EDMONTON — NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman shared a positive assessment of the ongoing negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the players` union, indicating that discussions are in “really good shape.”
Speaking prior to Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers, Bettman highlighted that the current state of talks is vastly improved compared to previous CBA negotiations with the NHL Players` Association.
Bettman praised NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh for a “very constructive, professional, [and] cordial dialogue,” but noted that no formal agreement would be announced immediately.
The existing CBA, which was extended during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the NHL`s uncertain financial situation at the time, is scheduled to conclude on September 15, 2026.
This optimistic tone regarding the talks is a welcome development for fans of the league, which has historically faced significant labor stoppages, including the lockout that wiped out the entire 2004-05 season, and partial disruptions in the 1994-95 and 2012-13 campaigns.
In separate news, the NHL confirmed its intention to participate in the next Winter Olympics in Italy. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly commented that the league does not expect the International Olympic Committee or the International Ice Hockey Federation to reverse its ban on Russian teams due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Consequently, Russian NHL players are anticipated to miss the opportunity to compete for their country in the first Olympic Games featuring the world`s top players since 2014.
Duncan Priestley