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NHL and Players’ Association Ratify Four-Year CBA Extension Through 2029-30 Season

Securing uninterrupted play through 2030, the deal introduces new limits on contracts and roster operations.

From left to right, Ron Hainsey, NHLPA Assistant Executive Director, Marty Walsh, NHLPA Executive Director, Gary Bettman, NHL Commissioner, and Bill Daly, NHL Deputy Commissioner, pose for photos after a joint press conference before the NHL hockey draft Friday, June 27, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Jun 28, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman welcomes fans to the 2024 NHL Draft at The Sphere. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman speaks before the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft
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Overview

  • The NHL Board of Governors and the NHLPA membership voted on July 8 to ratify the four-year extension, locking in labor peace through the 2029-30 season.
  • Beginning in 2026-27, teams will play an 84-game regular season while reducing their preseason schedule from six games to four.
  • Maximum contract lengths are trimmed by one year, capping re-signing deals at seven seasons and new-team agreements at six.
  • Permanent emergency backup goaltenders will be permitted for every club and a postseason salary cap will apply to active players on long-term injured reserve.
  • Draft rights will be standardized so teams retain a player’s rights until age 22 regardless of whether they join from junior, college or Europe.