NHL Shortened Training Camps and Preseason Schedules
New league rules limit preseason games and training time ahead of the expanded 2026-27 regular season.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Hockey
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The National Hockey League has implemented a new collective bargaining agreement that shortens training camps to 15 days and limits teams to four preseason games. These changes are designed to balance the physical toll of an added two regular-season games per team.
Why it matters
Reducing the duration of training camps and preseason participation minimizes player workload before the rigors of a longer season. The new rules also ban mandatory fitness testing for players across the league.
Teams are now restricted to four preseason games, with veterans limited to just two appearances. The total roster limit remains set at 23 players for all NHL franchises.
The players
Utah Mammoth
This is a professional hockey team currently managing a 23-player roster limit under new league constraints.
The details
The Utah Mammoth, currently featuring 22 players on one-way contracts and six rookies competing for roster spots, must finalize their opening-night lineups by September 29. The new regulations also mandate that teams strictly adhere to these shortened timelines and participation caps.
Timeline
September 15, 2026: The new collective bargaining agreement officially took effect.
September 29, 2026: Opening-night lineups are due by 3 p.m. MDT.
Season Trajectory
These scheduling changes significantly alter the preseason evaluation period, forcing teams to rely more on scouting than extensive exhibition play. This shift impacts how rookies and depth players compete for limited roster spots during the shortened training window.
Fantasy managers should note that veteran players will see significantly less preseason ice time, which may obscure their readiness for the season opener. Teams are now forced to finalize their 23-man rosters with less evaluative data than in previous years.
The takeaway
The league is prioritizing player health by condensing the preseason and eliminating internal fitness testing. Fans can expect faster transitions to the regular season, though teams face increased pressure to evaluate their rosters quickly.
What happens next
Opening-night rosters for all teams must be submitted to the league office by September 29, 2026, at 3 p.m. MDT.
Further reading
For more on the current state of the league, see the latest Hockey updates.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Deseret News.
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