Brind'Amour Proposed Extending NHL Regular Season
The Hurricanes head coach suggested adding games while eliminating the preseason entirely.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Hockey
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Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour has proposed expanding the NHL regular season to 86 games. He argued that the current four-game preseason is a waste for fans because those matchups do not impact the standings.
Why it matters
Brind'Amour believes that transitioning to an 86-game schedule would provide more meaningful competition for spectators. The current format relies on games that do not count toward official league standings.
The NHL currently plays an 84-game regular season schedule alongside a four-game preseason. The proposal calls for 86 regular season games and zero preseason games.
The players
Rod Brind'Amour
He is the head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes and a former professional hockey player who led the franchise to a Stanley Cup title.
Carolina Hurricanes
This is a professional NHL team based in Raleigh that has previously won the Stanley Cup.
Florida Panthers
This is a professional NHL team based in Florida that recently defeated the Hurricanes in a preseason matchup.
The details
Following a 6-3 loss to the Florida Panthers in a preseason contest, Brind'Amour expressed his desire for a schedule change. The recent game featured appearances by players like Justin Robidas, though key stars including Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov did not participate.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: The proposal was discussed following recent game action.
September 29, 2026: The Hurricanes are scheduled to host the Panthers for the NHL opening night.
Season Trajectory
Brind'Amour's suggestion challenges the current framework established by the NHL collective bargaining agreement. It forces a conversation about whether the league should prioritize traditional exhibition time or increase the volume of games that contribute to playoff positioning.
If adopted, this change would eliminate all exhibition games and increase the number of regular season matchups that impact standings and fantasy hockey statistics. It would also shift the league calendar to focus exclusively on games that contribute to the final playoff seedings.
The takeaway
This proposal highlights a growing desire among some personnel to increase the frequency of high-stakes, meaningful hockey for supporters. Readers should watch for potential league discussions regarding the balance between exhibition scheduling and regular season length.
What happens next
The Carolina Hurricanes will host the Florida Panthers for the official NHL opening night on September 29, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the latest team developments and league updates, visit our Hockey section.
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Would you prefer professional sports leagues eliminate preseason games in favor of a longer regular season?
