Maple Leafs Get Early Jump: Toronto Opens Season Ahead of Schedule

The Toronto Maple Leafs will kick off their 2026-27 campaign earlier than most NHL teams, giving them a head start in the expanded 84-game season. This scheduling quirk could provide early momentum or expose weaknesses before the rest of the league gets rolling. The early start means the Leafs' roster composition and health status heading into September become even more critical to their playoff positioning. How they handle this unconventional timing could set the tone for their entire season.