The NHL and NHLPA have announced today the approval of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement that will kick in for the 26-27 season and last until 2030. This extension was made a year before the expiration of the current deal. 

Among notable changes that will take place include:

• 84 game regular season
• max contract length of 7 years 
• no game day dress codes
• full time emergency backup goalie position for every team
• playoff game rosters must be cap compliant

The biggest change is the 84 game regular season, expanding on the current 82 game length by 2 games. This will not be the first time the NHL has operated under an 84 game season, as they last did during the 92-93 and 93-94 seasons. This will likely result in a shorter preseason schedule to compromise for the longer load. 

The max contract length of 7 years brings down the current max of 8 years by 1. Teams will likely look to get long term extensions done with their top players now before this new system begins. 

Commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement on the agreement: “The partnership between the Players’ Association and the League is stronger than it ever has been and working together under this agreement presents a fantastic opportunity to continue to grow the game. We are grateful to the Board of Governors for its support of this agreement that strengthens our game and ensures we are collectively delivering a great fan experience in the years to come.”