NHL Preseason Heats Up as Seven Games Take the Ice Sunday

The NHL preseason is picking up speed, with seven games scheduled across the league on Sunday, September 20, as teams get their first real opportunities to test line combinations, prospects and returning players ahead of the 2026–27 regular season.

Sunday’s schedule features the New York Islanders against the New Jersey Devils, San Jose Sharks against the Anaheim Ducks, Nashville Predators against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Washington Capitals against the Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes against the Florida Panthers, Utah Mammoth against the Colorado Avalanche, and Seattle Kraken against the Calgary Flames.

The preseason officially began Saturday, and it didn’t take long for the action to deliver. Montreal defeated Toronto 4–3 in overtime, with Cole Caufield scoring the winner with just 38 seconds remaining in the extra period. The game also brought plenty of attention to Gavin McKenna, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, who made his preseason debut for the Maple Leafs.

Preseason results don’t carry points into the regular-season standings, but these games are important for players competing for roster positions. Coaches also get an opportunity to experiment with different combinations and evaluate younger players against NHL-level competition.

For established players, the next few weeks are about getting back into game rhythm. For prospects and players fighting for a roster spot, every shift can matter.

With seven games on Sunday’s schedule, hockey fans will get a much broader look at teams around the league as preparations for the new season continue.

The preseason will run through early October before the NHL regular season begins, making the coming weeks an important final stage for teams building their opening-night rosters.