Players entering the NHL will be required to wear neck guards starting with the 2026-27 season, according to The Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli.

Under a new agreement that would begin in 2026-27, max-length contracts would be reduced seven years inhouse and six years for an UFA from another club.

The NHL and NHL Players Association announced Friday that the two sides have agreed to an extension to the collective bargaining agreement, ensuring labor peace through at least 2030. League team owners and NHL players still need to vote on the deal before the agreement can be officially ratified.