NHL 84-Game Season: Why It Could Work
The NHL adn NHLPA are in early CBA talks, and a major shift coudl be coming: an 84-game NHL season. Focusing on more divisional matchups is the aim of this critically important change,the first scheduling adjustment as 1994.The existing 82-game schedule faces criticism, and the league is looking at more games against divisional opponents. The new format will include 56 games against non-divisional rivals and 28 games against divisional rivals. Though player fatigue is considered, it’s viewed as a fair trade for a better balance in the league. News Directory 3 reports that the NHL and the NHLPA are working on an agreement. Discover what’s next in the ongoing negotiations!
NHL Eyes 84-Game Season in CBA Talks
updated June 26, 2025
the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) have commenced negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), well in advance of the September 2026 deadline. While discussions regarding player salaries, the salary cap, and revenue sharing are yet to begin, both sides appear to agree on one potential change: shifting to an 84-game season.
such a move would represent the first scheduling adjustment in the NHL since 1994, when the league reduced the season from 84 to 82 games. The current 82-game schedule faces criticism for its imbalances, a problem the proposed 84-game format seeks to rectify. The primary goal of this potential NHL schedule change is to prioritize divisional games, which tend to draw more fan interest.
Currently, each team plays every other team in the league twice (home and away), accounting for 62 games. The remaining 20 games are divided between non-divisional conference opponents (7 games) and divisional matchups (13 games). The issue arises from the fact that some teams play four divisional opponents more than others.
Under the proposed 84-game format, the schedule would consist of:
- 56 games against non-divisional opponents (home and away)
- 28 games against divisional opponents (four games each)
The NHLPA acknowledges concerns about increased wear and tear on players due to the additional two games. However, they view this risk as acceptable in exchange for a more balanced and equitable schedule across the league. The potential 84-game season represents a critically important point of discussion in the ongoing CBA negotiations,with the NHL and NHLPA aiming to reach an agreement that benefits both the league and its players.
whats next
Further negotiations between the NHL and NHLPA will delve into the financial aspects of the CBA, including player salaries and revenue sharing. The outcome of these discussions will determine the future landscape of the NHL and its players for years to come.