NHL Shocker: Immediate CBA Shake-Up Sends Ripples Through League, While Milano, Hildeby, and Prokhorov Spark Buzz

Alright, here’s the scoop: The latest Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) shake-up is unfolding in phases — some pieces kick in right away, others tiptoe in by March 1st, 2026, and a few more don’t hit till September 16th, 2026. It’s a layered rollout that’s going to reshape the league—think new playoff salary caps, tightened LTIR rules, and a ban on deferred compensation come October 2025, just to name a few. And it doesn’t stop there; by the 2026-27 season, expect fresh regulations on player rights retention, increases in minimum salaries, and a mandatory neck protection rule. These changes are bound to rattle the status quo, impacting everything from contract negotiations to player movement. Honestly, it’s a fascinating blend of strategy and compliance that teams will need to navigate carefully if they want to stay competitive and cap-savvy. Curious about the finer details? LEARN MORE

Puck Pedia: Some parts of the new CBA will go into effect immediately, some on March 1st, and more on September 16th, 2026.

Immediate Implementation and effective for the 2025-26 season

• New Playoff Salary Cap
• Limits/changes to LTIR, reducing the benefits a team receives in LTIR
• No Deferred Compensation (effective Oct 7, 2025)
• Restriction on Paper Loans
• Restriction on a second retention on a traded contract
• AHL Loans for 19-year-old players not yet in effect, but an effort is being made to negotiate this with the CHL for the 25-26 season
• Four Recall rule

Implementation Prior to the 2026-27 season

• Drafted Players Rights Retentions for 2026 draft
• Minor League Compensation Limits (March 1)
• NHL Min Salary increases (effective March 1)
• ELC Contract Limits (effective March 1)
• Mandatory Neck Protection July 1
• Entry Level eligibility for European Players (March 1)

Opening Night Tripleheader: NHL 2025–26 Season Kicks Off with Fireworks

Sonny Milano appears good to start training camp

Tom Gulitti: Washington Capitals forward Sonny Milano suffered an upper-body injury last November 6th and missed the remainder of the season. He’s been skating for a while, and GM Chris Patrick said that he is planning on being a full participant in training camp.

The Toronto Maple Leafs extend Dennis Hildeby

Lance Hornby: The Toronto Maple Leafs signed goaltender Dennis Hildeby to a three-year contract extension with a $841,667 salary cap hit. For the next two seasons, it’s a two-way deal, then it’s a one-way in 2027-28.

Puck Pedia: Hildeby will be an RFA with arbitration rights after the contract and is owed a $945,000 qualifying offer.

2025-26: $775,000 NHL salary, and $350,000 in the minors
2026-27: $850,000 NHL salary, and $450,000 in the minors
2027-28: $900,000

NHL Rumors: The Minnesota Wild and Kirill Kaprizov’s contract extension situation

The New York Islanders sign Daniil Prokhorov

Andrew Gross: The New York Islanders signed 2025 second-round pick Daniil Prokhorov to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Puck Pedia: Prokhorov will carry a $915,000 cap hit and an AAV of $975,000.

2025-26: $775,000 salary, a $97,500 signing bonus, $102,500 GP Bonus, and $85,000 in the minors
2026-27: $800,000 salary, $97,500 signing bonus, $77,500 GP Bonus, and $85,000 in the minors
2027-28: $877,500 salary, $97,500 signing bonus, and $85,000 in the minors

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