NHL players are preparing for another lockout season
It appears that another NHL lockout could be looming, as players prepare to secure their future, with their current contract negotiations.
The last time the NHL had labor strife was during the shortened 2012-2013 season as a result of the lockout.
The league and NHLPA worked cooperatively to keep the league running throughout the beginning of the pandemic when protective measures were still in place. However, as of now, the current Collective Bargaining Agreement ends in 2026.
While major leagues like the NBA, NFL, and MLB have seen a resurgence recently, the NHL hasn't had the same result.
Other major league's salary caps have exploded, while the NHL's remained flat for the last three years, and some teams even had an internal hard cap.
Now, with a new head of the NHLPA, Marty Walsh the players and their union will want to obtain a bigger piece of the pie.
Players are preparing for the future, as many NHL players are opting for signing bonuses, according to Travis Yost of TSN.
By doing so, the players regain autonomy and allow them some time to survive a lockout.
After the last three years you'd think the owners wouldn't want a lockout either, but given how quickly they've instituted new revenues what is to stop them from asking for more?
For now, the players will have to protect themselves, in case things go south.
| POLL | ||
Do you think the NHL will experience a lockout in 2026? | ||
| Yes | 45 | 39.1 % |
| No | 70 | 60.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
