The addition of two regular-season games would allow the NHL to keep its current schedule format, which sees every team visit every opponent at least once, while giving division rivals four games against each other every season. But there has been discussion on other alterations to the format as well.

It is expected the NHL would reduce the number of preseason games to compensate for the additional two regular-season games. A source told ESPN that there is some concern on the players' side about "wear and tear" from two additional regular-season games.