The NHL preseason began last night with nine games on the schedule, but we’re still a couple of weeks away from actual hockey. To those who paid attention, they saw a number of guys they’ve never seen before, and the names that they did recognize they may not see again for a number of days. Many of the players will be fortunate (or unfortunate) to play as many as half of their preseason games, and the fans are the ones who will suffer for it.

It’s different in Canada where the people eat up hockey. Most preseason games are on television with loads of interviews with players and information about them that won’t matter because many of those guys won’t make the roster and will be forgotten in the minor leagues, possibly never to return. But in markets where the majority of people don’t care about their local team, who’s actually going to watch games featuring split squads where they may not even see their favorite stars?

Having so many preseason games is not necessary any more. In this age, players are arriving at camp already in shape and just need to get a couple of games and practices in, but not weeks’ worth. For all the players invited to training camp, coaches generally know which guys he wants on his team with maybe a small handful of exception. The 50 or 60 guys playing in the preseason generally are aware of whether they’ll be on an NHL or AHL roster come October.

MLB will cut back on the number of Spring Training games next season. The NFL is strongly considering cutting out half of its preseason games. These are leagues that are making money. The NHL makes money on preseason games in a few markets, but not nearly enough. If the league insists on keeping so many games, they should move them into the regular season so they stand a chance of making some money in all markets, or just cut them from the schedule and finish the playoffs before the summer solstice.