Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The NHL has officially implemented a playoff salary cap, as the league transitions into their new CBA starting in 2026-27; and the Maple Leafs have to pay attention.
Next season, the NHL is going to have a new CBA that both the league and NHLPA agreed to which will include rising salary cap, restrictions on rosters, and mandatory neck protection amongst other things.
However they are going to implement things a bit early as a way to help GMs transition to the new rules and restrictions as to not be caught too off guard.
What the NHL’s New Playoff Salary Cap Rule Looks Like
Among the new things include the implementation of a new salary cap in the playoffs, changes to the LTIR system and how teams can benefit from it, and the inability to defer any money starting game one.
The first part of that new rules is the most interesting given that it’s often been a sore spot for years that teams like Florida and Vegas are able to stay under the cap in the regular season through LTIR stints, then have a full powerhouse roster come playoffs because of a lack of restrictions.
Now, that’s going to be a thing of the past, and if teams are also going to have an issue with the LTIR rules and maybe only receive a small portion as opposed to the full amount; it’s going to change some strategies quite quickly.
Within the new rules, a player’s full cap is used even if they were acquired at the deadline, as well as any buried or dead cap being used against the final amount.
How the Maple Leafs Could Be Affected by the Change
For teams like Toronto, it’s a blessing because they are not going to be able to have to deal with the Panthers and other teams gaming the system in order to bring in the best possible roster; it’s a way for the league to try and create some parity in its postseason and hopefully it’ll benefit the Leafs.
With the team having injury issues themselves, they can’t afford to have someone get hurt long-term, and no more swapping players in and out of the LTIR as a way to circumvent the cap; it feels like they better have a Plan B in case things go awry.
It’s the double edged sword that comes with being a professional sports team, especially one with such merit and attention as the Maple Leafs. Fans are going to expect that with these new changes, it gives the team an advantage but they still need to perform.
Perhaps the fact that Florida and others can’t get away with their tactics anymore, coupled with Craig Berube’s mentality: It could be enough to get them through things after all.
Previously on HockeyPatrol
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NHL Introduces New Rules That Will Have Major Impact on the Toronto Maple Leafs
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