Gary Bettman announces potential changes to the 82-game NHL schedule

Fans have been pleading with the NHL to cut down on the number of games played during training camp and the preseason after multiple catastrophic injuries this preseason, and it seems the Commissioner has heard them. The NHL and the NHLPA have reportedly held meetings that would result in a major reduction of the league's preseason schedule and an addition of two regular season games. TSN's Pierre LeBrun reports on these discussions.

With two additional regular season games giving the players even more time on the ice with the increased intensity and pressure that comes with the regular season, this would be a significant change for the NHL. While fans would undoubtedly support the move, it might not be as widely accepted among the playing group.

The preseason seems to drag on every year, so this year's shift has been long overdue. With injuries to Patrik Laine, Drew Doughty, and David Reinbacher, it doesn't make sense to have so many meaningless games. The fans would welcome this, especially if rumors of more expansion persist. It's unclear at this time whether the extra two regular season games would be added to the end of the current setup or if the season would begin a little earlier.

For the time being, however, the league will stick to the NBA's format of 82 games, but since the league is obviously trying to increase revenue and expand its operations, don't be surprised if they give this interesting option another serious look.