Some CBA changes are effective immediately

Puck Pedia: Some parts of the new CBA will go into effect immediately, some on March 1st, and more on September 16th, 2026.

Immediate Implementation and effective for the 2025-26 season • New Playoff Salary Cap • Limits/changes to LTIR, reducing the benefits a team receives in LTIR • No Deferred Compensation (effective Oct 7, 2025) • Restriction on Paper Loans • Restriction on a second retention on a traded contract • AHL Loans for 19-year-old players not yet in effect, but an effort is being made to negotiate this with the CHL for the 25-26 season • Four Recall rule

Implementation Prior to the 2026-27 season • Drafted Players Rights Retentions for 2026 draft • Minor League Compensation Limits (March 1) • NHL Min Salary incr

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