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NHL shows their true favoritism by canceling several organizations' preseason games in the AHL


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Jack Sutherland
September 18, 2025  (8:36)
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Gary Bettman
Photo credit: NHL.com

Multiple American Hockey League teams will not be playing a single preseason game, raising questions on whom the NHL favors among the farm clubs.

The upcoming season for the NHL has nearly arrived, meaning that the AHL season will also be getting underway soon.
But there is a scheduling anomaly for several AHL teams who were surprised to learn that they won't be playing any preseason contests.
"AHL released the 2025-26 preseason schedule - 22 total games.

10 teams don't play a preseason game - Abbotsford (VAN), Calgary (CGY), Charlotte (FLA), Cleveland (CBJ), Colorado (COL), Grand Rapids (DET), Iowa (MIN), Manitoba (WPG), Rochester (BUF) & Texas (DAL)"
Even the AHL Calder Cup winners, the Abbotsford Canucks, will not be playing any preseason games this year. It's left many wondering if this is a show of favoritism by the NHL, and understandably so.

Blackhawks announce training camp roster

The Blackhawks start training camp this week, and their full roster of players that will take part includes multiple AHL players.
They've just recently put pen to paper with one of their top young players, taking a distraction away before training camp kicks off.
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NHL shows their true favoritism by canceling several organizations' preseason games in the AHL

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