Greg Wyshynskijul 8, 2025, 12:51 PM ET
Closegreg Wyshynski is a senior NHL writer at ESPN.
Full membership of the NHL Governor Committee and the NHLPA ratified the new collective bargaining agreement, which has been going on for the 2029-30 season between 2026 and 27.
Details about the new CBA will not be released until later, but sources have confirmed to ESPN that the 84-game regular season will rise from 82 to the new CBA, reducing the maximum contract.
Editor’s Pick
2 Related
Both sides agreed to a new CBA in late June ahead of the NHL draft in Los Angeles. Players voted to ratify the contract over the weekend.
“The player association and league partnership is stronger than ever, and working together under this agreement provides an incredible opportunity to continue growing the game,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “We appreciate the support of this agreement, ensuring we are bolstering our game and delivering a great fan experience over the next few years.”
The new CBA has been extended to 2020 following a 10-year contract signed in 2013. NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh said last month that players prefer shorter terms as the NHL is constantly evolving.
“We had players who joined this league under their last contract and retired from the league under their last contract,” Walsh said. “They had no opportunity to really express their collective bargaining opinions and rights.
Sources confirmed with ESPN that the CBA includes:
84 games regular season and shortened preseason.
The maximum contract was shortened, closing with seven years to re-sign the player with the club and six years if he signed with another team.
A permanent emergency backup goaltender for teams.
Changes to long-term injury preliminary rules, including postseason salary caps for total pay for active players in certain playoff games.
Eliminate player dress codes on game day.
Standardization of drafts that expire when players are 22 years old.
Increase in minimum NHL salary.
Elimination of deferred payments in a contract.
Extending the NHL’s commitment to participating in the Olympics through 2030.
The CBA discussion between the owner and the player was the smoothest of Bettman’s term, which began in 1993. He praised Boston mayor Walsh, who joined the NHLPA in 2023.
“It’s totally refreshing, it’s completely different from any previous experience I’ve had,” Bettman said.
“This CBA shows what can be achieved when the NHL and unions work together. This is an agreement that will allow for the continued global growth of the game,” Walsh added. “It’s a victory for everyone.”
ESPN’s Emily Kaplan contributed to this report.
