The 2025-26 National Hockey League (NHL) season is rapidly approaching with the first preseason game occurring last Saturday, September 20. Since the end of the 2024-25 season, a lot has happened including high anticipated trades and a new collective bargaining agreement.

Trades

• Mitch Marner (RW) was traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs to Vegas Golden Knights for Nicolas Roy. He signed an 8 year, $96 million contract with Vegas.
• Trevor Zegras (LW) was traded from the Anaheim Ducks to the Philadelphia Flyers.
• Chris Kreider (LW) was traded from the New York Rangers to the Anaheim Ducks.

Prospects

• Matthew Schaefer (D) was drafted 1st overall to the New York Islanders from the Erie Otters
• NHL prospect Gavin McKenna (LW) committed to Penn State University for $700,000 for the 2025-26 season after collecting 129 points and a +/- of 60 in 56 games with the WHL last season. 

Veteran Players

• Brad Marchand (RW) signed a contract extension with the Florida Panthers for 6 years with a $5.25 million annual average value (AAV). Marchand was traded to the Panthers at last year’s trade deadline after being with the Boston Bruins for 16 seasons. Subsequently, he then won the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers.
• Pat Maroon returns to the NHL as the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Alumni Relations Brand Ambassador after announcing his retirement from professional play in March.
• The 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame Inductees were revealed to be Zach Parise, Joe Pavelski, Tara Mounsey, Scott Gomez, and Bruce Bennett.

Changes to the Game

• The National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) and the NHL signed a new collective bargaining agreement. 
• Under this agreement the NHL regular season will be extended to 84 games (currently 82) starting with the 2026-27 season. 
• In the same agreement, playoff rosters must now be compliant with the salary cap to prevent the long term injured reserve (LTIR) loophole. 
• The salary cap was increased from $88 million (2024-25 season) to $95.5 million for the upcoming season.

The season officially begins on Tuesday, October 7 with the Chicago Blackhawks visiting the Florida Panthers.