As the summer days drag on, hockey fans everywhere are counting down the moments until the NHL regular season finally returns. For those who live and breathe the game—especially the ever-passionate Montreal Canadiens supporters—the wait can feel endless.

But exciting news is beginning to circulate that could bring much-needed relief to the hockey community. Whispers from league insiders and respected journalists suggest that big changes may be on the horizon, with the NHL reportedly considering a plan to start the regular season earlier than ever before.

This potential shift, which could take effect as soon as 2026, promises to shake up the traditional hockey calendar and deliver more meaningful games to fans sooner. If the rumors are true, the days of enduring a long, drawn-out preseason and waiting until mid-October for the real action could soon be a thing of the past.

Instead, fans might find themselves settling into their seats at the Bell Centre and other arenas a full week—or even more—ahead of schedule. This development has the potential to energize the entire hockey world, offering a fresh start and an earlier taste of the thrilling competition everyone craves.

Oct 14, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; NHL commissioner Gary Bettman gives a press conference before the game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Summer is starting to feel long for hockey fans, and we’re all eagerly awaiting the start of the NHL regular season. Here’s some good news – especially for Montreal Canadiens fans, who are among the most passionate out there!

According to a report from the excellent journalist John Shannon, hockey fans might not have to wait quite as long for the regular season to begin in the near future.

A rumor suggests the NHL is currently working on moving up the start of the regular season

As early as 2026, the regular season could begin a week earlier – or possibly even more!

We love it.

“I think the NHL season will start a week sooner at some point; I do think when they get to 84.. we’re gonna be talking about October 1st.”

– John Shannon

This is actually something many insiders and analysts have been advocating for quite some time.

The goal is to shorten the preseason schedule in order to start the regular season sooner.

So this will be an interesting situation to monitor – and we might be living through our last summer where we have to wait until mid-October to see regular season action at the Bell Centre.

Personally, I don’t see how this could be a bad thing. Players and fans alike have been saying for years that the preseason is too long, so why not cut it down a bit?

Everyone wins, in my humble opinion – and it reduces the risk of injuries during exhibition games.