Teams Prepare for Shortened Training Camps and the New 84-Game Season

Coaches and players will have very little time to prepare when training camp opens. Changes to the new collective bargaining agreement have shortened the preseason and lengthened the regular season, reducing the days available before the first game.

According to the NHL, the preseason has been reduced to four games, while the regular season is extended from 82 to 84 games and the collective bargaining agreement takes effect on Wednesday; this will leave teams about a week less to prepare their lineups. For example, for the ten teams playing on opening night on September 29, there will be only 12 days from the first training session to the first puck drop — including the games Florida Panthers–Carolina Hurricanes, Montreal Canadiens–Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers–Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks–Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Blackhawks–Vegas Golden Knights.

Rangers coach Mike Sullivan notes that the four days of preseason games and a few rest days leave only about six full practices to work with the first group, forcing changes to the preparation format. Previously, most teams played six to eight preseason games, which allowed integrating veterans and trying out young players; now, with only four games, evaluation opportunities are significantly reduced.

Washington Capitals coach Spencer Carbery emphasizes that the preparation window becomes even shorter due to a new rule limiting players with over 100 games to playing in only two preseason games. This means that, for some teams, the practical calendar is almost five or six practices and two games before the season starts. Moreover, during camp teams have limited access of up to three hours a day between meetings and practices, which increases the need for efficiency in every session.

New coaches and technical staffs will face particular challenges, as they must introduce new systems and get to know players in a short time. Peter Laviolette, the new Los Angeles coach, said he will have to find ways to include practice for open-number play situations earlier than usual. Players like Quinton Byfield express that teams will learn and adapt quickly, while veterans like Sidney Crosby come expecting to already be in shape and find rhythm without many preseason games.

The impact of these changes will be greatest for young players and those on tryout agreements, who lose opportunities to impress; coaches will focus on preparing the lineup for the first game as the top priority. According to the NHL, this accelerated camp and preseason model will require more efficiency and quick decision-making from teams and their staffs.