NHL CBA Negotiations: Latest News, Rumors on Labor Talks

The NHL's collective bargaining agreement contains opt-out clauses that can be exercised in Sept. 2019, and the league has reportedly been in contact with the NHL Players' Association regarding an extension of the current deal. 

Continue for updates. 

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Mini Bye Weeks Currently Being Discussed Between NHLPA, NHL

Tuesday, Dec. 6

There are ongoing discussions regarding the idea of having a five-day layoff in the second half of the season, according to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.com:

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Sources within both the NHL and NHL Players' Association say the five-day bye weeks are part of the discussion again as both sides finalize the Los Angeles all-star game negotiations (the NHLPA got the five-day bye week last year as part of the Nashville all-star format agreement).

Now, if the NHL ends up participating in the 2018 Winter Olympics next season, that two-week break would stand instead of the five-day bye week, a period in which players can't practice either, they're away from the rink for five days, period.

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NHLPA Rejects Olympics Proposal 

Friday, Dec. 2

According to the Canadian Press (via TSN), the NHLPA "rejected the league's proposal to allow players to participate in the 2018 Olympics in exchange for an extension to the current collective bargaining agreement."

NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr told the Canadian Press the players "showed no interest in the idea." 

The NHL's official proposal to the NHLPA reportedly suggested players could participate in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, in exchange for a three-year extension of the collective bargaining agreement. 

As things stand, it's believed NHL owners don't want to allow players to participate in the 2018 Olympics because of the injury risks and financial considerations at play. 

"I can't imagine the NHL owners are willing to pay for the privilege of shutting down for 17 days," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said, per the Canadian Press. "I just don't see that."

According to Yahoo Sports' Sean Leahy, the NHL will have the first opportunity to opt out of the current CBA on Sept. 1, 2019. If the NHL doesn't exercise its right to opt out, the NHLPA will have a chance to do so 18 days later.