NHL and NHLPA Set to Announce New CBA Framework

The NHL and NHL Players’ Association are finalizing a four-year extension to their Collective Bargaining Agreement, set to be announced soon. The agreement will bring unprecedented labor peace and significant changes to the league starting in 2026. Here are some key details:

- The NHL will move to 84-game regular seasons.

- Player contracts will be limited to seven years for re-signing players and six years for free agents.

- A playoff salary cap mechanism will close the LTIR loophole.

- Draft pick signing rights will be uniform until age 22.

- Player deferred salary in contracts will be outlawed.

- Signing bonuses will be capped at 60 percent of the total contract value.

- Revenue split between owners and players will remain 50/50.

- Stanley Cup playoff bonus pool fund will see a significant increase.

- 'Full-time' Emergency Backup Goalie position will be established.

- Landmark player benefit improvements will be implemented.

- Teams can no longer mandate player dress codes.

- Salary cap upper limits for the next three seasons are set.

The NHL and NHLPA have been working on the Memorandum of Understanding for weeks, with the formal ratification process to follow. This extension marks a significant milestone in league business and player relations, showcasing a new era of collaboration and growth for the sport.

According to the source: Daily Faceoff.