Why this month matters for hockey fans in Quebec
As summer winds down, hockey starts to reclaim the spotlight in Quebec. The upcoming 2026–2027 NHL season already feels significant, with a fuller schedule, a Canadiens team coming off a memorable spring, and an opening night that should draw plenty of attention across the province.
September is the month when the wait finally starts to feel real. Between preseason dates and league-wide changes, there is a lot to watch before the first regular-season puck drop.
Montreal’s preseason slate is short but busy
The Montreal Canadiens have released a condensed preseason calendar that spreads five games across just three dates. That format gives the team a fast ramp-up while still leaving room for a few meaningful test runs.
Things begin on September 19 with split-squad matchups against the Toronto Maple Leafs, with one game in Montreal and the other in Toronto at the same time. Two days later, on September 21, the Canadiens head to Trois-Rivières to meet the Ottawa Senators at Colisée Vidéotron as part of a Kraft Hockeyville celebration. For local supporters, it is a rare chance to see NHL action up close without traveling far.
The schedule stretches into a longer season
The NHL is also adjusting its format this year. Each club will play 84 regular-season games, which is two more than before, bringing the league-wide total to 1,344 games. The regular season is set to finish on April 16, so the calendar will be a little tighter than fans are used to.
That added mileage makes September more important than ever. Training camp, preseason decisions, and early chemistry all matter when the season is longer and every point carries extra weight.
A final tune-up before the real games begin
The Canadiens close their exhibition schedule on September 26 with another pair of split-squad games, this time against Ottawa. That final date should offer one last look at roster battles and lineup combinations before the games begin to count.
Tickets for the home preseason matchups have been on sale since August 5, giving fans plenty of time to make plans. For many hockey followers, September is no longer just the end of summer; it is the start of the countdown to real hockey.
