NHL Extends Regular Season to 84 Games for First Time Since 1994

Lansing, MI, September 25, 2026 —

The National Hockey League (NHL) is set to expand its regular season schedule to 84 games. This marks the first time in nearly three decades that the league has implemented an 84-game regular season format. The league previously operated with an 84-game schedule in the 1994 season.

The decision to extend the regular season comes as the NHL adjusts its scheduling structure. The league has not had an 84-game regular season in place since the 1994 calendar year. Details regarding the specific implications or reasons for this schedule change beyond the duration were not provided in the summary. The exact start date for the new 84-game schedule was not specified.

This adjustment means that teams will play a greater number of regular season contests compared to recent seasons. The NHL has utilized various season lengths throughout its history, with the 84-game format being a notable but not unprecedented structure. The last time this particular length was observed was 30 years ago, prior to the 1994-1995 season which was shortened due to a lockout. The current summary does not contain information on how this change might affect future playoff formats or player rest periods.

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

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