The National Hockey League announced the 2026‑27 regular‑season schedule on Thursday, revealing a landmark calendar for the Colorado Avalanche and all 32 franchises.
A Historic September Opener
The Avalanche will open the season on September 30 against the Los Angeles Kings at Ball Arena, marking the franchise’s first regular‑season game played in September.
A Longer Campaign
Under the new collective bargaining agreement, the regular season expands from 82 to 84 games, giving teams two additional contests and a more compressed schedule.
Divisional and Conference Realignment
Each club will meet its division rivals four times, face intra‑conference opponents three times apiece, and square off against every team from the opposite conference twice, reshaping the traditional balance of play.
Preseason and Training Adjustments
The preseason has been trimmed to four games per team, and training camps will be shortened accordingly, a move the league says will heighten the intensity of the regular‑season start.
Implications for Fans and Stakeholders
Fans can expect a denser slate of games, with more frequent matchups against familiar rivals and new road trips that broaden the Avalanche’s national footprint.
The NHL’s new CBA also includes adjustments to revenue sharing and player health protocols, elements that could influence roster decisions and on‑ice strategies throughout the campaign.