhythm this year. Each club will play 84 regular-season games, which adds two more games per team and pushes the league total to 1,344.
The regular season will finish on April 16, making the calendar a little tighter than in past years. That added volume should create more pressure on teams to start fast and stay healthy through the winter grind.
Why September Matters Before Puck Drop
For fans, September is about more than warmups. It is the first real look at roster decisions, young players trying to earn jobs, and veterans trying to set the tone for the season ahead.
It also gives Canadiens supporters a chance to measure how the momentum from last spring might carry into the new campaign. With a tougher schedule and high expectations around the league, every early date matters more than usual.
What Quebec Fans Should Watch Closely
This month offers a clear preview of what the season could feel like once the games count. The Canadiens’ preseason stops, the expanded NHL calendar, and the April 16 finish all point to a year that should move quickly.
For hockey fans in Quebec, the wait is nearly over, and September is the bridge between offseason optimism and the return of meaningful games.