NHL Changes for 2026-27 Season

Jun 25, 2026, 20:44
CanadaSports
A2

NHL Changes for 2026-27 Season

NHL 2026-27 賽季變動

Introduction

Some NHL hockey teams have new plans for their 2026-27 season.

部分 NHL 冰球隊對 2026-27 賽季有新計劃。

Main Body

The NHL now has 84 games in the regular season. Because of this, the season starts earlier in September. Teams now play only four preseason games instead of six. The Seattle Kraken, Nashville Predators, and Carolina Hurricanes have their new schedules.

NHL 現在的常規賽有 84 場。因此，賽季將在 9 月較早開始。各隊現在僅進行四場季前賽，而非之前的六場。西雅圖海妖、納什維爾獵食者與卡羅來納颶風已確定新賽程。

The Carolina Hurricanes have a camp for new players. Nine players are at the camp now. These players joined the team in 2024 and 2025. The team will add more players after the draft in June.

卡羅來納颶風為新球員舉辦了訓練營。目前有九名球員在營中。這些球員是在 2024 年與 2025 年加入球隊的。球隊將在 6 月選秀後增加更多球員。

The Nashville Predators traded players with the Colorado Avalanche. They got Jack Drury. The Predators start their rookie camp on September 11. They have a tournament on September 13 and 14. Their full camp starts on September 16.

納什維爾獵食者與科羅拉多雪崩進行了球員交易。他們得到了 Jack Drury。獵食者將於 9 月 11 日開始新秀營。他們在 9 月 13 日與 14 日有一場錦標賽。完整的訓練營將於 9 月 16 日開始。

Conclusion

The league has more regular games. Now, the preseason is shorter and teams are changing their players.

聯賽增加了常規賽場數。現在季前賽縮短了，且各隊正在調整球員名單。

Vocabulary Learning

🗓️ Talking About Dates & Time

To reach A2, you need to say when things happen. Look at how the text uses dates:

  • On + Specific Date →\rightarrow on September 11
  • In + Month/Year →\rightarrow in June / in 2024

The 'Now' vs 'Will' Shift Notice how the text moves between what is happening and what is planned:

  1. Current State (Now): "Nine players are at the camp now." (Fact/Present)
  2. Future Plan (Will): "The team will add more players." (Prediction/Future)

Word Swap: More vs. Less

  • More →\rightarrow (84 games is more than before).
  • Shorter →\rightarrow (4 games is shorter than 6 games).

Quick Tip: Use "more" for quantity and "shorter/longer" for time!

Vocabulary Learning

regular season (n.)
The main part of the sports year before the final games.
Example:The team played well during the regular season.
preseason (n.)
Games played before the main season starts to practice.
Example:Players use the preseason to get ready for the big games.
schedule (n.)
A list of times and dates when events will happen.
Example:I need to check my schedule for the next game.
draft (n.)
A process where teams choose new players from a group.
Example:The team picked a great new player during the draft in June.
traded (v.)
To give a player to another team to get a different player back.
Example:The team traded their best player to another city.
rookie (n.)
A person who is in their first year of a professional sport.
Example:The rookie player is very excited to play his first game.
tournament (n.)
A series of games where one winner is decided at the end.
Example:The team won the hockey tournament last weekend.
B2

NHL Changes to 2026-27 Preseason Schedules and Player Development

NHL 2026-27 季前賽賽程與球員發展計劃之變更

Introduction

Several National Hockey League (NHL) teams have officially announced their preseason plans and player development programs for the 2026-27 season.

數支國家冰球聯盟 (NHL) 球隊已正式公布其 2026-27 賽季的季前賽計劃與球員發展方案。

Main Body

The preseason has been shortened because the NHL decided to increase the regular season from 82 to 84 games. Consequently, the regular season will start earlier, likely in late September, which reduces the number of preseason games from six to four. This change is visible in the schedules of the Nashville Predators, the Seattle Kraken, and the Carolina Hurricanes. For example, the Kraken will play series against the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames. Jason Botterill, the Kraken's General Manager, emphasized that this faster timeline means teams must finalize their rosters more quickly.

季前賽已縮短，因為 NHL 決定將例行賽由 82 場增加至 84 場。因此，例行賽將提前開始，可能在 9 月底，這使得季前賽場數從 6 場減少至 4 場。此變動在納許維爾掠奪者、西雅圖海妖與卡羅來納颶風的賽程中均可見。例如，海妖將與溫哥華加拿大人及卡加利火焰進行系列賽。海妖總經理 Jason Botterill 強調，由於時間表縮短，球隊必須更快速地敲定陣容。

Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes have shared details about their Prospects Development Camp. The current group includes nine players, featuring several draft picks from 2024 and 2025. The team stated that more players will be added depending on the results of the draft on June 26-27. Furthermore, the Hurricanes will play one of their preseason games at the Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.

