The National Hockey League (NHL) and the NHL Players` Association (NHLPA) have officially reached an agreement to extend their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This ensures labor harmony for the league and its players for at least five additional years, covering seasons through 2029-30.
The announcement was made on Friday, just ahead of the first round of the league`s entry draft, formalizing what NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh had hinted at earlier in the month – that they were close to finalizing a deal.
Bettman commented on the extension, which still needs ratification from both the league governors and the players. He characterized the negotiation process as “very constructive, professional, collaborative,” despite not agreeing on every single point, and noted that it successfully addressed the key issues important to both sides.
Walsh, who assumed the role of NHLPA executive director in February 2023, stated that the bargaining discussions yielded “good resolutions.” Speaking at a press conference before the draft, he expressed satisfaction with the process and optimism that the players would view the outcome favorably.
These positive negotiations stand in stark contrast to past periods of significant labor disputes in the sport, including the lockout that resulted in the cancellation of the entire 2004-05 NHL season.
While neither Bettman nor Walsh provided extensive details on the terms of the memorandum of understanding before the ratification votes, reports suggest potential changes such as increasing the regular season to 84 games per team, reducing the number of exhibition games, shortening the maximum term for player contracts, and introducing a salary cap specifically for the playoffs. Bettman acknowledged the rumored expansion of the regular season was indeed “one of the things that was a topic of discussion.”
Walsh indicated that the agreed-upon length of the extension felt appropriate for the union and its members. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the current generation of players feels engaged in the collective bargaining process. Walsh noted that a drawn-out negotiation period would have involved many players who did not participate in previous rounds of talks, such as the negotiation in 2012-13.
