The NHL and NHLPA have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement, over a year out from when the current one expires. Given the contentious history of labor negotiations in the Gary Bettman era (partial seasons lockouts in 1994 and 2012 and the loss of the full 2004-05 season), that’s a minor miracle in and of itself that relations between league and union is so aligned at the present.
The full document has not yet been released, but based on the details that have come out, let’s go over some key areas.
Extended Regular Season and Shortened Preseason:
The regular season will increase from 82 to 84 games per team, providing more games for fans.