Gary Bettman addresses possible major changes to the 82-game NHL schedule

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Tom Banks
October 1, 2024  (9:45 PM)

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Photo credit: Sportsnet

The NHL has had an 82 game schedule for quite some time now, but it appears Gary Bettman could be on the verge of a massive change.

After several massive injuries were suffered this pre-season, fans have been calling for the NHL to reduce the number of games played during the training camp/pre-season period, and it appears the message may have got through to the Commissioner. According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, meetings have occurred between the NHL and the NHLPA that would see the league's pre-season schedule reduced significantly, with an extra two regular season games added to the schedule.

This would be a significant change for the NHL, with two extra regular season games giving the players even more time on the ice with the extra intensity and pressure that comes with the regular season, and while fans would no doubt embrace the move, it may not be as unanimous throughout the playing group.

The change has been a long time coming however, with the pre-season seemingly dragging on every year, and after injuries to David Reinbacher, Drew Doughty and Patrik Laine this pre-season, it just doesn't make sense to have so many games that mean nothing. It's not yet been made clear whether the extra two regular season games would be added on to the end of the current setup or starting the season a bit earlier, but regardless, this is something that the fans would embrace, especially if chatter of further expansion continues.

For now though, the league will remain at 82 games, the exact same as the NBA, but with the league clearly looking to make more revenue and continue building the business, expect them to take another close look at this intriguing option.

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POLL
OCTOBRE 1   |   155 ANSWERS Gary Bettman addresses possible major changes to the 82-game NHL schedule Would you be okay if the NHL decided to go to an 84 game regular season schedule?
Yes	97	62.6 %
No	58	37.4 %
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