NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh stated that the NHL is
“solid and growing in a big way,”
highlighting the league’s recent increases in attendance and revenue as signs of positive momentum. Discussing recent developments including potential NHL expansion and changes to the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), Walsh shared his perspective on how these shifts may affect players and the sport overall.
Player Role in NHL Expansion Decisions
When asked about player involvement in expansion talks, Walsh emphasized that athletes have little influence on these decisions.
“The players don’t have any say at all in this matter, other than we negotiate once they move ahead with it, with (regard to expansion) drafts and things like that,”
he explained. The responsibility for expansion lies primarily with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and the board of governors.
Impact of a Longer Season and Shorter Pre-Season on Players
Changes to the NHL schedule include an increase to 84 regular-season games beginning next year, accompanied by a reduction in pre-season games from eight to four and a shortened training camp period, decreasing from 21 to 13 days. Walsh noted that
“having 84 games (in a season) allows us to have more fans and more opportunities to see a game,”
which can boost revenue and fan engagement. However, he also voiced concern about the physical toll on players, describing wear-and-tear as a serious issue that needed addressing during negotiations.
Key Player-Focused Achievements in the New CBA
The recent labor deal incorporated changes aimed at benefiting a broad range of players—from rookies to seasoned veterans. Walsh remarked,
“We tried to do a little bit for every group of players, if you will, whether they’re entry-level or whether they’re a 15-year veteran. So I know we accomplished a lot of that — the schedule, the 84 games, If you look at it at the end of the day, it’s better for our players.”
Notably, the agreement included enhanced player safety measures and the elimination of the strict dress code that once required suits and ties. Regarding this dress code change, Walsh said,
“I mean, I know traditionalists like to have suits and ties on our players, but there’s opportunities for our players coming in, showing who they are with their personalities. I think all of that helps increase viewership and interest in the game of hockey.”
What These Developments Mean for the Future of Hockey
The ongoing expansion talks and CBA reforms highlight significant shifts in professional hockey’s landscape, reflecting both growth ambitions and the need to balance player welfare with commercial success. As figures like Marty Walsh maintain a cautious yet optimistic outlook, the league’s decisions on expansion and player agreements will shape how hockey evolves in the coming years, influencing fan engagement, player health, and the sport’s overall culture.
