NHL training camps and rookie tournaments open across September ahead of the 2026-27 season. Here are the key dates for NHL training camp 2026 – when rookie and veteran camps open, the rookie showcase schedules, when preseason starts, and when the puck drops for real – plus a free printable you can keep.
Last updated: September 5, 2026.
2026 NHL Training Camp: Quick Facts
Rookie and prospect camps open first, in the week of September 8, and feed straight into the rookie showcase tournaments held September 11-15. Most clubs open veteran training camp around September 10-13. Preseason (exhibition) games begin September 19, and the 2026-27 regular season opens Tuesday, September 29 with an ESPN tripleheader.
2026-27 NHL Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Rookie / prospect camps open | Week of Sept 8, 2026 |
| Rookie showcase tournaments | Sept 11-15, 2026 |
| Veteran training camps open | Approx. Sept 10-13, 2026 |
| Preseason (exhibition) games begin | Sept 19, 2026 |
| Regular season opens | Tue, Sept 29, 2026 |
2026 NHL Rookie Faceoff Schedule (San Jose, Sept 12-15)
The 2026 NHL Rookie Faceoff returns to San Jose, hosted by the Sharks, and doubles in size to six teams: the Sharks, Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche and Utah Mammoth. All times Pacific.
| Date | Matchup | Time (PT) |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, Sep 12 | Colorado vs. Anaheim | 1:00 PM |
| Sat, Sep 12 | Utah vs. Vegas | 3:00 PM |
| Sat, Sep 12 | Los Angeles vs. San Jose | 5:00 PM |
| Sun, Sep 13 | Vegas vs. Colorado | 1:00 PM |
| Sun, Sep 13 | Anaheim vs. Los Angeles | 3:00 PM |
| Sun, Sep 13 | San Jose vs. Utah | 5:00 PM |
| Mon, Sep 14 | Practice day (no games) | – |
| Tue, Sep 15 | Utah vs. Los Angeles | 1:00 PM |
Other 2026 Rookie Tournaments
The Buffalo Sabres host the Prospects Challenge at LECOM Harborcenter, September 11-15, and several other clubs run regional prospect showcases the same week. Team-by-team rookie-camp and veteran report dates are announced through the week of September 8; we will add them here as they are confirmed.
When Do Veteran Training Camps Open?
For most teams, veterans report and on-ice sessions begin in the September 10-13 window, immediately after the rookie tournaments wrap. Exact report dates vary by club and are released in the days beforehand. From there it is a short runway: preseason games start September 19 and the regular season opens September 29.
Printable: 2026 NHL Training Camp & Key Dates
Keep every date in one place. The printable includes the league timeline and the full Rookie Faceoff schedule.
Download the printable 2026 NHL Training Camp key dates (PDF)
More 2026-27 NHL Schedules
- 2026-27 NHL Opening Night: full September 29 slate
- 2026-27 NHL Schedule: free printable PDF (full season)
- 2026-27 NHL National TV Schedule (ESPN & TNT)
- 2026-27 NHL Schedule: calendar view
2026 NHL Training Camp FAQ
When does NHL training camp start in 2026?
Rookie and prospect camps open in the week of September 8, 2026, and most veteran training camps open around September 10-13. Preseason games begin September 19.
When is the 2026 NHL Rookie Faceoff?
The Rookie Faceoff runs September 12-15, 2026, in San Jose, with the Sharks, Kings, Ducks, Golden Knights, Avalanche and Utah Mammoth.
When does the 2026-27 NHL season start?
The regular season opens Tuesday, September 29, 2026, with an ESPN tripleheader.
Is there a printable NHL training camp schedule?
Yes – the free printable above lists the league timeline and the full Rookie Faceoff schedule, with a link back to this page.
