NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh recently indicated that a deal was close to being finalized. On Friday, the National Hockey League and the NHL Players` Association officially confirmed they have agreed to extend their collective bargaining agreement (CBA) through the 2029-30 season. This ensures a minimum of five additional years of labor peace in the sport.
The announcement of the pact, which follows discussions initiated in the spring and a signed memorandum of understanding, came just before the first round of the league`s draft.
Speaking about the extension, which still requires ratification by both sides, Commissioner Bettman stated, “While we didn’t agree on everything, we had a very constructive, professional, collaborative collective-bargaining process. We identified the issues that were important.”
Marty Walsh, who took on the role of NHLPA executive director in February 2023, mentioned that the two parties successfully reached “good resolutions” during their negotiations. He added at a press conference, “Happy with the process. Hopefully, the players will be happy with the outcome.”
This cooperative outcome contrasts sharply with historical labor disputes in hockey, which have frequently led to conflicts and significant work stoppages, including the complete cancellation of the 2004-05 season due to a lockout.
While specific details of the extended CBA were not extensively shared prior to the ratification votes, reports suggest potential changes. These reportedly include increasing the regular-season schedule to 84 games per team, shortening exhibition games, reducing the maximum length of player contracts, and introducing a salary cap specifically for the playoffs.
Bettman acknowledged the speculation about an expanded regular season, confirming, “That`s been widely rumoured. That`s certainly one of the things that was a topic of discussion,” but he declined to provide further details on the agreement`s contents.
Walsh explained that opting for this specific term for the deal was considered beneficial for the players. He emphasized the importance of engaging the current generation of players in the bargaining process, noting that a more frequent negotiation cycle keeps them active and involved, particularly since many have not experienced the prolonged disputes of the past, such as the 2012-13 negotiation.
Neville Woodall 
Duncan Priestley