The NHL preseason is returning on Saturday, September 19, and it starts with a matchup that always draws attention in Canada. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Montréal Canadiens will face each other right away, setting the tone for the new hockey year.
What makes this opener unusual is that both clubs are sending split squads into action at the same time. One game will be held in Toronto, and the other will take place in Montréal, with both contests starting at 7 p.m. ET.
A Same-Night Setup With Two Arenas
This is not a scheduling error or a duplicate booking. It is a deliberate preseason arrangement that lets both teams test more players in real game situations without waiting for separate dates.
Each roster is divided into two groups, giving coaches a chance to evaluate prospects, depth players, and veterans in different combinations. That approach matters even more when exhibition games are limited.
The league’s preseason runs from September 19 through September 26, and the regular season follows on September 29. With a shorter tune-up window, every opportunity on the ice carries extra weight.
| Game | Location | Start Time |
|---|---|---|
| Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens split squad | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto | 7 p.m. ET |
| Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs split squad | Bell Centre, Montréal | 7 p.m. ET |
Why the Preseason Matters More This Year
The NHL has made a notable change by expanding the regular season from 82 games to 84. At the same time, it has trimmed the preseason, which means teams have less room to experiment before standings points begin to count.
That shift changes how clubs use these early games. Coaches now have fewer chances to sort out lineup battles, assess young talent, and work through special teams systems before opening night.
For players trying to secure one of the last roster spots, the margin for error is smaller than it used to be. A strong showing in September can carry real importance.
What Toronto Fans Should Track
Leafs supporters should focus less on the final score and more on how the lineup is being evaluated. The key questions are which younger players get meaningful ice time and which skaters are trusted alongside established NHL regulars.
Special teams are also worth watching closely. Preseason games give coaches a low-pressure setting to try different power-play units and penalty-killing pairs before the games start counting for real.
- Watch which prospects receive the most shifts against Montréal.
- Notice any line combinations that include a mix of veterans and younger players.
- Pay attention to power-play and penalty-kill experiments that could hint at opening-night plans.
Montréal Brings Confidence Into Camp
The Canadiens enter the new season with plenty of momentum after a strong 2025-26 campaign. Montréal finished with 106 points and advanced all the way to the Eastern Conference Final, a result that has raised expectations around the franchise.
The organization has also shown long-term belief in head coach Martin St. Louis by giving him a multi-year contract extension. That move removes uncertainty and gives the team stability heading into training camp.
St. Louis has guided a steady rise in results since taking over. Montréal’s point totals have climbed from 68 in 2022-23 to 76, then 91, and finally 106 last season.
That kind of progress has changed the conversation around the team. The Canadiens are no longer viewed simply as a rebuilding club; they are now expected to compete again.
The Rivalry Gets an Early Preview
Saturday’s preseason meeting is only the first chapter. Toronto and Montréal are also set to meet when the regular season opens on September 29, which gives this game added relevance.
The lineups may look different and the pace will certainly rise later, but the rivalry itself never changes. For hockey fans in Canada, this is the clearest sign that summer is ending and the season is finally beginning.
Both split-squad games start Saturday, September 19 at 7 p.m. ET, with one in Toronto and the other in Montréal. That is enough to bring the spotlight back to the sport and back to one of its most famous rivalries.