Beyond the noticeable changes in the new NHL collective bargaining agreement like expanding the regular season to 84 games and implementing a playoff salary cap is an investment in caring for former players that has not existed until now.

The league and union will contribute $4 million annually to the newly established Retired Players Emergency Healthcare and Wellness Fund. NHL Alumni Association president and executive director Glenn Healy, a retired goaltender, said the plan provides access to a family doctor and a mental wellness professional for any player, "whether you played one shift or 10,000 games."

Healy, Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly and NHLPA assistant executive director Ron Hainsey shared details about the plan Tuesday for a small group of reporters attending the league's an

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