同時，卡羅來納颶風分享了其新秀發展營的細節。目前的名單包含 9 名球員，其中包括多位 2024 與 2025 年的選秀球員。球隊表示，將根據 6 月 26 日至 27 日的選秀結果增加更多球員。此外，颶風將在北卡羅來納州格林斯伯勒的體育館進行一場季前賽。

In terms of player trades, the Nashville Predators have acquired Jack Drury from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Fedor Svechkov and Zach L'Heureux. The Predators will begin their preparations with a rookie camp on September 11, followed by a tournament in North Carolina on September 13-14, and finally their full training camp on September 16.

在球員交易方面，納許維爾掠奪者以 Fedor Svechkov 與 Zach L'Heureux 交換了科羅拉多雪崩的 Jack Drury。掠奪者將於 9 月 11 日以新秀營展開準備，隨後於 9 月 13 日至 14 日在北卡羅來納州參加錦標賽，最後於 9 月 16 日進入全面訓練營。

Conclusion

The league is moving toward a longer regular season, which results in shorter preseason schedules and a faster process for refining team rosters.

聯盟正趨向延長例行賽，導致季前賽賽程縮短，且精簡陣容的過程也隨之加快。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The 'Connection' Jump: From Basic to B2

At the A2 level, you likely use 'and', 'but', and 'so' to connect your ideas. To reach B2, you need to use Logical Connectors that show a professional cause-and-effect relationship.

The Upgrade Path: Instead of saying "The season is longer, so the preseason is shorter," look at how the text does it:

"The preseason has been shortened... Consequently, the regular season will start earlier."

Why this matters: Consequently doesn't just mean 'so'; it signals a formal result. It tells the reader: 'Because A happened, B is the inevitable result.'

Expanding Your Toolkit

Beyond Consequently, the text uses other 'B2 Bridge' words to organize information:

  1. Furthermore →\rightarrow Use this instead of saying 'also' when you are adding a new, important point to a list.

    • Example: "The team has nine players. Furthermore, they will add more after the draft."

  2. Meanwhile →\rightarrow Use this to switch the focus to a different person or group happening at the same time.

    • Example: "The Kraken are planning their games. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes are focusing on their camp."

Pro Tip for the B2 Transition: Stop thinking in short, choppy sentences. Try to glue your ideas together using these words to create a 'flow.'

  • A2 Style: It is raining. I will stay home. I will read a book.
  • B2 Style: It is raining; consequently, I will stay home. Furthermore, I plan to read a book.

Vocabulary Learning

consequently (adv.)
As a result of something that has happened before.
Example:The regular season will start earlier; consequently, there are fewer preseason games.
emphasized (v.)
To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
Example:The manager emphasized that teams must finalize their rosters more quickly.
finalize (v.)
To complete the final details of a plan, agreement, or list.
Example:The coach needs to finalize the starting lineup before the first game.
acquired (v.)
To get or obtain something, often by purchasing or exchanging.
Example:The Nashville Predators acquired a new player from the Colorado Avalanche.
refining (v.)
The process of improving something by making small changes to make it more accurate or effective.
Example:The team spent the preseason refining their strategy for the regular season.
C2

NHL Organizational Adjustments Regarding 2026-27 Preseason Scheduling and Roster Development

NHL 關於 2026-27 季季前賽賽程安排與陣容開發的組織調整

Introduction

Several National Hockey League franchises have formalized their preseason itineraries and developmental protocols for the 2026-27 campaign.

多家國家曲棍球聯盟（NHL）球隊已正式確定 2026-27 賽季的季前賽行程與開發方案。

Main Body

The modification of the preseason duration is a direct consequence of the NHL's decision to expand the regular season from 82 to 84 games. This systemic adjustment necessitates an earlier commencement of the regular season, projected for late September, thereby reducing the preseason allotment from six to four contests. This structural compression is evidenced in the schedules of the Nashville Predators, the Seattle Kraken, and the Carolina Hurricanes. The Kraken's itinerary involves a bifurcated series against the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames, while the Predators will engage the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Carolina Hurricanes. General Manager Jason Botterill of the Kraken noted that the accelerated timeline requires a more rapid transition to final roster stabilization.

季前賽時長的修改是 NHL 決定將例行賽由 82 場增加至 84 場的直接結果。此系統性調整使得例行賽必須提前至 9 月底開始，從而將季前賽配額從 6 場減少至 4 場。這種結構性壓縮體現在 Nashville Predators、Seattle Kraken 以及 Carolina Hurricanes 的賽程中。Kraken 的行程包括對陣 Vancouver Canucks 和 Calgary Flames 的分段系列賽，而 Predators 則將對陣 Tampa Bay Lightning 和 Carolina Hurricanes。Kraken 總經理 Jason Botterill 指出，加速的時間表要求陣容更快速地達到最終穩定狀態。

Parallel to these scheduling shifts, the Carolina Hurricanes have detailed their Prospects Development Camp at the Invisalign Arena. The current roster comprises nine athletes, including five forwards and four defensemen. This cohort includes 2025 draft selections Charlie Cerrato, Kurban Limatov, Viggo Nordlund, and Filip Ekberg, alongside 2024 selections Timur Kol and Roman Shokhrin. The organization has indicated that subsequent additions will be contingent upon the outcomes of the June 26-27 draft. Furthermore, the Hurricanes' preseason includes a home fixture situated at the Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.

