NHL Cancels 2004-05 Season Amid Lockout

The league's decision came after a five-month lockout between owners and players.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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On February 16, 2005, the National Hockey League announced the cancellation of the entire 2004-05 season after a five-month lockout between the league's owners and players. The lockout was the result of a dispute over a new collective bargaining agreement, with the two sides unable to reach a compromise on key issues like player salaries and a salary cap.

Why it matters

The cancellation of the 2004-05 NHL season was a major blow to the league, its teams, players, and fans. It marked the first time in North American professional sports history that an entire season had been lost due to a labor dispute. The lockout damaged the NHL's reputation and led to declining fan interest and television ratings in the years that followed.

The details

The NHL lockout began on September 16, 2004 after the previous collective bargaining agreement expired. Negotiations between the league and the NHL Players' Association broke down over issues like player salaries, a salary cap, and the division of hockey-related revenues. After several months of failed talks, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced on February 16, 2005 that the entire 2004-05 season would be canceled.

  • The NHL lockout began on September 16, 2004.
  • On February 16, 2005, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the cancellation of the 2004-05 season.

The players

Gary Bettman

The Commissioner of the National Hockey League since 1993.

NHL Players' Association

The labor union that represents the players in the National Hockey League.

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What they’re saying

“I am disappointed beyond words.”

— Gary Bettman, NHL Commissioner (UPI)

What’s next

The NHL and NHLPA eventually reached a new collective bargaining agreement in July 2005, allowing the 2005-06 season to proceed as scheduled.

The takeaway

The 2004-05 NHL lockout was a pivotal moment in the league's history, highlighting the challenges of labor negotiations in professional sports and the significant impact a lost season can have on a league's popularity and finances.