The current CBA, which was signed in 2013 with a four-year extension ratified in 2020, expires Sept. 15, 2026. The NHL and NHLPA began collective bargaining discussions in April after having informal talks in the weeks leading up to that.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly held their annual Stanley Cup press conference before Game 1, and the lack of drama was actually a great sign for the league.