The NHL notified the NHL Players’ Association of its decision not to reopen the current Collective Bargaining Agreement on Friday.
The news comes two days before the league’s deadline to exercise its 2020 opt-out of the current CBA. The NHLPA has until Sept. 15 to opt-out.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman issued a statement on the matter.
“Based on the current state of the game and the business of the game, the NHL believes it is essential to continue building upon the momentum we have created with our Players and, therefore, will not exercise its option to reopen the CBA. Rather, we are prepared to have the current CBA remain in effect for its full term – three more seasons through the conclusion of the 2021-22 season.
“It is our hope that a continued, sustained period of labor peace will enable us to further grow the game and benefit all constituent groups: NHL Players, Clubs, our business partners and, most important, our fans.
“In any CBA, the parties can always identify issues they are unhappy with and would like to see changed. This is certainly true from the League’s standpoint. However, our analysis makes clear that the benefits of continuing to operate under the terms of the current CBA – while working with the Players’ Association to address our respective concerns – far outweigh the disruptive consequences of terminating it following the upcoming season.”
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet notes the two parties have held talks, but to what extend is unknown. The NHLPA’s executive committee and some players will meet Wednesday in Chicago. It’s unknown where the meetings will take place in the city.
The players’ executive committee — and others who wish to attend — meets Wednesday in Chicago. There is believed to be momentum in talks. It is possible that if a deal cannot be done by the 15th, both sides will agree to move the NHLPA’s deadline to later date
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 30, 2019
The past two times both sides were negotiating work stoppages occurred. The 2004-05 was a full lockout, while the latter was under a half a season that saw the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup for the fifth time in franchise history.
The current CBA is set to run to September 2022 if neither side decides to opt-out.