A compressed preseason
The Colorado Avalanche released their 2026 preseason schedule on Monday, outlining a four‑game slate that unfolds within a single week. The condensed format stems from the new collective bargaining agreement, which replaced the traditional six‑game preseason with a more concentrated schedule.
The opening contest will be played at home on September 20 against the Utah Mammoth, giving fans an early glimpse of the team’s preparations. A short three‑day break follows, after which the Avalanche head to Winnipeg for a road game on September 21.
The club then returns home for a second back‑to‑back set, culminating with a matchup against the Winnipeg Jets on September 25. The preseason wraps up on September 26 in Utah before the regular season is slated to commence later in the month.
The upcoming regular season will feature 84 games, a milestone made possible by the renegotiated agreement. The compressed preseason provides a unique test of depth and conditioning as the Avalanche gear up for a demanding schedule.