NHL Proposing Change To Player Contracts to Spur More Frequent Free Agents

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Liam McCormick
November 12, 2024 (3:58 PM)

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The NHL collective bargaining agreement is coming to a close at the end of the 2025-26 season, and discussions for major rule changes are already underway.

According to insider Pierre LeBrun on Insider Trading, one thing the NHL is looking to change is the length of player contracts - they'd like deals to be shorter to spur more free agents.

»The GM's executive committee proposed to the league that they would like to see that 8 year [contract] max shortened.»
- Pierre LeBrun, Insider Trading

This would continue a trend from the NHL, which already short ended contract lengths in the past to stop 12+ year contracts like the one Alexander Ovechkin was on. Shorter contract terms will cause players to be free agents and change teams more often, which is great for fan interest around the sport.

This contract change will have to be negotiated with the Player's Association when CBA talks begin, but for many reasons, players might also support this amendment.

Shortening the contract max will also give players more freedom to control their destiny's, and not be locked into undesirable situations as long. If a team can't remain competitive, it'll be a lot easier for star players to leave.

For those reasons, shortening the contract lengths may cause worry for some fans that their favourite players won't be locked up as long. It's still a positive change overall though, because again, it puts more pressure on teams to remain competitive year after year.

Another change the NHL is discussing is heavier penalties for tampering with free agents. Teams aren't supposed to negotiate with free agents before July 1, but so often, contracts are finalized days before. The league seems to be cracking down on this process, again to increase fan interest in free agency.

Honestly, both of these changes seem to be positive tweaks to the league. Right now, GMs are meeting to discuss more immediate rule changes as well. We'll have to hope that the league and players can come to a quick agreement, and avoid another lockout under Bettman's watch.

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