Agreement locks in 84-game NHL season schedule
Revised Base Article:
Get ready for an extended NHL season as the league and players' association agree on a four-year extension of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, bringing the total games to 84!
This deal, which still needs the Board of Governors and NHLPA's approval, promises transformation on multiple fronts. Two games are added to the regular season, and the max contract length for players shrinks while playoff salary caps are introduced for the first time.
Making their announcement in Los Angeles before the draft, the NHL and NHLPA expressed optimism in reaching this agreement swiftly. There were no major disagreements compared to prior bargaining talks, allowing for a more collaborative partnership, as stated by veteran player John Tavares.
With annual record-breaking revenues and the cap poised to skyrocket in the near future, this extension ensures stability and growth in the sport from 2026-2030.
As for the games, the season will expand to 1,344 games next year with an expected reduction in preseason matches. The additions will be played within divisions, enhancing the rivalries between teams like Toronton-Boston, Dallas-Colorado, and Washington-Pittsburgh.
Previously, there was a rotation that resulted in some division opponents facing off only three times a season, but that imbalance is coming to an end. The league has experimented with an 84-game season before, in 1992-1993 and 1993-1994, when each team added a pair of neutral site games.
Under the new agreement, each player's maximum contract length will be decreased by a year, making it seven for re-signing and six for joining a new team. Top players and general managers prefer long-term contracts for mitigating injury risks and keeping talent within their respective teams. But with the salary cap set to experience increased growth over the next three years, the preference for longer contracts appears to be shifting.
Previously, teams could exploit a loophole by activating injured players on the Long Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) during the playoffs. This wouldn't be possible anymore, although the specifics on how the policy change would work remains unclear.
In summary, the NHL's new CBA offers 84 games per season, playoff salary caps, and adjusted contract lengths, while eliminating the LTIR salary cap loophole. These changes reflect a drive for long-term sustainability and growth in the sport.
The extended NHL season, commencing from 2026-2030, will consist of 84 games per season, providing more opportunities for thrilling hockey matches. This expansion will encompass additional games within divisions, intensifying rivalries among teams like Toronto-Boston, Dallas-Colorado, and Washington-Pittsburgh.