與賽程變動平行，Carolina Hurricanes 詳細說明了其在 Invisalign Arena 舉行的新秀開發營。目前的陣容由 9 名運動員組成，包括 5 名前鋒和 4 名後衛。該群體包括 2025 年選秀球員 Charlie Cerrato、Kurban Limatov、Viggo Nordlund 和 Filip Ekberg，以及 2024 年選秀球員 Timur Kol 和 Roman Shokhrin。該組織表示，後續的人員增加將取決於 6 月 26-27 日選秀的結果。此外，Hurricanes 的季前賽包括一場位於北卡羅萊納州 Greensboro 的 Coliseum 主場賽事。

Regarding personnel transitions, the Nashville Predators have executed a transaction involving the acquisition of Jack Drury from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Fedor Svechkov and Zach L'Heureux. The Predators' preparatory phase will commence with a rookie camp on September 11, followed by a tournament in North Carolina on September 13-14, culminating in the full training camp on September 16.

關於人員變動，Nashville Predators 執行了一項交易，從 Colorado Avalanche 獲取 Jack Drury，以換取 Fedor Svechkov 和 Zach L'Heureux。Predators 的準備階段將於 9 月 11 日從新秀營開始，隨後於 9 月 13-14 日在北卡羅萊納州舉行錦標賽，最後於 9 月 16 日進入全面的訓練營。

Conclusion

The league is currently transitioning toward an expanded regular season, characterized by condensed preseason schedules and ongoing roster refinements.

聯盟目前正向擴展例行賽過渡，其特點是縮短的季前賽賽程以及持續的陣容精煉。

Vocabulary Learning

The Architecture of Nominalization and 'Stiff' Academicism

To transition from B2 (where fluency is about communication) to C2 (where fluency is about precision and register control), one must master Nominalization.

In the provided text, we see a deliberate shift away from verbs (actions) toward nouns (concepts). This is the hallmark of high-level administrative and journalistic English.

🧩 The Pivot: Action →\rightarrow Entity

Observe how the text avoids simple verbs to create an aura of institutional authority:

  • B2 Approach: "The NHL decided to make the season longer, so they have to start earlier." (Verb-driven, conversational).
  • C2 Approach: "The modification of the preseason duration is a direct consequence of the NHL's decision to expand..."

By transforming deciding into a decision and modifying into modification, the writer removes the "human" actor and focuses on the "systemic process." This creates an objective, detached tone essential for C2-level reporting.

🔬 Linguistic Dissection: The 'Structural Compression'

Consider the phrase: "This structural compression is evidenced in the schedules..."

  1. The Abstract Subject: "Structural compression" is a sophisticated noun phrase. It encapsulates a complex idea (the shortening of time) into a single conceptual object.
  2. Passive Evidence: Instead of saying "We can see this in the schedules," the author uses "is evidenced in," shifting the agency to the data itself.

🛠️ C2 Application: The 'Bifurcated' Lexicon

To reach the ceiling of C2, you must employ words that describe structure rather than just meaning.

  • Bifurcated: (from bifurcate) Instead of saying "split into two," the text uses bifurcated. This isn't just a fancy synonym; it implies a formal, systemic division.
  • Contingent upon: Instead of "depends on," the text uses contingent upon. This phrasing establishes a conditional relationship that is legally and administratively precise.

The C2 Takeaway: To elevate your writing, stop asking "What is happening?" (Verbs) and start asking "What is the name of this phenomenon?" (Nouns). Replace the process with the concept.

Vocabulary Learning

formalized (v.)
To give something a definite structure, official status, or formal arrangement.
Example:The two companies formalized their merger agreement after months of negotiation.
itineraries (n.)
Detailed plans or routes for a journey or a series of events.
Example:The travel agent provided comprehensive itineraries for the diplomatic mission to Europe.
necessitates (v.)
To make something necessary as a result or consequence.
Example:The sudden increase in demand necessitates the hiring of additional staff.
allotment (n.)
A quantity of a particular resource or amount of time assigned to a specific person or purpose.
Example:Each department was given a strict budget allotment for the fiscal year.
bifurcated (adj.)
Divided into two branches or two separate parts.
Example:The river followed a bifurcated path, splitting the valley into two distinct regions.
cohort (n.)
A group of people sharing a common characteristic or experience within a defined period.
Example:The study tracked a cohort of students who entered the university in 2015.
contingent (adj.)
Subject to chance or depending on certain conditions being met.
Example:The signing of the contract is contingent upon a successful background check.
culminating (v.)
Reaching a climax or a final point of highest development.
Example:The festival's events were culminating in a spectacular fireworks display on Saturday night.
Practice All words in a crossword→