Breaking: NHL and NHLPA reach tentative deal, awaits ratification
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
- 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.
- The new extension is for six years with an option to extend for one more.
- Players can opt-out of RTP this summer without having an underlying condition and can’t be penalized.
- Cap ceiling will remain at $81.5 million and can’t go up until revenue hits $4.8 billion.
- 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.
- Olympic participation at least for the next two Games
- 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.
- 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.
- Players in Europe no longer needed to clear waivers if they signed a deal by December 15th.
- NHL minimum salary will go from $700,000 to $750,000 next season.
- 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.
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