NHL players are going to great lengths to protect themselves from an impending lockout

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Axel Williams
August 26, 2024 (1:30 PM)

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Throughout the years, the NHL has had some bad luck when it comes to lockouts and keeping their players happy with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

This has been especially true under Gary Bettman's tenure. Back in 1994-95, only half of the season was played. Subsequently, in 2004-05, the NHL didn't play a single game. About a decade ago, we had another mini-lockout, but things were eventually settled.

Now, the CBA is set to expire after the 2025-26 season, and many players are looking to protect themselves from missing out on an entire year. According to Travis Yost of TSN, the percentage of contracts around the league that have signing bonuses, has risen quite sharply.

Signing bonuses makes it so that the yearly salary is a bit less, but the total contract comes out to the same thing. This helps give the players an insurance policy of sorts if they were to get injured or if something such as a lockout were to happen.

Having said all of that, the NHLPA and the NHL will be motivated to make sure this kind of issue doesn't end up coming to fruition. At the end of the day, the players want to play, and the league wouldn't want to miss out on precious revenue. Only time will tell what ends up happening.

Do you believe that Gary Bettman and the NHL will be able to prevent a lockout? Let us know in the poll down below and stay tuned to Hockey Unplugged for the latest news and updates from around the hockey world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite players and teams.

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