The National Hockey League's salary cap has remained relatively stagnant for a considerable period due in part to the pandemic's impact. This unchanging cap situation has posed challenges for many teams, making it difficult to retain key players, particularly their star performers, without compromising the overall team structure. However, there might be a notable increase in the salary cap on the horizon, sooner than expected.
If this projected increase materializes, it could provide most NHL teams with the breathing space they need to construct more competitive rosters. Deals like those of Auston Matthews and the aforementioned Hagel could become somewhat easier to manage.
While the notion of a 9 million increase in the salary cap three seasons from now remains to be seen, it could indeed explain the recent trend of teams securing players for extended terms and significant financial commitments.
