The NHL is now not only in a position to resume playing within the next month, but the league also has the potential of enjoying labor peace through 2026.
The National Hockey League and the NHL Players’ Association on Monday announced reaching a tentative deal on a return to play format, which is coupled with the two sides agreeing to a memorandum of understanding on a four-year extension of the collective bargaining agreement. This not only puts the NHL in a position to resume playing within the next month, but the league also has the potential of enjoying labor peace through 2026.
Should both agreements be ratified, the NHL would proceed immediately to its expanded 24-team playoff format, with play beginning on Aug. 1. Under the plan, training camps would open July 13, with teams traveling to their respective hub cities for exhibition games on July 26.
Extending the CBA, which was set to expire in September 2022, was considered a necessary step in restarting the season, which was placed on pause in March as a result of the pandemic.
The CBA extension covers numerous on- and off-ice issues, one source said, including the NHL’s potential return to the Olympics.