The new NHL CBA could have a lasting impact on the Chicago Blackhawks

The 2025 NHL Draft brought league officials together to announce a new collective bargaining agreement between the NHL Players' Association and the NHL.

The four-year extension, which won't go into effect until the 2026-27 season, could have some major impacts on the Chicago Blackhawks—especially as they start their rise as contenders.

How the NHL's new CBA could impact the Chicago Blackhawks.

The NHL Season just got a little longer.

With the new CBA, the NHL plans to increase the regular season from 82 to 84 games, per various media reports. With the change, training camp and the preseason just got a little shorter as the NHL plans to start the regular season in late September.

Speaking of the NHL's regular season, things just got a little more interesting as players get to the rink for the game. The NHL and NHLPA agreed to end the dress code for players by their teams. Hopefully Connor Bedard will still wear some great throwback jerseys like he did last year. It would also be great to see those iconic black jerseys return to the ice.

Building a contender may have just gotten a little more difficult for the Blackhawks.

The NHL has decided to shorten max-term contracts in the NHL. What was once an eight-year deal will now be a seven-year deal if a player signs with his own club and six years if he goes to free agency. This is a big blow to the Blackhawks as this will affect Connor Bedard's third contract after the one he eventually signs in the next year.

For all those getting annoyed with teams taking advantage of LTIR during the playoffs, that also is going to be changed. The NHL will introduce a playoff salary cap, making sure the players dressed for each playoff game fit under the cap.

That is going to be a major blow to the Blackhawks in a few seasons. Teams have taken advantage of this loophole, including the Blackhawks in 2015.

Blackhawks fans, think back to 2015. Imagine a world where the Hawks have to sit Antoine Vermette as a health scratch just to get under the salary cap after bringing back Patrick Kane from an injury.

The salary cap loophole might be a nuisance when you come across a team taking advantage of it, but it is also one that I think everyone would want to be able to use.

Other small changes in the new CBA.

Players coming into the NHL starting with the 2026-27 season will be required to wear neck protection. The Blackhawks already have a few players who wear the equipment, including Tyler Bertuzzi.

More changes with the CBA can be found from various outlets, including ESPN and Daily Faceoff.