The current collective bargaining agreement (CAB) between the National Hockey League, NHL, and the NHL players Association, NHLPA, is set to run out in September 2022. 
And for the NHL, that seems about right.
“Based on the current state of the game and the business of the game, the NHL believes it is essential to continue building upon the momentum we have created with our Players and, therefore, will not exercise its option to reopen the CBA,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “Rather, we are prepared to have the current CBA remain in effect for its full term — three more seasons through the conclusion of the 2021-22 season. It is our hope that a continued, sustained period of labor peace will enable us to further grow the game and benefit all constituent groups: NHL Players, Clubs, our business partners and, most important, our fans.
“In any CBA, the parties can always identify issues they are unhappy with and would like to see changed. This is certainly true from the League’s standpoint. However, our analysis makes clear that the benefits of continuing to operate under the terms of the current CBA — while working with the Players’ Association to address our respective concerns — far outweigh the disruptive consequences of terminating it following the upcoming season.”
The NHLPA now has an opportunity to open the CBA with a deadline of 15 September.
“Today the NHL advised the NHLPA that the league will not exercise its early termination right under the CBA,” the NHLPA said in a statement released Friday. “The NHLPA now has the same option. We will continue to discuss this matter with players as our September 15 decision approaches.”
Reports are the league and union have been in talks this off season with the usual “productive and cordial” descriptors attached.
No one wants or should want to see a repeat of the 2004-05 season that was lost in its entirety, or the 2012-13 season that was delayed for three months.
Sports are far too tenuous in this era. There is an expectation that salaries will go up in the next two years and make room for contracts that are shortened now for that eventuality.
If the CBA is reopened then there is a distinct possibility of a work stoppage in September 2020.
According to Associated Press reports, the players are voiding concerns over the CBA related to the division of salaries and revenue split between players and coaches.
The AP also reported that escrow payments and Olympic participation were listed as primary issue for the players with the current CBA.
“Where we are at the moment it’s really hard to make predictions,” NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr said in mid August.
The league and owners do not appear to be gunning for another labor dispute with their players.
If the NHLPA opts out of the CBA on 15 September, then the current agreement expires one year to the day. The NHLPA and NHL may decide to extend the union’s deadline throwing uncertainty into the landscape.
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