Debate Over NHL Preseason Games

The NHL preseason is underway, marking the end of a long summer without hockey. While fans are thrilled to see all 32 teams returning to the ice, the excitement surrounding these games is debatable.

Rod Brind’Amour, head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, champions of the Stanley Cup, has expressed his desire for the abolition of preseason altogether. During an appearance on TSN’s ‘Overdrive,’ Brind’Amour shared his perspective, stating that players prefer jumping directly into the regular season rather than participating in preseason games.

“Guys just want to play. Guys just want to drop the puck and start for real,” Brind’Amour stated. “They don’t like practicing—nobody does.”

This sentiment echoes past remarks from athletes like Allen Iverson, who famously criticized the practice routine over actual gameplay.

The NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement already reflects a shift in this direction. The number of preseason games has been reduced from six to four, extending the regular season to 84 games. Yet, Brind’Amour feels further cuts are necessary.

Contrary to past practices, team rosters are largely predetermined, leaving fewer spots open for new players. Brind’Amour noted, “There were 10 guys maybe that you knew were on the team, then there were a couple of guys fighting for a spot here. Maybe even a goalie spot might’ve been open. That doesn’t happen now, hardly ever. The team’s picked.”

He argues that eliminating these games could benefit fans by avoiding less meaningful matchups. However, preseason games serve as valuable marketing tools, introducing NHL events to regions that typically don’t host games. For instance, teams like the Capitals and Flyers played in Hershey, Pennsylvania, while the Senators and Canadiens faced off in Trois-Rivières, Quebec.

These events offer fans a more affordable opportunity to watch professional hockey, potentially attracting new audiences. Despite this, further reductions in preseason games seem probable, as most rosters are set well before the regular season kickoff.