Gary Bettman addresses possible major changes to the 82-game NHL schedule

PUBLICATION

Tom Banks
October 1, 2024  (9:45 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Photo credit: Sportsnet

The NHL has had an 82 game schedule for quite some time now, but it appears Gary Bettman could be on the verge of a massive change.

After several massive injuries were suffered this pre-season, fans have been calling for the NHL to reduce the number of games played during the training camp/pre-season period, and it appears the message may have got through to the Commissioner. According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, meetings have occurred between the NHL and the NHLPA that would see the league's pre-season schedule reduced significantly, with an extra two regular season games added to the schedule.

This would be a significant change for the NHL, with two extra regular season games giving the players even more time on the ice with the extra intensity and pressure that comes with the regular season, and while fans would no doubt embrace the move, it may not be as unanimous throughout the playing group.

The change has been a long time coming however, with the pre-season seemingly dragging on every year, and after injuries to David Reinbacher, Drew Doughty and Patrik Laine this pre-season, it just doesn't make sense to have so many games that mean nothing. It's not yet been made clear whether the extra two regular season games would be added on to the end of the current setup or starting the season a bit earlier, but regardless, this is something that the fans would embrace, especially if chatter of further expansion continues.

For now though, the league will remain at 82 games, the exact same as the NBA, but with the league clearly looking to make more revenue and continue building the business, expect them to take another close look at this intriguing option.

Warning: include(/home//inout/pub_inline.php): failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /home/marqueur/public_html/news/auto/blogs_id/436858.php on line 37

Warning: include(): Failed opening '/home//inout/pub_inline.php' for inclusion (include_path='.:/opt/cpanel/ea-php74/root/usr/share/pear') in /home/marqueur/public_html/news/auto/blogs_id/436858.php on line 37

Previously

Montreal Canadiens' Arber Xhekaj kicked out of game for dirty headshot on Tim Stutzle

Three teams emerge as possibilities in a Jeremy Swayman trade from the Boston Bruins

Gary Bettman reveals likely NHL salary cap for the 2025-26 season: Jeremy Swayman will be happy

POLL
OCTOBRE 1   |   155 ANSWERS Gary Bettman addresses possible major changes to the 82-game NHL schedule Would you be okay if the NHL decided to go to an 84 game regular season schedule?
Yes	97	62.6 %
No	58	37.4 %
LIST OF POLLS

MUST READ

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Vancouver Canucks' Contract Offer to Brock Boeser Leaks Publicly

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Montreal Canadiens Star Undergoes Season-Ending Knee Surgery

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Philadelphia Flyers Officially Looking to Trade Former 39-Goal Scorer

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Evander Kane May Be in His Final Days in Edmonton After Friedman Reveals New Information

Feb 28  |  By Mike Whitaker Maple Leafs Forward Pulls Back Trade Request

Feb 27  |  By Mike Whitaker Brad Marchand Goes Viral for Passionate Video Ahead of Four Nations Faceoff Final

Feb 27  |  By Mike Whitaker David Pastrnak's Latest Comments Suggest Bruins Will Be Big Sellers at the Deadline

Feb 27  |  By Julien Trekker 6-Foot-6 Winger Linked to the New York Rangers at the Trade Deadline

MORE STORIES