Introduction

As the NHL prepares for a new season with a salary cap ceiling hitting $95.5 million, many teams find themselves in tight spots, sweating their payroll numbers. While most franchises relish the new financial space, a select few are still grappling with the challenge of managing their expenditures as they aim to remain competitive.

Teams on the Edge

Among those sweating it out is the St. Louis Blues, who are navigating a narrow cap space of approximately $625,000. Despite their formidable playoff performance last season, they face hurdles due to a hefty $2.1 million in bonus carryover from their young players' strong showings. A potential retirement for defenseman Torey Krug could provide relief as his $6.5 million cap hit may be eligible for Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR).

The New York Rangers, fresh off a disappointing playoff absence, are attempting to stabilize their roster under the guidance of GM Chris Drury. After trading Chris Kreider and K’Andre Miller, they added significant contracts, including star goalie Igor Shesterkin's new eight-year deal. With only $778,000 in breathing room, the Rangers will need to rely on their top players performing at peak levels.

The Philadelphia Flyers are also near the cap limit, with around $370,000 available before dipping into LTIR. Although they added new players like Trevor Zegras and re-signed key young players, uncertainty looms regarding their potential for a playoff run.

For the Dallas Stars, future cap situations weigh heavily, especially with rising RFA Jason Robertson needing an extension soon. Currently, they're $405,000 below the cap, but injuries could complicate their ambitions.

The Edmonton Oilers find themselves just under the ceiling amid considerable player extensions, including Leon Draisaitl's $14 million cap hit. Despite some offseason trades, their depth is crucial as they aim for another deep playoff run.

Lastly, the Vegas Golden Knights stand out with a whopping $104 million in salaries, significantly surpassing the cap limit. However, the uncertain health of Alex Pietrangelo may offer them a means to alleviate the situation by placing him on LTIR.

Conclusion

As teams jockey for position under the new NHL salary cap, the coming season promises to test the limits of financial management in pursuit of the ultimate prize—the Stanley Cup.