In some welcome news to NHL teams, the NHL salary cap is expected to rise $10 million over the next three seasons, starting next summer. COVID-19 really pooched a lot of teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs who signed big contracts to their core in hopes of a raising salary cap which never happened.
What the NHL sent to teams about the NHL salary cap
Matt Porter of The Boston Globe reports a memo was sent to teams stating the NHL estimated the salary cap will rise by as much as $10 million over the next three seasons.
Porter states this is just an estimate but here is the breakdown that is being reported starting next offseason.
Year 2023-24 cap rises by $1 million, to $83.5 million
Year 2024-25 cap rises by $4.5 million, to $88 million
Year 2025-26 cap rises by $4.5 million to $92.5 million
What will teams do with the NHL Salary cap rising?
Auston Matthews will be a UFA at the end of the 2024-25 NHL season which could mean a new salary for him around $14 million/year. And Leafs fans, you have no worry, most NHL Analysts predict he will sign a big deal next summer with the Toronto Maple Leafs and not test free agency in the summer of 2025.
Connor McDavid will be a UFA at the end of the 2025-26 season which will help the Edmonton Oilers out as McDavid will likely set a new mark for highest paid NHL player in the league.
The rising cap will also help a team like the Boston Bruins. David Pastrnak is due a new contract next offseason and the B’s need cap space!
