NHL Regular Season Negotiations
Negotiations between the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) could lead to the regular season being extended to 84 games, according to sources cited by ESPN on Wednesday. The current schedule consists of 82 games, but there has been ongoing internal discussion about increasing that number in response to concerns raised by several teams.
Concerns and Proposals
These teams have noted an uneven distribution of divisional matchups, which typically generate higher fan turnout and television ratings. The proposed expansion would allow the NHL to maintain its existing structure: each team would still have the opportunity to play all the league’s opponents at least once, while receiving four face-offs against each of their divisional rivals per season. Nonetheless, the NHL is also considering alternate scheduling options to enhance the competitive balance.
In light of the potential addition of these two games, the league would likely reduce the number of preseason games, a source revealed. However, there are apprehensions among players regarding the rigors of the game leading to possible worn and torn from the additional regular-season games.
Collective Bargaining Agreement Considerations
The current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is set to expire on September 15, 2026, and discussions are ongoing regarding various other contentious points, including how teams utilize the long-term injured reserve salary cap exemption. One proposed solution involves ensuring that playoff lineups adhere to the salary cap, despite the possibility of exceeding it during the postseason for the overall roster.
Progress in Negotiations
Recently, the NHL has made progress in negotiations. Reports indicate that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman provided a comprehensive update on the discussions during the Board of Governors meeting in Los Angeles, although a formal vote on a new agreement was not conducted. Earlier, Bettman characterized the dialogue with the players as “constructive and cordial” while acknowledging that they had started discussions later than planned. He stated,
“We have more than a year to go, and I think we’re in a really good place in terms of our relationship.”
The NHL previously experienced an 84-game regular season format between 1992 and 1994 when two ‘neutral site’ games were introduced to each team’s schedule.
