NHL players have been ensuring they get signing bonuses to their contract which hits an all-time high for the 2026 season, in the event of a possible lockout.
Signing bonuses have become an increasingly common feature in NHL player contracts, primarily as a safeguard against potential lockouts. These bonuses ensure that players receive a portion of their salary upfront, even if a lockout cancels the regular season. During a lockout, players typically do not receive their regular salaries. However, signing bonuses, which are paid at the beginning of a contract year, are guaranteed regardless of whether the games are played or not.
The 2004-2005 and 2012-2013 seasons went through lockouts, which led to significant losses for players. In response, agents and players have pushed for contracts that include substantial signing bonuses as a way to mitigate the financial risks associated with potential labor disputes, which we can see hit an all-time high at the start of the 2025-26 season, just as the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expires.
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From a team's perspective, offering signing bonuses can be a way to attract top talent, as clearly players enjoy receiving a huge chunk of money upfront, while also managing the cap hit more flexibly. Although these bonuses are fully counted against the salary cap, teams can structure player contracts in a way that balances the way they have to pay out their money.
Do NHL players know a lockout is coming, which is why such a high percentage of them secured signing bonuses for the start of the 2025-26 season, or is it purely coincidental? Only time will tell, but fans are praying they don't have to sit through another year without hockey.
Source: TSN
NHL players preparing for labour uncertainty with lockout-protected contracts
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