The National Hockey League and its players association are reportedly discussing the possibility of expanding the regular season schedule to 84 games. According to reports from ESPN`s Greg Wyshynski and Kevin Weekes, this schedule adjustment is one of the topics being negotiated as part of the ongoing collective bargaining agreement talks between the NHL and NHLPA. If approved, the change could take effect when the next CBA begins after September 15, 2026.
Should both parties agree to add two games to the current schedule, it would revive the 84-game format previously used briefly from 1992 to 1994. During that period, each team played two neutral-site games. It remains unclear how the 83rd and 84th games would be structured under the proposed new format, although reports suggest some franchises have expressed concerns about the unbalanced number of games played against divisional opponents in the current 82-game setup.
Sources indicate that the idea of increasing the regular season schedule has been under internal consideration within the NHL for the past few seasons. An 84-game format might necessitate modifications to the existing schedule structure, which currently requires every team to play every other team at least once and includes four games against divisional rivals.
The NHL Players` Association has reportedly raised concerns regarding the potential for increased physical `wear and tear` on players resulting from a longer schedule. In response to these worries, the NHL is expected to reduce the length of the preseason schedule if the 84-game model is adopted.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman recently commented that the CBA negotiations are progressing well (“in really good shape”), although he did not specify a timeline for reaching an agreement. NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh also stated that discussions have been productive with no major disputes. The talks commenced in April 2025, leaving the league and the union over a year to finalize details before the current CBA expires.
Other topics reportedly being considered in the CBA negotiations include potential changes to the maximum length of player contracts, the possible elimination of deferred-salary agreements, the formal creation of a permanent emergency backup goaltender (EBUG) system, adjustments to revenue sharing, and modifications to eligibility rules for the NHL Entry Draft.
Commissioner Bettman declined to reveal specifics about what might be included in the new collective bargaining agreement. He also noted that the league is not actively engaged in discussions about adding more expansion teams at this time, stating there are “no pending applications and we`re not seeking to initiate a formal process at this point.” The commissioner added that the NHL and its Board of Governors are examining the league`s international strategy, including the planned return of the World Cup of Hockey and consideration of future international All-Star events.
