NHL, NHLPA Lock In CBA Transition Dates

The NHL and NHLPA have finalized the transition schedule for the league’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement, locking in the dates when its key provisions will take effect. 

See here for more details on the key changes in the new CBA.

Immediate Implementation (effective for the 25-26 season)

• New Playoff Salary Cap
• Limits/changes to LTIR, reducing the benefits a team receives in LTIR
• No Deferred Compensation (effective Oct 7, 2025)
• Restriction on Paper Loans
• Restriction on a second retention on a traded contract
• AHL Loans for 19 year old players not yet in effect, but an effort is being made to negotiate this with the CHL for the 25-26 season
• Four Recall rule

Implementation Prior to 26-27 season

• Drafted Players Rights Retentions for 2026 draft
• Minor League Compensation Limits (March 1)
• NHL Min Salary increases (effective March 1)
• ELC Contract Limits (effective March 1)
• Mandatory Neck Protection July 1
• Entry Level eligibility for European Players (March 1)

Sept 16, 2026 Implementation

• Contract Term Limit
• Contract Variability Limit
• Signing Bonus limit
• Emergency Back Up Goalie system
• Roster Emergency Exception changes
• Performance Bonus eligibility for injured veterans
• QO threshold increases
• ELC signing Bonus increase

For more details on these specific changes, check out this detailed review.