NHLPA exercises option to extend CBA

The NHL Players' Association has voted to extend the current collective bargaining agreement through the 2011-12 season.

The agreement was originally set to expire after the upcoming season -- with the players holding the right to extend it for a seventh year.

They voted to do that at their executive board meeting in Chicago on Tuesday.

The players also voted to retain the five per cent growth factor for next season, which ensures the salary cap will rise for a fifth straight time.

As part of the CBA, the players have the right to include five per cent of growth in calculations for the following season's cap once revenues exceed US$2.1 billion.

The current cap of $56.8 million is expected to rise to roughly $59 million.

The official salary cap number for 2010-11 will be released prior to free agency opening July 1.

Instead of having another lock-out in 2011, we will have it in 2012 then?