NHL Players Union Threatens Lockout as CBA Negotiations Stall Tensions are rising in the world of professional hockey as the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA) has issued a warning that a lockout could be imminent if Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations with the National Hockey League (NHL) fail to produce a new deal. The current CBA is set to expire on September 15, and with no agreement in sight, players are growing increasingly frustrated with the slow pace of talks. A lockout would be the third in the league's history and would likely have significant impacts on the upcoming season, including the potential cancellation of games and the disruption of the salary cap. With the clock ticking, fans and players alike are holding their breath as the situation continues to unfold.