NHL CBA Shakeup Rocks the League - What It Means for the Capitals + Kuznetsov’s Return

The NHL and NHLPA are finalizing a new CBA framework that could be announced by the 2025 Draft. Major changes include an 84-game schedule beginning in 2026–27, shorter four-game preseasons, reduced contract term limits (7 years max for re-signings, 6 for free agents), elimination of deferred salary deals, and a new postseason salary cap rule to prevent LTIR abuse. Teams will also now carry full-time emergency backup goalies, ending the era of local stand-ins.

Meanwhile, former Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov is set to return to the NHL after a year in the KHL, with his agent confirming ongoing talks with multiple teams. He ruled out a return to Washington and won’t consider AHL stints. In Hershey, goalie Mitch Gibson re-signed on a one-year AHL deal, adding to the Capitals’ deep goaltending pipeline after a stellar ECHL season and strong AHL showings.

 

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