NHLPA EXECUTIVE BOARD EXERCISES ITS OPTION TO EXTEND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT

TORONTO/CHICAGO (June 22, 2010) – The Executive Board of the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) announced today from its meetings in Chicago, Illinois that the NHLPA has exercised its option to extend the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for the 2011-12 season.

The current CBA between the NHLPA and the National Hockey League (NHL) was scheduled to expire on September 15, 2011, will now remain in effect through the 2011-12 season.

Statement from NHLPA Executive Board:

“The NHLPA is pleased to announce to hockey fans that the CBA will remain in effect through the 2011-12 season. It is apparent through the operation of the CBA that there are a number of issues that require serious examination in the next round of bargaining.  The NHLPA is currently reviewing these issues and will be consulting with players and others in the coming months to determine the appropriate approach in the next round of bargaining.”

The Executive Board’s decision will also ensure that NHL Clubs have the ability to use the Performance Bonus Cushion provision in the CBA for contracts in the 2010-11 season.