As the dog days of summer begin to wane, a familiar chill returns to the air for hockey enthusiasts, not from the changing seasons, but from the impending roar of the crowd and the crisp sound of skates on ice. The National Hockey League has officially set the stage for its 2025-26 campaign, recently revealing the full, comprehensive pre-season schedule. This isn`t just a list of games; it`s the opening act, a vital prelude to what promises to be another thrilling season of professional hockey.
The Curtain Rises: A Compact, Intense Warm-Up
Mark your calendars, for the puck drops on Saturday, September 20th, 2025. Over a brisk 15-day period, all 32 NHL franchises will engage in a rigorous 104-game exhibition slate designed to fine-tune strategies, forge team chemistry, and allow coaching staff to make those agonizing final roster decisions. This whirlwind of activity culminates on Saturday, October 4th, with teams then having a mere three days to recalibrate before the much-anticipated regular season officially kicks off on Tuesday, October 7th. It`s a tight turnaround, a testament to the relentless pace of professional sports.
Beyond the Bench: The True Purpose of Pre-Season
While some might dismiss pre-season contests as mere practice sessions, their importance cannot be overstated, especially for those on the cusp of an NHL dream. For seasoned veterans, these games offer a chance to shake off summer rust and re-establish timing. For top prospects and hopeful minor leaguers, however, every shift is an audition, a career-defining moment played out under the watchful eyes of coaches and management. It`s here, in these seemingly low-stakes matchups, that future stars often first announce their arrival, or veterans prove they still have plenty left in the tank. The narratives are as compelling as any regular season clash, just with slightly less dramatic orchestral accompaniment.
Taking Hockey Home: The Neutral-Site Strategy
A significant highlight of the 2025-26 pre-season calendar is the inclusion of several neutral-site games. This strategic move takes the high-octane action of the NHL beyond the traditional arenas and into communities that might not regularly host professional hockey. From Abbotsford, B.C., to Bakersfield, California, and from Hershey, Pennsylvania, to Orlando, Florida, these matchups serve a dual purpose: they offer a taste of NHL action to new fan bases and potentially scout out markets for future growth. It`s a savvy play, ensuring that even the “meaningless” games contribute to the league`s grander vision of expansion and engagement. And for the local fans in these towns, it`s a rare opportunity to witness NHL talent up close, without the usual trek to a major metropolitan area.
Quebec City, Quebec, notably secures two such events, hosting games on September 28th and September 30th. This allocation reignites whispers of the region`s enduring passion for hockey and its long-standing history with the sport, perhaps even a gentle nod to a past and potential future.
The Road Ahead: From Exhibition to Excellence
The sheer volume and geographical spread of the pre-season schedule underscore the immense logistical undertaking involved in orchestrating a league of this magnitude. Each game is a mini-event, a test run for the operational machinery that keeps the NHL moving. For fans, it`s a welcome sign of hockey`s imminent return, a chance to see new faces in new places, and an opportunity to assess their team`s early form.
As September rolls into October, the stakes will rapidly escalate. The transition from exhibition play to the intensity of the regular season is swift and unforgiving. But for now, let the initial cheers commence. The 2025-26 NHL pre-season is more than just practice; it`s the first step on a long, exciting journey towards the Stanley Cup, a journey that begins with a simple puck drop in mid-September. Get ready; hockey is coming back.
Ellis Thorne 
Percy Harlow