The National Hockey League (NHL) and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) have reached a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), securing labor peace until 2030. The four-year CBA begins in the fall of 2026 and addresses several key issues affecting players, teams, and fans.
A major change is the reduction of preseason games to four per team starting in 2026, with veteran players limited to playing in only two. This shift aims to alleviate player fatigue and provide more time for regular-season games. The number of regular-season games will increase from 82 to 84, mirroring the NHL’s last extended season in 1992-93.
Another significant change is the introduction of a playoff salary cap, designed to prevent teams from exploiting loopholes that allowed them to add talent during the playoffs without paying for it in the offseason. This rule aims to promote fair competition and reduce the incentive for teams to “slow play” injuries throughout the season.
The CBA also limits contract term lengths, with players only able to sign seven years with their own team and six with another team as a free agent. This change is expected to lead to higher per-year contract values and increased player movement, as star players will no longer be able to stretch their contract values out as much.
The minimum salary for NHL players will increase from $775,000 to $1 million over the next several seasons, providing guaranteed growth for depth players. The CBA’s four-year length is also seen as a positive development, creating stability and reducing the risk of future lockouts.
Overall, the new CBA marks a significant milestone in labor peace for the NHL, with both parties agreeing on key issues that will shape the league’s future.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6456745/2025/06/27/nhl-cba-84-game-season-ebug-explainer