A report from ESPN indicates the National Hockey League (NHL) and the NHL Players` Association (NHLPA) are discussing a potential expansion of the regular season schedule to 84 games. This proposed change is reportedly part of the ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations between the league and the players` union. If agreed upon, the longer schedule would not be implemented until the next CBA comes into effect, which will be after September 15, 2026.
Should both parties agree to add two games, it would represent a return to the 84-game format used briefly from 1992 to 1994. During that period, each team played two games at neutral sites. The specific plan for how the 83rd and 84th games would be integrated into the future schedule remains unclear. However, some franchises have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the current scheduling, particularly concerning the unbalanced number of games played against divisional opponents.
According to the ESPN report, the concept of extending the regular season has been considered internally within the NHL for several years. An 84-game schedule could potentially bring modifications to the existing format, which currently ensures every team plays against each other at least once during the season and includes four games against each divisional rival.
Reportedly, the NHLPA has raised concerns regarding the potential increase in “wear and tear” on players resulting from a more demanding schedule. In response to these concerns, the NHL is expected to shorten the preseason schedule if the proposal for an 84-game regular season is approved as part of the new CBA.
Earlier this month, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman provided an update on the CBA negotiations, stating they are in “really good shape,” although he noted there is no specific timeline for reaching a final agreement. NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh echoed Bettman`s positive assessment, describing the discussions as productive and indicating that there are no major disagreements at this stage. Talks commenced in April, leaving the league and the union with more than a year to resolve the details before the current CBA expires.
Other topics believed to be under discussion in the current CBA talks include possible adjustments to the maximum length of player contracts, the potential elimination of contracts with deferred salary payments, the formal establishment of a permanent system for emergency backup goaltenders (EBUG), changes to revenue-sharing mechanisms between the league and players, and modifications to eligibility rules for the NHL Entry Draft.
However, when asked about specifics this past Wednesday, Bettman declined to disclose potential contents of the new collective bargaining agreement. He also clarified that the league is not currently engaged in active discussions about adding more expansion teams, stating, “we have no pending applications and we`re not seeking to initiate a formal process at this point.” The Commissioner also mentioned that the NHL and its board of governors are reviewing the league`s international strategies, including the anticipated return of the World Cup of Hockey and the possibility of future international All-Star events.
