The NHL and NHLPA are not wasting any time in implementing the latest playoff salary cap regulations. The new playoff salary cap system will be enforced in time for the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Several teams, including the latest Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, have long used the Long Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) to bolster their lineups and make significant progress in the postseason. Other teams that have used this strategy are the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Chicago Blackhawks, and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
No More Sneaky LTIR Moves by the Florida Panthers and Other NHL Teams
The Panthers might be on their way to becoming a dynasty. In fact, forward Matthew Tkachuk boldly proclaimed the same after the team secured its second consecutive Stanley Cup win. However, on their path to victory, the Panthers caused significant chatter for their LTIR maneuvers.
Tkachuk incurred a lower-body injury playing at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February; consequently, the forward missed 25 games of the regular season and was placed on the long-term injured reserve. Tkachuk’s absence freed up an enormous $9.5 million, allowing the Florida front office to make moves. The team added Brad Marchand and defenceman Seth Jones ahead of the trade deadline.
However, the forward returned to play against the Lightning in Game 1 of the postseason, inviting significant discourse in the community about the Panthers’ blatant misuse of the LTIR. Tkachuk has admitted to playing through the Stanley Cup finals with a torn adductor and a hernia injury. Reports have stated that he may miss the initial months of the regular season, returning only in January 2026.
However, the latest NHL and NHLPA regulations requiring teams to be salary cap compliant even during the playoffs are expected to keep the Panthers and other teams in check. “…teams must submit a playoff roster where the aggregate cap hit of all active players cannot exceed the upper salary cap limit. The upper limit for the 2025-26 season is $95.5 million,” wrote David Alter for Yahoo Sports.
Frank Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff announced the playoff salary cap regulations on his social media. “Sources: The #NHL and #NHLPA have agreed to a rolling implementation schedule for CBA changes.”
Other changes have also been introduced. For instance, deals signed after September 16, 2026, will be covered by the new CBA, and NHL players will be able to endorse wines and spirits “immediately.”
Several teams have exploited the playoffs’ salary cap loophole over the years. The latest development poses significant challenges for front offices across the league and can make for some interesting storylines in the coming postseason.