NHL Introduces Major Changes to the Schedule, LTIR Rules, and Contract Terms In New CBA
Photo credit: Imagn Images
The NHL and the NHLPA have been working on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, and on Friday, it will be introduced with plenty of changes.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has been working with the NHLPA on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement that would begin during the 2026-27 season.
Of course, both sides have some concerns, with players looking to get as much revenue share as they possibly can.
Meanwhile, owners are trying to close some loopholes so that they are protected from anything that might be considered too pro-player.
The new NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement
Today, Frank Seravalli reported some truly gargantuan changes to the CBA that will certainly have some fans freaking out.
The biggest change is increasing the schedule to 84 games. Interestingly enough, the preseason would be shortened by two games.
Moreover, the LTIR loophole will officially be eliminated, which is bad news for abusers like the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Las Vegas Golden Knights.
🔹 84-game season begins in 2026-27 - Preseason drops to four games per team. Veterans with 100+ games can play in a max of two.
🔹 New contract limits - Max term will be 7 years to re-sign, 6 years in free agency. Final 8-year deals come in 2025-26.
🔹 Playoff cap mechanism - LTIR loophole closed. New rules will prevent stacking injured reserve savings to boost playoff rosters.
🔹 Draft rights standardized - Teams keep rights to all drafted players until age 22, even if they move leagues (e.g., CHL to NCAA).
🔹 Deferred salary outlawed - Players can no longer accept deferred payments to lower cap hits.
🔹 Massive playoff bonus increase - Stanley Cup playoff pool nearly doubled.
🔹 Emergency Backup Goalie rule - Each team must now carry a full-time EBUG, ending the beer-league call-up era.
🔹 Player benefits expanded - Big gains in health coverage and post-career support. Owners will now cover payroll taxes and workers' comp.
🔹 Dress code freedom - Teams can no longer enforce dress codes for game-day arrivals or departures.
🔹 Salary cap projections - $95.5M (2025-26), $104M (2026-27), $113M (2027-28).
🔹 New contract limits - Max term will be 7 years to re-sign, 6 years in free agency. Final 8-year deals come in 2025-26.
🔹 Playoff cap mechanism - LTIR loophole closed. New rules will prevent stacking injured reserve savings to boost playoff rosters.
🔹 Draft rights standardized - Teams keep rights to all drafted players until age 22, even if they move leagues (e.g., CHL to NCAA).
🔹 Deferred salary outlawed - Players can no longer accept deferred payments to lower cap hits.
🔹 Massive playoff bonus increase - Stanley Cup playoff pool nearly doubled.
🔹 Emergency Backup Goalie rule - Each team must now carry a full-time EBUG, ending the beer-league call-up era.
🔹 Player benefits expanded - Big gains in health coverage and post-career support. Owners will now cover payroll taxes and workers' comp.
🔹 Dress code freedom - Teams can no longer enforce dress codes for game-day arrivals or departures.
🔹 Salary cap projections - $95.5M (2025-26), $104M (2026-27), $113M (2027-28).
All of these changes are absolutely massive, but it seems like they could be popular once we start seeing them in action.
Perhaps the biggest disappointment is the exodus of emergency backup goalies. Now, they must be official goalies and not beer league guys.
Although, this may actually be a good thing for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 26 | 314 ANSWERS NHL Introduces Major Changes to the Schedule, LTIR Rules, and Contract Terms In New CBA Do you like these changes to the NHL CBA? | ||
| YES | 195 | 62.1 % |
| NO | 119 | 37.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
