The NHL and the Players' Association are on the brink of a new collective bargaining agreement that promises to expand the season to 84 games and limit player contracts to seven years. A significant change includes the introduction of a permanent emergency backup goaltender (EBUG), who can practice and travel with the team but won't count against the roster limit. This marks an end to the era of makeshift emergency goalies—often unqualified local players—and symbolizes a shift toward more standardized operational protocols within the league.
The new CBA will allow teams to carry a permanent EBUG, who will practice and travel with the team, but not count against their roster.
Previously, teams just kind of figured it out when needed—they'd designate as their EBUG for a given game a staffer who had played goal in college.
The EBUG rule as we know it dates to a game in 2015, when the Panthers found themselves with two hurt goalies and stopped play to discuss with league officials.
For the longest time, teams just kind of did whatever: Lester Patrick, a former defenseman, was coach of the Rangers when he inserted himself in net in 1928.
#nhl #collective-bargaining-agreement #emergency-backup-goaltender #sports-regulations #labor-relations
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