The NHL's current CBA is set to expire in September 2026, and the league has experienced a trio of work stoppages over the past 30 years as a result of collective bargaining failures. However, if things keep progressing, Commissioner Gary Bettman says that won't happen this time. But for any hockey fans who have asked Santa Claus for a broader playoff pool, this year's State Of The NHL Address did not point to any glimmers of hope. CFRA Live technical producer Stephen Ellsworth recaps the key news and notes.