What Should Fans Know About NHL Collective Bargaining Changes?
The NHL & NHLPA have ratified the new CBA for four years. What big and small changes to the CBA should fans be aware of?
There are no sweeter words in hockey for fans than hearing “there will be labor peace.” Thanks to the NHL and NHLPA ratifying the Collective Bargaining Agreement for four more years starting on Sept 16, 2026 at 12:01 A.M., there will be no work stoppage.
Getting a new agreement done was always a top priority for the league and the players. With each passing press conference, optimism was abound for its completion. It was always just a matter of time.
Both sides including NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh appear to be very happy with the outcome and the speed in which things were completed.
“The partnership between the Players’ Association and the League is stronger than it ever has been and working together under this agreement presents a fantastic opportunity to continue to grow the game,” Bettman said. “We are grateful to the Board of Governors for its support of this agreement that strengthens our game and ensures we are collectively delivering a great fan experience in the years to come.”
“This CBA shows what can be accomplished when the NHL and the Union work together – an agreement that will allow for the continued worldwide growth of the game. That is a win for everyone,” Walsh said. “We could not have achieved this outcome without the involvement and support of our players. Special thanks to our Executive Board and Negotiating Committee.”
Setting the Scene
The new CBA ensures there will be labor peace in the NHL until Sept 15, 2030. Should either side push to want to terminate the agreement, they must do so in writing and present it with at least 120 days notice prior to Sept 15, 2030.
Having the peace of mind that comes with five seasons of continuity allows everyone to focus on what’s important. That’s the upcoming 2025-26 hockey season.
There are several changes within the CBA both big and small that will affect many different things. We will discuss many of those changes here.
Everything from player compensation to term limits on new contracts to playoff rosters to new rules for emergency goalies are all addressed and much more. We also have some insight into players who went from the CHL to the NCAA and how their NHL eligibility will work with the teams that drafted them. We’ll start though by talking about the 84-game schedule starting in 2026-27.
Increase Regular Season Games to 84
Several things have been agreed to under the working conditions for players. Most notably, teams will play an 84-game regular season starting in 2026-27.
But that’s not all. Training camps will also be shortened. The number of exhibition games will be shortened. There is also a significant change to fitness testing of players.
Within the 84-game schedule, each team must play a minimum of 11 games within their first 30 days of the regular season. If the regular season starts before the second week of October, than the minimum number of games rises to 12.
On the surface, going to an 84-game schedule would allow more balance. In the current structure, teams play against two of their division rivals just three times instead of four. The two extra games would allow everyone to play the same number of games against each division rival.
With more games in play, it only makes less to reduce the number of preseason games as well as the length of Training Camp.
