NHL commissioner Gary Bettman expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, stating that discussions with NHL Players’ Association executive director Marty Walsh have been positive and different from past talks. Despite starting later than expected, the parties are engaging in constructive and professional dialogue, with no deal announcement yet as the current CBA extension, put in place during the pandemic, is set to expire in September 2026.
Walsh, who assumed his position in February 2023, highlighted the continuous dialogue and the varying priorities on each side. This positive development contrasts with historical labor disputes that affected previous NHL seasons.
Regarding the Olympics, the NHL is preparing to participate in the upcoming games in Italy, with Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly noting that Russian teams could be excluded due to current bans related to the situation in Ukraine. Daly also mentioned significant interest from potential expansion markets such as Atlanta and Houston, emphasizing that any expansion decisions would involve discussions with the board of governors based on the suitability of applicants.
