What the National Hockey League's CBA extension means for Canada's teams
The National Hockey League and NHL Players' Association have decided to give labour peace another chance.
Article content
Before the first round of the NHL draft was held Friday night at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, commissioner Gary Bettman and Marty Walsh, the executive director of the union, held a news conference to announce a four-year extension of the collective bargaining agreement.
Article content
Article content
Article content
The deal needs to be ratified by the NHL's board of governors and the members of the NHLPA. The players will begin voting next week, and the board of governors saw most of the details during a meeting last Wednesday in Los Angeles.
Article content
The current agreement will expire in Sept. 2026. The new deal ensures members of the NHL and the fans that there is no chance of labour uncertainty until 2030. The NHL has had several work stoppages, including the 2004-05 lockout that wiped out the whole season.
Article content
The most recent lockout was in 2012-13.
Article content
'This was a very thorough, constructive and professional process, and I think that bodes very well for the future of the game and the relationship between the players and the league going forward again, while we have an understanding and agreement,' Bettman said on Friday.
Article content
Walsh echoed those sentiments.
Article content
'The process for us now is to take this agreement to the entire membership for ratification; we're going to do that over the next week or so,' Walsh said. 'I'm happy with the process. Hopefully, the players will be happy with the outcome.'
Article content
So, what does this mean for hockey fans in Canada?
Article content
All teams will have to be cap-compliant for the playoffs, which will help even the playing field.
Article content
THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR
Article content
The cap will rise significantly over the next three seasons, which will make life more challenging for small-market teams in places such as Ottawa and Winnipeg in a league where the salaries are paid in U.S. dollars.
Article content
This year, teams can spend up to $95.5 million US, but in 2026-27, that number will rise to $104 million. It will go up to $113 million in 2027-28.
Article content
If Winnipeg and Ottawa want to spend up to the cap in 2027-29, it will cost the seven clubs north of the border $154 million in Canadian currency, based on the current exchange rate.
Article content
'What we were trying to do was catch up after a number of years of a flat cap, and so we were trying to do that on an orderly basis,' Bettman said of releasing salary projections for three seasons.
Article content
'Over the years, our projections have been pretty good, and while we can always agree to make adjustments if circumstances warrant, we think the projections that we made and the caps that we put in place for the next three years are where they should be.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBC
18 minutes ago
- CBC
Trump terminates Canada trade talks ‘effective immediately'
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the end of trade talks with Canada 'effectively immediately,' blaming Canada's digital services tax on technology companies, calling it a 'direct and blatant attack on our country.'
Winnipeg Free Press
20 minutes ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Red Wings pick is Peguis proud
Carter Bear couldn't hear or see the eruption of cheers and happy tears from family and friends back in Manitoba on Friday night — including a large gathering in his home community of Peguis First Nation. However, the 18-year-old could feel the love and support after he was selected 13th-overall by the Detroit Red Wings at the NHL draft in Los Angeles. 'That shows how proud they are. I'm proud of where I'm from — my community and my Indigenous background,' he told the Free Press via Zoom shortly after having his name called. Damian Dovarganes / The Associated Press Carter Bear (left) stands with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman Friday at the NHL Draft in Los Angeles. 'I'm proud of where I'm from — my community and my Indigenous background,' Bear said after being drafted. It takes a village, as the saying goes, and Bear was feeling especially thankful to everyone in his world who helped him get to this stage. He's the first Manitoba hockey player to be drafted in the opening round since Strathclair's Conor Geekie went 11th-overall to the Arizona Coyotes in 2022. 'My Mom and Dad, they've done so much for me,' said Bear, who was overcome with emotion at times. 'I'm out of words. This is just unreal.' The party was in full swing at the Peguis Multiplex, where community members gathered to watch one of their own under the bright lights in Hollywood. 'Everyone here knew about this evening and are super excited for him and proud of his accomplishment,' said Chief Stan Bird. 'Considering everything our community has gone through, and what we're still continuing to experience in terms of addictions and other negative things, I think this is a really positive event for our community. He's someone our young people look up to. It shows what hard work brings. It sets a really good example for our young people.' Bear and his family eventually moved to West St. Paul, playing minor hockey through Seven Oaks and eventually starring with the Winnipeg Thrashers U18AAA team. He wasn't picked until the sixth round, 132nd-overall, in the WHL draft but quickly proved to be a huge success for the Everett Silvertips. Bear had 82 points this year (40G, 42A) in 56 WHL games. Unfortunately, his season came to an early end after he suffered a partially cut Achilles tendon. That likely cost him a few draft slots. He was the highest-rated of 14 Manitoba skaters who made the final cut of NHL Central Scouting rankings. 'Thrilled to have you in our organization. Obviously we love you as a hockey player,' Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman told Bear right after his pick was announced. When asked what drew the organization to Bear, Steve Y didn't hesitate. 'We think he's an extremely intelligent hockey player. Very competitive. high-end skill. A great goal scorer. We just think he's an excellent all-around player,' said Yzerman. 'From everyone we've spoken to — his former teammates, coaches — everyone has thought extremely highly of him.' That's no surprise to those who know Bear best. 'He is easily the most determined and driven player we have ever had the pleasure of learning with. Carter sees obstacles as opportunities and thinks his way through them methodically until they are no longer obstacles,' said Vince Hourie, his former coach with the Winnipeg Hawks. 'We know Carter won't stop working here. Being second-best is not part of his makeup. He is driven and through his journey he has remained humble and grounded.' Bear said he's about 80 per cent recovered from his injury, meaning he likely won't be a participate in Detroit's rookie development camp next week, but he expects to fully healed in time for the WHL season this fall. 