The NHLPA voted Tuesday to extend the current Collective Bargaining Agreement through the 2011-12 season and to approve a five percent growth on the salary cap. The cap will rise from $56.6 million to around $58.8 million according to ProHockey Talk. The cap increase will benefit the NHLPA by giving teams a little more to spend on free agents. The extension gives the league another year to convince super-negotiator Donald Fehr to lead them into CBA battle.

The NHLPA released this statement: "The NHLPA is pleased to announce to hockey fans that the CBA will remain in effect through the 2011-12 season. It is apparent through the operation of the CBA that there are a number of issues that require serious examination. The NHLPA is currently reviewing these issues and will be forming a negotiating committee in the coming months in order to address these matters."

The Executive Board's decision will also ensure that NHL Clubs have the ability to use the Performance Bonus Cushion provision in the CBA for contracts in the 2010-11 season. You can read a copy of the NHL CBA here

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