Calgary Flames GM Brad Treliving told the media at the NHL’s GM Meetings in Florida on Wednesday morning that the salary cap will likely not rise by more than $1 million for next season and GMs are not planning to have additional space.
Players negotiated a six per cent escrow cap over the last three seasons of the current CBA. That’s great for them, probably a big stumbling block for league
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 15, 2023
League commissioner Gary Bettman told the media that the NHL is open towards discussing a bigger raise with the players’ association but needs to see what incoming executive director Marty Walsh thinks.
This would mean that the salary cap will likely not be higher than $83.5 million for the 2023-24 campaign.
Assuming that it goes up exactly $1 million, the Washington Capitals would have $14,569,166 left in cap space to spend over the offseason with 12 forwards, four defensemen, and two goaltenders under contract. Left-wing Conor Sheary, defenseman Matt Irwin, right-wing Craig Smith, and right-wing Connor Brown can all become unrestricted free agents on July 1. Defensemen Martin Fehervary, Alexander Alexeyev, and Gabriel Carlsson (only one who is arbitration eligible) can become restricted free agents.
GM Brian MacLellan also said on the radio last week that the team will pursue a top-six forward “with skill” after this season.
By Harrison Brown