Unexpected NHL Salary Cap Development Could Be A Gift For The Toronto Maple Leafs
The NHL salary cap was stagnant for years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is now on the verge for a record-setting increase ahead of the 2025-26 season.
According to Allan Walsh who shared the news on the Steve Dangle Podcast, the cap could rise to $97 million which is a stunning $9 million jump from the 2024-25 number of $88 million.
Big jump for the salary cap next season
This projection exceeds the previous estimates since last year, the 2025-26 cap was forecast at $92 million which is representing a $4 million increase.
However, the updated figure reflects the league's strong post-pandemic recovery and it shows the growing revenues from broadcasting, sponsorships and international fan base.
It follow the first significant cap increase in years that was from $83.5 million in 2023-24 to $88 million in 2024-25 and is fueling the growth of spending during the free agency.
During the opening hours of free agency last summer, over $1 billion was spent across more than 100 player contracts which is showing that teams' had financial confidence again.
A $97 million cap will provide flexibility for teams facing contract decisions.
For contenders like the Toronto Maple Leafs, the increase could be critical in retaining player like Mitch Marner and John Tavares, who are set to become UFA in 2025.
The 2025 free agent class is packed with big names like Mikko Rantanen, Jamie Benn, Aaron Ekblad, Brock Boeser and Brad Marchand.
With teams now having unprecedented cap space, the bidding wars could reach historic levels and will make July 1 a day to remember for sure
If Allan Walsh's projections are true, the salary cap surge will change the face of a few teams throughout the NHL.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 12 | 214 ANSWERS Unexpected NHL Salary Cap Development Could Be A Gift For The Toronto Maple Leafs Will you watch the opening of the UFA market on July 1st? | ||
| Yes | 134 | 62.6 % |
| No | 80 | 37.4 % |
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