The NHL preseason seems to have become more about survival than preparation. For many players, particularly star athletes, the goal has shifted from sharpening their skills to simply making it through the preseason unscathed. For the Toronto Maple Leafs, as for other teams, injuries have become an increasing concern, and with so much at stake for teams and their top players, it may be time to rethink how the preseason and regular season schedules are structured.
The Preseason Problem of Risk
The NHL preseason has always been a time for players to get back into game shape, but it’s also become risky, especially for high-profile players. Teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs have experienced several injuries or near-injuries during training camp. Three of their core players—Auston Matthews, John Tavares, and William Nylander—have all faced health scares this preseason. Several other players have suffered minor or more significant injuries.
In a recent preseason game between the Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens, newly acquired Patrik Laine and promising young prospect David Reinbacher sustained knee injuries. These injuries highlight the dangers of preseason games for star players who haven’t faced game intensity for months.
A Lopsided Approach to NHL Lineups
One major issue is the way teams structure their lineups during preseason games. To sell tickets, teams often play their top players in home games while fielding prospects and fringe players in away games. This mismatch can put star players at risk. While experienced players aim to ease back into game form, they often face opponents fighting for roster spots. These players are giving everything they have, turning what should be a light tune-up into an all-out battle.
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The result is a dangerous dynamic where one team plays at scrimmage intensity while the other is in playoff mode. This increases the chance of injury, especially when prospects and fringe players are playing for their NHL careers and are more willing to take physical risks.
The NHL’s Regular Season Imbalance
Beyond the preseason, the regular season schedule also has its flaws. With 32 teams in the NHL, the current 82-game schedule creates an unbalanced structure. Ideally, teams would play every opponent in their division and conference the same number of…
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