Wed Jul 16 14:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

**NHL, NHLPA Agree to New CBA, Expanding Season and Revamping Rules**

**NEW YORK** – The National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), ensuring labor peace through the 2029-30 season. The agreement, which takes effect on Sept. 16, 2026, includes several significant changes impacting the game, player contracts, and team management.

One of the most notable adjustments is an increase in the regular season to 84 games, accompanied by a shortened preseason limited to a maximum of four games per team. This shift aims to balance divisional schedules and replace less profitable exhibition games with regular-season matchups.

The new CBA also alters contract rules, reducing the maximum length to seven years for re-signing with the same team and six years for signing with a new team. Deferred salaries will be phased out, and a full-time emergency backup goaltender (EBUG) position will be formally established, allowing teams to designate a player who can practice and travel with the team.

Furthermore, the agreement addresses concerns about long-term injured reserve (LTIR) usage by implementing stricter rules to prevent teams from circumventing the salary cap during the playoffs. Playoff cap counting will be introduced for the first two seasons of the new CBA (2026-28), requiring teams to submit a cap-compliant roster before each playoff game.

In player safety measures, the NHL and NHLPA have adjusted standards for neck protection. Starting in the 2026-27 season, players with no NHL experience will be required to wear cut-resistant neck protection. The CBA also removes restrictions on player dress code, requiring them to dress in a manner that is consistent with contemporary fashion norms.

The NHL and NHLPA have committed to participate in the 2030 Winter Olympics, subject to negotiation of acceptable terms. The new CBA also introduces a waiting period of 75 regular-season days for retained salary transactions. Furthermore, the ban on alcoholic beverage endorsements for players has been lifted.

In regards to player salary, the minimum salary for an NHL player will rise from $775,000 to $1 million by the end of the four-year agreement.

The new CBA has been negotiated under the leadership of NHLPA head Marty Walsh and includes provisions for discussions regarding a potential succession plan for NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

**Notable Omissions:**

* Reference to Mitch Marner trade because it’s a non-verified piece of information.
* ESPN’s expert intel promotion, as it’s promotional material.

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