NHL, NHLPA officially ratify new, four-year collective bargaining agreement

Happy Tuesday, Insiders!

Sharing some important logistical news from the NHL and NHLPA. Reports last week spoke to the two sides agreeing to the framework of a new collective bargaining agreement, beginning with the 2026-27 season and it was announced this morning that the deal was agreed to both by the full membership of the NHLPA as well as the NHL’s Board of Governors. The current CBA was set to expire following the 2025-26 season and the new deal secures things on that front for four more seasons, running through the end of the 2029-30 season.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman
The partnership between the Players’ Association and the League is stronger than it ever has been and working together under this agreement presents a fantastic opportunity to continue to grow the game. We are grateful to the Board of Governors for its support of this agreement that strengthens our game and ensures we are collectively delivering a great fan experience in the years to come.”

NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh
This CBA shows what can be accomplished when the NHL and the Union work together – an agreement that will allow for the continued worldwide growth of the game. That is a win for everyone. We could not have achieved this outcome without the involvement and support of our players. Special thanks to our Executive Board and Negotiating Committee.

The four-year term came about by request of the players, citing per ESPN an ever-changing league and a ten-year term likely seeing players come and go without the opportunity to be heard in negotiations. A four-year term helps on both fronts and although the league proposed a longer term, the four-year agreement was respected and suitable to both sides.

The fact that this came together as quickly as it did is not all that surprising, despite the history of the league suggesting that it is in fact very surprising. Bettman spoke very positively about the working relationship between the two sides since Walsh came on board as the new leader on the NHLPA side. This first came into the picture when the two sides spoke about salary-cap changes and agreed to figures three years out back in January. In past instances, it felt like we’d sometimes end a season without knowing fully what the following season would entail from a cap perspective. The early clarity was nice, both for current and future planning, and pointed to a stronger relationship than in years past, as Bettman alluded to. The CBA extension feels like a continuation of that, on a larger and more important stage.

As far as what’s in the CBA, the league did not post any details in today’s announcement.

Reports have had some pretty substantial changes coming, including an 84-game regular-season schedule, which I think makes a ton of sense, alongside a reduced preseason schedule. Currently, with 32 teams, the Kings play five of seven teams in the Pacific Division four times and the other two three times. This change should make it an even four. Personally, I believe that schedules should be less balanced, with more divisional games, because the playoff format is so heavily weighted on finishing in the top three in the division. As such, there should be more divisional games in my opinion, placing more importance on those games. My assumption would be something that trends more in the direction of simply making things even, which is easier and still an improvement, but remains to be seen how the league will handle it. As far as the four preseason games, if it helps start the season sooner then I’m on board. I think the condensed training camp is a positive for sure, though reducing the preseason schedule could mean less opportunities in the preseason for younger players. I always enjoyed the split squad games, where teams could get 40 players into a game on the same night. The Kings and Coyotes used to do that annually. Would’ve maybe preferred to see a focus on implementing more of those, instead of cutting down the schedule, but I’d also like the season to both start and end sooner. This helps with that.

In terms of contracts, it was reported that maximum term length will be reduced by one year starting with the new CBA. That means seven seasons for players re-signing and six seasons for free agents. The way this could directly impact the Kings is with regards to forward Adrian Kempe. Kempe is extension eligible this summer, to kick in with the 2026-27 season, and is able to sign an eight-year contract if he so chooses. He would be among the last players able to sign for that extra season. Sounds like both sides are motivated to extend this summer, though we’ll see how things play out. Kempe should be a pressing point for Kings management, along with restricted free agent Alex Laferriere, as the summer rolls on. Laferriere, in theory, could also sign for eight years but I’d expect him to agree to a shorter-term deal considering his status. Additionally, reports suggest that teams will need to be salary-cap compliant in the playoffs, which should help eliminate an existing loophole that the Vegas Golden Knights and I guess some other teams too have been using to bolster their roster at the trade deadline. It won’t be perfect and I’m sure teams will find creative ways around it. There are a ton of details not yet reported which will come out to help add clarity around that point. But it is interesting for sure and addresses something I think most people wanted to see addressed.

Another interesting change centers around draft rights to players universally running through age 22, regardless of where a player was born or played hockey upon being drafted. Right now, there are different rules, dates and protocols in place and there are a different set of each for players from say the CHL versus the NCAA. It’s actually extremely confusing. Universalizing that is a win. Hopefully next to come would be a change that could allow 19-year-old players from the CHL to play in the AHL. For players like Liam Greentree, the AHL would be a great option to have next season but as things stand right now, he is not eligible. Had he been born one day earlier (he’s a January 1 birthday) or taken a different path through say Sweden, he would be eligible. A resolution there would likely be favorable for NHL organizations.

Official release is HERE and some of the additionally reported details are available HERE.