Latest news with #Long-TermInjuredReserve
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
NHL CBA overhaul: Auston Matthews sparks dress code rebellion as league expands to 84-game season
The NHL is set for a major overhaul with a new CBA, potentially influenced by Auston Matthews (Getty Images) The NHL is on the verge of a dramatic transformation, and one of its biggest stars, Auston Matthews, is at the center of it. With a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) expected to be announced ahead of the NHL Draft, players are preparing for sweeping changes—on and off the ice. NHL caves to player pressure as CBA overhaul brings Auston Matthews' fashion rebellion to life Auston Matthews, known for his elite skill set and unique fashion sense, has long challenged the NHL's conservative approach to personal expression. Now, the league is finally catching up. Among the proposed changes in the new CBA is a long-awaited relaxation of the mandatory dress code. Players will no longer be required to wear suits to and from games unless mandated by a coach or general manager. That's a big win for those pushing for individuality, like Matthews, who's been vocal about bringing more personality to hockey culture. But the changes don't stop at wardrobes. The regular season is set to increase from 82 to 84 games starting in the 2026–27 season. This adjustment aims to create more balanced matchups within divisions, ensuring teams play each rival four times. To make room for the extra games, the preseason will be shortened, a move that could help avoid player fatigue before the season even starts. Financially, the new CBA is expected to benefit top-tier players in a major way. The salary cap is projected to rise from $88 million to $95.5 million next season, climbing to $113.5 million by 2027–28. This opens the door for stars like Matthews and Connor McDavid to potentially sign shorter deals now, capitalizing on bigger paydays later as the cap expands. The league is also taking aim at controversial salary cap loopholes involving Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR), especially after high-profile cases raised eyebrows. The new agreement will reportedly tighten rules during the playoffs to prevent cap circumvention and ensure LTIR is used only for legitimate injuries. Also Read: NHL trade rumors: Montreal Canadiens could quietly move Patrik Laine as contract expiration looms With these changes, the NHL is signaling a shift toward a more modern, player-friendly approach—and Matthews' influence is hard to ignore. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
New York Times
11-02-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Natalie Spooner returns to Sceptres lineup, will make PWHL season debut vs. Frost
Natalie Spooner, the PWHL's reigning MVP, will return to the Toronto Sceptres lineup on Tuesday night, the team announced ahead of its game against the Minnesota Frost. Spooner's return comes almost nine months after she tore her ACL in Game 3 of the semifinals against Minnesota. She had knee surgery at the end of May 2024 and has been cleared for contact and practicing with the Sceptres since mid-January. SHE'S BAAACK! 🤩 Forward Natalie Spooner has been activated from Long-Term Injured Reserve. 📰 — Toronto Sceptres (@PWHL_Toronto) February 11, 2025 'I'm excited to be back with my teammates and looking forward to competing next to them again,' Spooner said in a team press release. 'It was obviously a long road to get to this point and doesn't happen without a lot of amazing people in my corner. 'I'm very grateful for my surgical and medical team that have gotten me back to full health. Thank you to the fans and hockey community for all the well wishes and patience along the way. I can't wait to play in front of the Toronto fans again.' Advertisement Spooner led the PWHL in goals (20) and points (27) last season and was the most dominant forward in the league. She scored 29 percent of Toronto's goals last season and led the league in game-winning goals (5), first goals (5) and insurance goals (4). The Sceptres had a slow start to the season again, going 3-2-5 out of the gate, but entered the February international break fourth in the league standings while riding a four-game point streak. It will take some time for Spooner to get back up to game speed after missing the first half of the season. Still, her return to the lineup should be a boost for Toronto, especially with No. 1 center Sarah Nurse put on long-term injury reserve on Monday night. Nurse, who sits third in team scoring, will be out of the lineup indefinitely, according to the team. Toronto also announced the signing of German forward Laura Kluge on Monday night. Kluge played well in Toronto's November camp but returned to Germany due to military commitments. Just last week, Kluge tallied two assists in three games to help the German women's national team qualify for the 2026 Milan Olympics. 'We are excited to welcome Laura back to our organization,' said Toronto general manager Gina Kingsbury in Monday's press release. 'Laura had a great training camp with us and left a great impression on our entire team. She will add to our team both on and off the ice.'
