NHL Analyst reveals major change to NHL schedule, contracts in CBA negotiations
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
NHL analyst and former goaltender Kevin Weekes tweeted that the NHL is preparing for an 84-game season as a part of ongoing collective bargaining negotiations with the NHLPA.
According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, many more major changes are coming - including a shorter contract max term for 2026 free agents and beyond.
This measure is one of many changes to come as both sides are drawing closer to an agreement according to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.
84 game season was adopted before with the NHL
The addition of these two games is not a new concept for the league as this was tried between 1992 and 1995 as those two games were considered neutral site games to help grow the league in other cities.
There are many points of discussion that have been reported including a decrease or elimination of escrow payments from the NHL players as the salary cap continues to rise and revenues continue to improve.
Players have also asked for a portion of expansion fees if the NHL chooses to grow.
Changes to the long-term injury reserve regarding the salary cap which impacts the playoffs have been a major discussion point and will likely see a change in this settlement.
These discussions have been going since April and Bettman revealed yesterday then an extensive report was presented to the NHL Board of Governors as an update to where negotiations stand.
"The whole process has been trending positive," Commissioner Bettman said. "The relationship is in a great place. Marty and I have a terrific relationship. We don't always agree on everything but it's constructive, professional. And, so, I think things are good." - Gary Bettman
Major tournaments planned for NHL over the next five years
Aside CBA negotiations, Bettman revealed several major tournaments that are being planned between 2025 and 2030 which includes the World Cup of hockey returning and NHL players allowed to participate in the Olympics.
"Obviously, our focus is on Olympics (next year) and then every two years Olympics, World Cup, Olympics, World Cup," Commissioner Bettman said. "And then we have to focus on what we're going to do in the off years with respect to what would be our traditional All-Star break. That's something we're working on but nothing we have to do immediately because we have next season, the Olympics, to look forward to." - Gary Bettman
It seems that the state of hockey is at its best when it comes to revenues and general interest for the game and if both sides are having the success in negotiations as it's been reported, it's likely the NHL will not have a stoppage or a strike for the second time in a row.
NHL fans can only hope that this will be the case.
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