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.”
