NHL & NHLPA reportedly looking to make some changes to the preseason scheduling
The National Hockey League and the Players Association are reportedly considering cutting down on the amount of preseason games.
This year's preseason schedule is going to be remembered for one thing and one thing only - injuries. Since the start of the preseason back on September 21st, the NHL has seen injuries to some well known players including Drew Doughty, Ryan Lindgren, Patrik Laine and last night - Tim Stutzle, Brady Tkachuk, Thomas Chabot, Artemi Panarin and Macklin Celebrini.
And these aren't just minor injuries either. Drew Doughty is month-to-month with an ankle fracture, Patrik Laine is out 2-to-3 months with a knee sprain and Montreal Canadiens 2023 first-rounder David Reinbacher is out 5-to-6 months following knee surgery.
The amount of injuries we've seen so far has fans and some members of the media calling for a shorter preseason schedule going forward and it appears that may come to fruition.
Last night, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported that the National Hockey League and the Players Association have been discussing the possibility of reducing preseason game and will hold more serious talks on the matter when they meet in the new year regarding the next collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which expires following the 2025-26 season.
In addition to reducing the amount of preseason games, LeBrun mentioned that the NHL may add two more games to the regular season, bringing the total to 84. The last time we saw an 84-game regular season was back in 1992-93 and 1993-94, with the two extra games being held in neutral sites.
That's the idea anyway. We'll see where it goes in CBA talks." LeBrun said.
It won't be a surprise to anyone if both sides are able to come to an agreement on reducing the preseason and it'll certainly be welcomed by players and coaching staffs around the league.
