Multiple Maple Leafs games affected by last-minute NHL schedule changes

Update: Changes were also announced for the Edmonton Oilers.

The NHL made a handful of adjustments to the 2026-27 regular season schedule on Wednesday, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are affected by three of the changes.

Broadcaster Steve Dangle flagged the swaps first, and Toronto sees more movement than most clubs around the league this time around.

Toronto's December 17 matchup against the New Jersey Devils now starts at 7:30 p.m. ET instead of 7 p.m. ET.

Five days later, the Leafs actually get an earlier puck drop against the Detroit Red Wings on December 22, sliding from 7:30 p.m. ET to 7 p.m. ET.

The last change lands late in the year, when Toronto hosts the Washington Capitals on March 28.

That game moves from 6 p.m. ET to 7 p.m. ET.

None of the three dates themselves are changing, only the clock, which typically happens because of broadcast needs or ripple effects from other games on the league wide slate.

It happens most seasons in some form, but fans who built plans around the original times will want to double check before they head out the door, especially those traveling in from out of town for a game.

Toronto already carries a lot of buzz into this season, with a retooled coaching staff, a new front office and the possibility of a headline making rookie debut, so even minor scheduling tweaks are getting picked apart by a fan base that is paying close attention to everything happening around the club.

The full 2026-27 schedule remains posted at NHL.com, and the league has made clear that further tweaks are possible as opening night gets closer.

For now, Leafs fans circling December and late March on their calendars should lock in the new times and plan accordingly, especially anyone traveling to Scotiabank Arena or making a night of it with friends.

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