Salt Lake City, UT, September 7, 2026 —

The National Hockey League (NHL) continues to operate with a 16-team playoff system, a structure that has persisted even as the league has grown to include 32 franchises. This longstanding format is now being discussed in light of the league’s expansion and potential future growth.

The current playoff structure, which allocates spots to 16 of the 32 teams, has been a consistent feature of the NHL for a significant period. However, with the league having doubled in size from its earlier days, some observers and analysts are suggesting a re-evaluation of the playoff qualification criteria.

Arguments have been put forth advocating for an expansion of the playoff field. Proponents of this idea suggest that including more teams in the postseason could lead to a notable increase in overall fan engagement across a wider range of markets. Additionally, it is argued that an expanded playoff format could generate additional revenue streams for the league and its member franchises.

These discussions are taking place as the NHL reportedly anticipates further expansion in the future. The prospect of adding even more teams to the league roster could amplify calls for a corresponding adjustment to the playoff structure to ensure competitive balance and broader participation.

Details regarding specific proposals for playoff expansion, such as the number of additional teams that might be included or the proposed timeline for any such changes, were not provided in the summary of the trend. The motivations behind these suggestions, as presented, center on enhancing fan interest and financial performance.


Story summarized from the original created by Brogan Houston on www.deseret.com, see more information here.

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