The NHL and NHL Players’ Association are on the verge of finalizing a new collective bargaining agreement, a significant development for hockey fans worldwide. Key elements include an ambitious 84-game schedule set to start in the 2026-27 season. As of June 26, 2025, both sides were actively negotiating, aiming to announce a four-year extension before the NHL Draft.
- New CBA includes 84-game schedule.
- Preseason shortened to four games.
- Player contract lengths reduced to seven years.
- Deferred-salary contracts will be eliminated.
- Minimum salary increases to $1 million.
- Labor peace guaranteed until 2030.
This new agreement promises to reshape the league’s structure without major financial changes. The regular season is expected to kick off in the last week of September, accompanied by a shortened four-game preseason. What does this mean for players and teams alike?
One key takeaway from these negotiations is the potential impact on player contracts. With a one-year reduction on maximum contract lengths, teams will have to navigate roster strategies carefully. Will this lead to more player movement in the coming years?
- New maximum contract lengths: seven years for re-signing players, six for free agents.
- Deferred-salary contracts will be eliminated.
- A new playoff salary cap system will close existing loopholes.
- The league’s minimum salary will rise to $1 million by the end of the agreement.
As the NHL Draft approaches, fans can look forward to how these changes will influence team strategies and player movements. Stay tuned for more updates as the league evolves!
