Articles / Changes To LTIR Will Take Effect For 2025-26, Other CBA Changes Moved Up

Changes To LTIR Will Take Effect For 2025-26, Other CBA Changes Moved Up

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Pro Hockey Rumors
Sep 2, 2025 7:03 PM

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The NHL is set to implement significant changes to its Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) rules starting in the 2025-26 season. This major overhaul aims to bring more clarity and fairness to the management of player salaries when teams face injury-related challenges. A critical aspect of this reform is the introduction of a cap on the total salary that can be used on LTIR, ensuring that teams do not gain excessive advantages by placing multiple players on this reserved list. General managers will need to adapt their strategies to comply with these new guidelines, striking a balance between managing player health and roster capabilities.

Key players like Steven Stamkos and Eric Karlsson have previously navigated the complexities of LTIR, shedding light on how these changes might impact teams with star players sidelined for long durations. The NHL believes these adjustments will foster a more equitable competitive environment, alongside maintaining the integrity of the salary cap system. Teams will be required to carefully assess their rosters and develop innovative solutions to keep their competitive edge while adhering to the new regulations.

Support for the new rules has been mixed among team executives and players alike. While some see it as a necessary evolution to the league's policies, others fear it could complicate the intricacies of roster management. As the 2025-26 season approaches, teams will closely monitor how these adjustments will influence the dynamics of injuries and salary cap strategies across the league. It's a development that promises to reshape team operations in unprecedented ways, emphasizing the league's commitment to a fairer playing field for all organizations involved.