The Varsity NHL Rinkside Revelations
Oct 8, 2025
Greg Wyshynski, ESPN NHL analyst and veteran hockey writer, joins John to dive into the latest NHL season. They discuss the league's labor peace and a new CBA set for next September. Greg highlights Conor McDavid’s team-friendly deal and contrasts it with Kaprizov’s record contract. He examines the implications of no-income-tax markets on team competitiveness and shares insights on potential expansions, including a promising franchise in Utah. Their chat also touches on the USA-Canada rivalry and the future of international competitions.
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CBA Closes LTIR Playoff Loophole
- The new CBA tightens long-term injured reserve and playlists will face a true salary-cap constraint in playoffs.
- Teams must declare season-ending injuries to use full cap space, removing late-playoff roster loopholes.
Why Labor Peace Happened
- The NHL achieved a short, non-contentious CBA in part because of new NHLPA leadership and a shorter term deal.
- Gary Bettman's public salary-cap projections also framed negotiations and eased player concerns.
McDavid's Hometown Discount
- Conor McDavid took a two-year, below-market extension to stay in Edmonton and help the team build around him.
- He framed it as a short, player-friendly clock: help now or he becomes the richest free agent later.