2026-27

• Just prior to the season, the NHL announced that the statistical history of the original Winnipeg Jets (1979-96) would be transferred to the current Winnipeg Jets, who will also retain the statistical history of the Atlanta Thrashers. So now, the franchise's timeline will read Winnipeg 1979-96, dormant 1996-99, Atlanta 1999-2011, Winnipeg 2011-present.

• The NHL is rolling out a new league-wide alternate uniform program. This one is dubbed Hometown Remix, and the uniforms will pay tribute to the cities in which the franchises call home. The uniforms are expected to be unveiled sometime in October.

• An end of an era in Canada, as Hockey Night In Canada has come to an end. Sportsnet took over Saturday night NHL broadcasts from CBC; and with CBC retaining the rights to the Hockey Night In Canada branding, Sportsnet's coverage is being branded as Saturday Night Hockey. Furthermore, the switch in rights means Canadian NHL fans will now need a pay TV subscription to get their Saturday night NHL fix.

• A new collective bargaining agreement takes hold. Among other things, the regular season is lengthened by two games to 84 games per team.

• No more beer league goalies in the NHL. As part of the aforementioned new collective bargaining agreement, the emergency backup goalie rules have changed. Under the old rules, each game would have an amateur goalie in the building (goalies subject to NHL approval), available to sign with either team on a moment's notice should it become necessary. Under the new rules, each team will have its own emergency backup goalie who's a team employee who travels with the team to away games. As before, the EBUGs are subject to NHL approval; they must have had some experience as a goalie at some other level of organized amateur hockey.