NHL Salary Cap to Increase Significantly Over the Next Three Seasons

As the NHL continues to expand financially, teams and players alike are preparing for a new era of economic flexibility and strategic planning.

Major Salary Cap Growth Through 2027-28

The NHL and the NHLPA have agreed on substantial increases to the league’s salary cap over the next three seasons. Starting in 2025-26, the upper limit will rise to $95.5 million, followed by an increase to $104 million the following year, and ultimately reaching $113.5 million for the 2027-28 season.

This decision is based on an agreement that assumes the current collective bargaining agreement remains in effect beyond 2025-26. The salary cap for 2024-25 increased by $4.5 million, but the upcoming jumps will be even more significant, with the final increase reaching $9.5 million.

The lower salary cap limits are expected to be $70.6 million in 2025-26, $76.9 million in 2026-27, and $83.9 million in 2027-28. However, slight adjustments may be made before the final figures are confirmed.

Impact on Contract Negotiations

The anticipated salary cap increase creates better financial opportunities for players negotiating new contracts. Star players like Mitch Marner (Toronto Maple Leafs), Mikko Rantanen (Carolina Hurricanes), and Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers) will all become free agents during this period and are likely to seek substantial salary raises.

Other high-profile players such as Jack Eichel (Vegas Golden Knights), Artemi Panarin (New York Rangers), and Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning) will also be available on the market, leading to intense contract negotiations. Additionally, younger stars like Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks) and Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche) are expected to revisit their contracts to secure a share of the growing salary cap space.