How the New NHL CBA Reshapes the Season, Money and Backup Goalies

The new collective bargaining agreement took effect today, expanding the regular season from 82 to 84 games and moving the opening night to September 29 – the earliest start date in league history.

The salary cap for the 2023‑24 season jumps from $95.5 million to $104 million, and the league projects it will climb to $113.5 million by the 2027‑28 season.

Under the agreement, contract extensions are now limited to seven years, while deals for external free agents can be no longer than six years. The cap also follows teams into the playoffs, ending the previous loophole that let clubs exceed it after the regular season.

The era of anonymous emergency backup goalies (EBUGs) is over. The CBA turns these part‑time stand‑ins into regular team employees who travel with the roster to every game, ensuring a known, contract‑bound substitute is always available.

The All‑Star Game makes a comeback after a two‑year break, featuring a new five‑team, three‑on‑three tournament that includes squads from Canada, the United States, Finland, Sweden and a World‑Rest team.

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