Rejoice, hockey fans. The NHL and NHLPA have assured us there will be labor peace for the next four seasons, as the two sides have reached a new CBA, which commissioner Gary Bettman has announced.
NHL fans should rejoice, as the NHL and NHLPA will not be butting heads in what could've been a dispute, or lockout, should the two sides not formalize an agreement. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement was set to expire in September 2026.
But Commissioner Gary Bettman and the NHL announced that the new CBA that will come into effect in 2026 will extend until the 2029-30 NHL season. Assuring fans that no lockouts will occur, and the relationship between the NHLPA and NHL remains solid.
"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."
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."
While Marty Walsh would express a similar sentiment:
Walsh did call this a "win for everyone", but I feel that may be a stretch given that they added two more games this season, increasing the wear and tear on players' bodies, including veterans.
"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."
We could not have achieved this outcome without the involvement and support of our players. Special thanks to our Executive Board and Negotiating Committee."
While a positive aspect of this new deal is a rising salary cap, which means players will get nicer contracts and more stability, at what cost did all of this come?
Yes, teams will have a better ability to build Stanley Cup-winning rosters and retain their superstars. But in the bigger scenario, it took players paying back escrow from a time period in the world that wasn't their fault.
A grievance of a lack of cash, which owners used to cash in by plastering ads on the helmets and jerseys to achieve greater profits in 2022-23, and beyond.
While it is a win and will ensure stability until 2030-31, the costs to get here arguably were too much, as the pilfering by NHL owners has been blatant the last four years.
