Alarming sign suggests another NHL lockout is on the horizon in 2026

The NHL's current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is set to expire after the 2025-26 season. While labor relations have been relatively calm since the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season, early signs suggest that the NHL and the Players' Association could be heading into tough negotiations.

One clear sign of this is the increasing use of signing bonuses in player contracts. These bonuses are seen as both buyout-proof and lockout-proof. Because signing bonuses are typically paid during the off-season, players receive them before any potential disruptions due to CBA negotiations. If the season is delayed or halted, salaries might be on hold, but players would have already received their bonuses.

This strategy shows that players are better prepared for a potential lockout. With more players securing substantial signing bonuses, fewer will feel the financial pressure if a lockout occurs.

Fans are certainly hoping history doesn't repeat itself, especially not with a lockout like the one in 2004 that canceled the entire season.

Source: TSN
NHL players preparing for labour uncertainty with lockout-protected contracts