The National Hockey League’s new collective bargaining agreement, ratified earlier this year, takes effect for the upcoming season, ushering in a series of operational and competitive adjustments that will reshape the way the game is played and experienced.
Major Changes
Training camps will be trimmed to 13 days, down from the previous 20‑day schedule, while each franchise will be permitted only two exhibition games for players who have logged 100 or more NHL appearances, and the total number of preseason contests will be capped at four per team.
The regular season expands to 84 games, beginning on September 29, and the traditional fitness testing has been eliminated, with the longer schedule taking its place as the primary method of player conditioning.
Financially, the agreement introduces a playoff salary cap and does away with deferred compensation, tightening budgetary controls for teams that compete in the postseason.
Each club must now carry an emergency backup goaltender (EBUG) for every home and away game; the EBUG must be a player with no prior NHL experience, limited professional exposure, no recent professional activity and no reserve‑list obligations.
The CBA also clears the way for first‑round CHL draft picks to be assigned to the AHL for their 19‑year‑old season, and it removes the league’s longstanding dress code, allowing players to adopt contemporary fashion on the ice and off‑ice.
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly and NHL Players’ Association executive Marty Walsh said the league and the union are closely monitoring the implementation of these provisions to ensure a smooth transition for players, teams and fans.