NHL Preseason 2025–26
Training Camps · Exhibition Games · Roster Battles
📰 Latest Preseason News
Boston Bruins Recall Defensive Prospect From AHL Affiliate
The BOS coaching staff bolstered the blue line ahead of a tough Eastern Conference road swing, recalling a 23-year-old defenseman from the AHL affiliate to fill in for an injured veteran expected to miss two weeks.
Buffalo Adds Veteran Winger Before 2025-26 Trade Deadline
Buffalo Sabres management made a depth move, acquiring an experienced winger who brings Stanley Cup playoff experience and a strong penalty-kill presence to Buffalo's Eastern Conference push.
Detroit Red Wings Rally Late for Overtime Win at Little Caesars Arena
A packed Little Caesars Arena in Detroit saw Detroit Red Wings score twice in the final three minutes to force overtime, then seal the 2025-26 victory 54 seconds in. The win kept DET firmly in Atlantic Division playoff contention.
Florida Panthers Rally Late for Overtime Win at Amerant Bank Arena
A packed Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise saw Florida Panthers score twice in the final three minutes to force overtime, then seal the 2025-26 victory 54 seconds in. The win kept FLA firmly in Atlantic Division playoff contention.
Montreal Canadiens Recall Defensive Prospect From AHL Affiliate
The MTL coaching staff bolstered the blue line ahead of a tough Eastern Conference road swing, recalling a 23-year-old defenseman from the AHL affiliate to fill in for an injured veteran expected to miss two weeks.
Ottawa Senators Recall Defensive Prospect From AHL Affiliate
The OTT coaching staff bolstered the blue line ahead of a tough Eastern Conference road swing, recalling a 23-year-old defenseman from the AHL affiliate to fill in for an injured veteran expected to miss two weeks.
Tampa Bay Lightning Rally Late for Overtime Win at Amalie Arena
A packed Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay saw Tampa Bay Lightning score twice in the final three minutes to force overtime, then seal the 2025-26 victory 54 seconds in. The win kept TBL firmly in Atlantic Division playoff contention.
Toronto Maple Leafs Shutout Lifts Club Into Atlantic Division Playoff Spot
The TOR goaltender turned aside all 28 shots he faced as Toronto Maple Leafs blanked their opponent 3–0 at Scotiabank Arena, moving within two points of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot.
Carolina Hurricanes Rally Late for Overtime Win at Lenovo Center
A packed Lenovo Center in Raleigh saw Carolina Hurricanes score twice in the final three minutes to force overtime, then seal the 2025-26 victory 54 seconds in. The win kept CAR firmly in Metropolitan Division playoff contention.
Columbus Blue Jackets Shutout Lifts Club Into Metropolitan Division Playoff Spot
The CBJ goaltender turned aside all 28 shots he faced as Columbus Blue Jackets blanked their opponent 3–0 at Nationwide Arena, moving within two points of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot.
New Jersey Devils Place Top-Six Forward on Injured Reserve
NJD GM confirmed the forward sustained a lower-body injury during morning skate at Prudential Center. The team will reassess after the upcoming four-game road trip through the Metropolitan Division.
New York Islanders Shutout Lifts Club Into Metropolitan Division Playoff Spot
The NYI goaltender turned aside all 28 shots he faced as New York Islanders blanked their opponent 3–0 at UBS Arena, moving within two points of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot.
NHL Preseason 2025–26 — Complete Guide
The 2025–26 NHL Preseason takes place in September 2025. All 32 teams participate in exhibition games to evaluate prospects, finalize rosters, and prepare for the regular season. Training camps open in mid-September, giving coaches a chance to assess new signings, returning veterans, and promising rookies competing for roster spots.
What Happens During the NHL Preseason?
During preseason, each team plays a series of exhibition games that do not count toward regular-season standings. The primary purpose is roster evaluation — coaches and management observe players under game conditions to make final decisions on the 23-man opening-night roster. Prospects called up from the AHL often get their biggest opportunities during preseason.
Preseason Roster Battles to Watch
Every team enters preseason with open roster battles. Key competitions include fights for the third-line centre role, backup goaltender positions, and spots on the fourth defensive pairing. Teams also use preseason to integrate high-profile free-agent signings and draft picks into their systems ahead of the regular season opener in October 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions — NHL Preseason
The 2025–26 NHL Preseason begins in September 2025. Training camps officially open in mid-September, with preseason games running through late September before the regular season opens in October 2025.
No. NHL preseason games are exhibition contests and do not count toward regular-season standings, statistics, or the points race for playoff qualification. They are solely for roster evaluation and player development purposes.
Each NHL team typically plays between 4 and 8 preseason games. The exact number varies by team and schedule. Games are spread across home and away venues, and rosters are often split with veteran lineups on different days than prospect-heavy lineups.
NHL training camp is the period before the regular season when all players under contract report to the team's facility for on-ice and off-ice evaluation. Teams typically invite 40–60 players to camp, then gradually cut the roster down to the 23-man regular-season limit by opening night.
Yes. Training camp and preseason games are the primary pathway for prospects to earn a spot on the NHL opening-night roster. High-round draft picks and players coming off strong AHL seasons receive the most opportunity to impress coaching staffs and management during this evaluation period.