The NHL continues to grapple with the affects of the COVID pandemic. Revenues continue to be a huge concern for the league, and as a result, the league-mandated salary cap may remain flat for a longer period of time than originally projected.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported in this weeks “31 Thoughts” podcast that he is hearing the salary cap could remain flat for as many as five more seasons.
“You know, I have to tell you too Jeff. I had someone say to me this week that based on what they’re hearing revenues are and what the money that’s going to be owed from the players to the league, they are not expecting the cap to go up for 5 years.” -Friedman https://t.co/D94BC6AUkn
— Mark Scheig (@markscheig) May 29, 2021
It was previously projected that the current $81.5 million salary cap would likely remain in place for the next season or two, but five more years is a new forecast based on actual revenues accrued. This is obviously something cap-strapped teams, like the Washington Capitals, will struggle to contend with, should the stagnating growth continue to linger.
The salary cap has remained at $81.5 million since the 2019-20 season. We should hear more about formal numbers for the 2021-22 season in the coming weeks prior to the Stanley Cup final.
By Jon Sorensen
Follow @nova_caps