AHL season opens Oct. 2 in earliest start since 2009
All 32 teams will play 72 games, with the Toronto Marlies defending the Calder Cup when the AHL's 91st season begins.
The 2026-27 AHL regular season begins Oct. 2, the league's earliest opening date since 2009. Eight games are scheduled for opening night and 30 across the full opening weekend.
Each of the 32 clubs will play a 72-game schedule ending April 11. This is the league's 91st season. Every team is scheduled to play on Nov. 7, 90 years to the day after the AHL's first games on Nov. 7, 1936.
Toronto enters as the defending Calder Cup champion. The Marlies defeated the Chicago Wolves in five games in the 2026 Finals, completing a run through five playoff series and winning the trophy for the second time in franchise history.
The league's development mandate is reflected in its roster rules. Teams dress 18 skaters, and at least 12 of them must be development players, meaning 260 or fewer professional games entering the season. The AHL says nearly 90 percent of current NHL players are league graduates.
Toronto opens its home schedule Oct. 3 against the Hamilton Hammers and will raise its championship banner. Hershey hosts Charlotte that day.
