From the 2023-24 season to the 2024-25 season, the NHL had already announced an increase of $4.2 million in salary cap - now that figure will be a $4.5M raise. This year's current cap is $83.5M, and next year will now be $88M.
This is fantastic news for players, teams, owners, fans, and the entire NHL. When the salary cap is increased, it allows teams much more freedom to retain players and sign new ones. Of course, players will command more money in salary now that there is more available to be had, but for the time being, some teams could get incredible bargains on contracts signed years ago.
For a player like Leon Draisaitl who was signed years ago for a bargain deal of only $8M, his contract next season for its final year will be easily the best value contract in the entire NHL.
Between striking a new TV Rights deal with ESPN, introducing two new expansion franchises and relocating the Coyotes, and now introducing Amazon as a broadcasting partner - things are looking positive for the NHL's finances across the board.
Not only that, but today the NHL also announced the start date to the upcoming Four Nations Faceoff. Between this short and limited international tournament in North America and the return to the Olympics in Italy, international hockey is finally making a big comeback this year. It's surprising to say, but Gary Bettman and the NHL are actually making some decent decisions as of late.
POLL | ||
JUIN 8 | 206 ANSWERS NHL announces last minute changes to salary cap for next season Do you like the changes the NHL made to increase the salary cap? | ||
Yes, it's best for everyone | 163 | 79.1 % |
No, keep things low and fair for small teams | 34 | 16.5 % |
See Results | 9 | 4.4 % |
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