'We have watched Carter grow up to become an amazing hockey player and role model for First Nations kids and all Canadian kids across this country,' said Cindy Woodhouse, a close family friend who is also National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. 'His mom and dad, Misty and Conrad Bear, have worked so hard everyday to give their kids a good life, grounded in ceremony, prayers and First Nation way of life. Thank you to Hockey Manitoba for giving Carter his grounding on his journey to the NHL. We wish Carter a good road ahead in his hockey career.' Bear is hoping to have a monster year with Everett, perhaps working his way on to the Canadian World Junior squad. 'I always want it more than other guys on the ice,' is how Bear described his on-ice approach. He wants to work on his skating and two-way game while also adding some muscle to his 6-foot, 179-pound frame. There will be plenty of people rooting for him every step of the way — and also investing in Red Wings jerseys. 'Just to see him take these steps in his life it's absolutely wonderful. It's hockey that has really pulled our community along. Carter is a reflection of what hockey brings to our people,' said Bird. 'I've always been an Oilers fan, but I think the Wings might be my new team now.' Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. No other Manitobans were selected on Friday, although several will likely hear their name called today as rounds two through seven are held. However, Roger McQueen of the Brandon Wheat Kings was picked 10th-overall by the Anaheim Ducks. Like Bear, he also had an injury-shortened campaign which may have caused him to fall further down the rankings. McQueen, who is from Saskatoon, had 20 points (10G, 10A) in 17 regular-season games with Brandon and scored once in three playoff contests. The 6-5, 197-pound centre projects as a true power forward and believes his back issues have been resolved. X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg Mike McIntyreReporter Mike McIntyre is a sports reporter whose primary role is covering the Winnipeg Jets. After graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College in 1995, he spent two years gaining experience at the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in 1997, where he served on the crime and justice beat until 2016. Read more about Mike. Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Globe and Mail
30 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
L3 Limo Party Bus Rental Company Expands Tampa Fleet for Record July 4th Weekend Travel
Transportation provider adds luxury party bus capacity as Tampa Bay area prepares for Boom by the Bay celebration L3 Limo, a party bus rental company serving the Tampa Bay area, has expanded its luxurious fleet ahead of Independence Day weekend as travel projections indicate record-breaking holiday demand, with more than 20 celebrations planned across the region. According to AAA, an estimated 72.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the holiday week, with 4.78 million traveling by bus, train, or cruise. Locally, multiple municipalities are preparing for large-scale festivities, including Boom by the Bay, which spans several downtown venues such as the Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk Boat Parade, Star Spangled Sparkman Wharf, and the Heights District Fourth of July Celebration at Armature Works. L3 Limo is positioning additional party bus and luxury vehicles to accommodate groups attending Independence Day events and celebrations across Tampa Bay, including sporting events, concerts, bachelorette parties, bachelor parties, birthdays, and weddings. From Clearwater's Coachman Park concerts to St. Petersburg's Red, White & Views festival and Temple Terrace's golf club fireworks, L3 Limo's party buses feature premium sound systems for passengers' favorite music, LED lighting, and onboard entertainment where guests can enjoy their favorite movies, ensuring guests celebrate comfortably as they travel between these Tampa Bay events. "Tampa Bay has become a top priority destination for July 4th weekend celebrations, and our professional reservations team is seeing unprecedented demand for tampa party bus rental services from Ybor City to Raymond James Stadium," said Mr. Seghrouchni, owner of L3 Limo. "Whether guests want to celebrate at Amalie Arena events, brewery tours, or a bar crawl through town, we provide quality transportation so the party starts the moment they step aboard." Industry data indicates that party bus prices often rise by 30–50% during peak holiday periods such as July 4th. Reflecting this demand, L3 Limo's reservation specialists report strong advance bookings from groups planning to travel between Tampa Bay's many Independence Day attractions, from Safety Harbor's patriotic parade and Tarpon Springs' picnic events to festivities at Sparkman Wharf and the Tampa Bay History Center area. July 4, 2025 Boom by the Bay 2025 will include the Heights District Fourth of July Celebration at Armature Works, the Star Spangled Sparkman Wharf festivities, and the Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk Boat Parade along the Hillsborough River. The Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk July 4th celebration features a boat parade with the theme "Salute to Service," honoring military and first responders with patriotic displays on the water. The event includes a water ski show, blessing of the fleet, and fireworks, with boats competing for most patriotic vessel. VIP tickets offer premium seating with drinks and food for spectators. This multi-venue format creates transportation challenges for attendees traveling between locations throughout the night, increasing demand for group transportation solutions like tampa party bus rentals. The special event weekend coincides with other major Tampa Bay area attractions near Raymond James Stadium and various sporting events throughout the fun-filled holiday period. L3 Limo serves the whole crew for any big event, with a fleet of tampa party buses accommodating groups of all sizes—from intimate birthday parties to large wedding parties. Its luxury vehicles feature premium sound systems, LED lighting, and onboard entertainment, with knowledgeable chauffeurs ensuring VIP treatment for every ride. Customers can request a free quote for tampa party bus services by filling out a contact form on the company's website or contacting L3 Limo directly via phone or email. About L3 Limo L3 Limo is a Tampa-based charter bus and party bus company serving Central Florida. The limo fleet provider offers quality transportation services for wedding packages, corporate events, birthday parties, celebrations and special occasions throughout Tampa Florida. More information is available at L3 Limo 5804 E Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 699-5777 Media Contact Company Name: L3 Limo Contact Person: Adell Seghrouchni Email: Send Email Phone: (813) 699-5777 Address: 5804 E Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd City: Tampa State: FL Country: United States Website:
