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Greg Vicehenky
The entire membership of the NHL Board of Governors and NHLPA confirmed the two new collective bargaining agreement, which begins in 2026–27 and runs through 2029–30 seasons.
While the full details of the new CBA would not be released till the later date for the public, sources confirmed ESPN that the new CBA would include a regular season of 84-game-above 82 as well as the maximum contract.
Both sides agreed to the new CBA in late June, ahead of the NHL draft in Los Angeles. The players voted in the weekend to confirm the agreement.
NHL Commissioner Gary Betman said in a statement, “The partnership between the Players Association and the League is ever strong and is working together under the agreement.” “We are grateful to the Board of Governors for supporting the agreement that strengthens our game and ensures that we are collectively providing a great fan experience in the coming years.”
The new CBA follows the 10 -year agreement signed in 2013 and then extended in 2020. NHLPA executive director Marti Walsh said last month that the players preferred a short term as NHL is always developing.
Walsh said, “We had some players who came in this league under the previous agreement and retired from the league under the previous agreement.” “They never had a chance to express their collective bargaining opinion or rights. Because the players’ generations change.”
Sources confirmed ESPN that the CBA would join:
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An 84-game regular season, as well as a small presiden;
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The maximum-term contracts in seven years for a player who signed with a player, and for six years if they signed with another team;
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Permanent emergency backup target for teams;
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Changes in long -term injured reserve rules include a postsen salary cap on the total salary of the players active in any playoff game;
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Eradication of player dress code during sports days;
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When a player turns 22, the standardization of draft rights is ending;
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Minimum NHL salary raising;
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Eradication of deferred payment in contracts;
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Expanding NHL’s commitment to Olympic participation through 2030.
The CBA interaction between the owners and the players was the most easily easily in Betman’s tenure, which began in 1993. He credited that former Boston’s former US Labor Secretary and Mayor, who joined the NHLPA in 2023.
“It is completely refreshed. It is completely different from the previous few experiences that I have done so far,” Betman said.
“This CBA shows what the NHL and the union can fulfill when working together – an agreement that will allow for the continuous development of the game,” Walsh said. “This is a win for all.”
ESPN’s Emily Council contributed to this report.
