The National Hockey League (NHL) is gearing up to begin collective bargaining agreement (CBA) talks with the players at the start of 2025, as announced by Commissioner Gary Bettman. The current CBA is set to expire on September 15, 2026, and Bettman expressed optimism about reaching a new deal well in advance of its expiration date. During a meeting with the league’s board of governors in New York, Bettman highlighted the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with the players throughout the negotiations.
NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) executive director Marty Walsh has been visiting all 32 teams to gather insights on what the players are looking for in the upcoming CBA. This will be Walsh’s first time leading negotiations, taking over from Don Fehr in February 2023. While Bettman refrained from speculating on the timeline for reaching a deal, he emphasized the significance of a collaborative approach between the league and the players’ association.
One of the key topics up for discussion in the next CBA is a potential adjustment to the league’s schedule. Bettman mentioned that reducing the number of preseason games and expanding the regular season from 82 to 84 games is being considered by the owners. This proposal aims to create more regional rivalry matchups and address concerns about an imbalanced divisional game schedule.
Additionally, the NHL shared that the projected salary cap figure for the 2025-26 season is $92.5 million, up from $88 million in the current season. The Columbus Blue Jackets have been granted special permission to begin the season below the $65 million salary floor due to the untimely passing of star forward Johnny Gaudreau in August. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly explained that the league worked closely with the players’ association to navigate this challenging situation and extend flexibility to the team.
Despite ongoing discussions about potential expansion, Bettman clarified that there are no immediate plans for further NHL expansion. While various locations have expressed interest in joining the league, Bettman indicated that the focus remains on fostering a strong relationship with existing teams and players.
As the NHL prepares to embark on CBA negotiations in 2025, the league’s leadership is committed to engaging in constructive dialogue with the players to address key issues and ensure the continued growth and success of professional hockey. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of these discussions as both sides work towards reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.