Breaking: NHL and NHLPA reach tentative deal, awaits ratification

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One step closer.

Over the last several days, we’ve been seeing reports that the NHL and NHLPA were working on a CBA extension, and Return to Play Plan. We have now reached a tentative deal that will need to be voted on and ratified.

NHL and NHLPA set to vote and approve deal

Now that there is a deal on the table, it is expected to pass by a decent majority. Here’s key points you need to know.

Key Points on NHL Return to Play Protocols and Dates

Zibanejad and Rangers soon back in action (Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)
  • Coaches are not required to wear masks behind the bench
  • All players will be subject to a pre-participation exam
    • If the team doctors determine the player is at risk of serious illness due to COVID-19, that player will be held out of both Phase 3 & 4
    • Players can seek second opinions
  • Players can leave the “bubble” with permission
    • Upon return those players will be forced to quarantine
    • They can return to play after 4 straight negative tests over 4 days
  • Players who leave the “bubble” without permission may be removed from the tournament and the team could face additional penalties
  • Players can opt out without penalty but must tell teams within 3 days of ratification.
  • Phase 3 Training Camp: July 13
  • Arrive at Hub City: ~July 26
  • Phase 4 Qualifying Round: August 1
  • Draft Lottery Phase 2: ~August 10
  • Award Stanley Cup: Early October
  • NHL Draft: Mid-October
  • Start of Free Agency: November 1

Key Changes to the upcoming CBA

As the NHL and NHLPA work to finalize and ratify a new CBA extension, here’s the biggest changes you should know.

  1. The new extension is for six years with an option to extend for one more.
  2. Players can opt-out of RTP this summer without having an underlying condition and can’t be penalized.
  3. Cap ceiling will remain at $81.5 million and can’t go up until revenue hits $4.8 billion.
  4. Escrow will be 20% next season and work its way down to 6% by the 2023-24 season. This is what Artemi Panarin wanted players to hold out for.
  5. Olympic participation at least for the next two Games
  6. No conditional picks for signing with the team a player was traded to. Ex: no upgrading a 2nd round pick for a 1st if that player signs with the team that traded for him.
  7. No Move/Trade follows the player. In the past if a player was traded before his clause kicked in, the new team could opt out. Think Derek Stepan and PK Subban.
  8. Players in Europe no longer needed to clear waivers if they signed a deal by December 15th.
  9. NHL minimum salary will go from $700,000 to $750,000 next season.
  10. No more front loading deals. The NHL has lowered the salary variability from the first year to the last to 35%. Originally it was 50%. This takes away a little bit of power from teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Rangers who are notorious for front loading contracts to land free agents.
By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at... More about Anthony Scultore

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