Overview

• The NHL and NHLPA plan to start negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement in early 2025, aiming for completion before the 2024-25 postseason ends.
• Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed optimism about the positive relationship between the league and players, which could facilitate a smooth negotiation process.
• Discussions may include expanding the regular-season schedule from 82 to 84 games while reducing the preseason, addressing team concerns over divisional game imbalances.
• The NHL's economic health post-pandemic, with rising franchise values and a projected salary cap increase, supports a collaborative atmosphere for negotiations.
• Marty Walsh, NHLPA's executive director since 2023, is currently gathering player input, marking his first CBA negotiation as the union's leader.