SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The AHL and the Professional Players Association have agreed on a Collective Bargaining Agreement, valid only for the 2020-21 AHL season. The deal, ratified by both the AHL board of governors and AHL players, puts a foothold for the upcoming season, set to start on Friday.

Under the deal, it looked similar to what was offered last week. The CBA now includes:

• 48% salary proration.
• 40% guaranteed (regardless of season or games being canceled).
• AHL players making less than $62,500 paid will receive no less than $30,000.
• Playoffs will occur at the sole discretion of the AHL.
• No extra salary for any playoff games.
• AHL teams to assist in helping players find affordable housing.
• Veteran Rule still intact – teams can only dress six skaters with over 260 professional games accrued entering this season.

As for players who opt-out during the season, the player would only receive the salary earned to the date of his decision to opt-out.

In a statement Monday afternoon, AHL President Scott Howson told the media that having a 2021 AHL season is imperative to the organization.

“We are very pleased that the players and the member clubs of the AHL have come together to find a solution for playing the 2020-21 season during these difficult times.” 

Meanwhile, PHPA Executive Director Larry Landon echoed that most of their players haven’t been able to play since March 2020.

“The difficulties presented to even have an abbreviated season represented an enormous task. Given a number of players haven’t played competitive games since last March, it was imperative to get ice under their blades in what will be a very competitive 2020-21 season.” 

The deal comes as the AHL proposed the CBA last week, which was given to the PHPA to respond.

Some of the changes to CBA for 2020-21:

– 48% salary proration, 40% guaranteed
– AHL players < $62,500 paid no less than $30k
– playoffs at sole discretion of the AHL
– players won't get additional $ for any playoff games

Full details @InsideAHLHockey! https://t.co/5CmyglkjpA

— Tony Androckitis (@TonyAndrock) February 1, 2021

Continue to follow The Sin Bin as we will bring you season previews for the AHL throughout the week. The AHL season is set to begin on Friday, February 5.

Zack Power covers the Toronto Marlies for The Sin Bin. Follow and interact with him on Twitter @SinBinMarlies.