Photo Credit: The Flyers
The NHL has introduced several rule changes for the 2025-26 season, primarily stemming from the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) extension agreed upon by the NHL and NHLPA, which runs through 2030. Some changes are effective immediately, while others will begin in the 2026-27 season. Here’s a concise overview of the key changes.
- Playoff Salary Cap:
- Teams must now dress lineups within the salary cap during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, closing loopholes where teams exceeded the cap by leveraging Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR). Each team submits a lineup of 18 skaters and two goalies, with an “Averaged Club Salary” calculated to ensure compliance. Lineups must be submitted by 3 p.m. local time or five hours before a playoff game.
- LTIR Limits:
- LTIR relief is capped at the previous season’s average league salary ($3.817 million for 2025-26). This restricts teams from gaining significant cap space by placing high-salary players on LTIR, impacting roster management strategies.
- No Deferred Compensation:
- Effective October 7, 2025, deferred compensation in contracts is prohibited.
- Player Dress Code Relaxation:
- The strict dress code requiring jackets, ties, and dress pants is eliminated, allowing players more individuality in attire, though some guidelines may remain.
- Endorsement Rules:
- Players can now endorse alcoholic products, previously banned under the old CBA.
- Other Immediate Changes:
- Restrictions on “paper loans” (temporary roster moves to manipulate cap space).
- No second retention on traded contracts.
- Efforts to allow 19-year-old CHL players to play in the AHL (under negotiation with the CHL).
Changes Effective September 16, 2026:
- 84-Game Regular Season:
- The regular season will expand from 82 to 84 games, with the preseason reduced to four games per team. The Stanley Cup will be awarded by mid-June.
- Contract Term Limit:
- Maximum contract length reduced from eight to seven years.
- Other Changes:
- Increased NHL minimum salary and entry-level contract signing bonuses.
- Changes to emergency backup goalie systems, roster emergency exceptions, performance bonus eligibility for injured veterans, and qualifying offer thresholds.
Additional Notes:
- For the 2024-25 season, four rule changes were introduced, including a new coach’s challenge situation, though specifics were not detailed in the provided sources.
- The salary cap for the 2025-26 season rises by $7.5 million, from $88 million to $95.5 million.
- These changes aim to enhance competitive balance, close financial loopholes, and improve player and fan experiences.
Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store
Cool Matvei Michkov merchandise
About Author
I hate the rule about endorsing alcohol
That’s so freaking stupid