NHL releases cap projections for next 3 seasons, may rise to $113.5M in 2027-28
The NHL and NHLPA released their cap projections for the next three seasons on Friday:
| Season | Upper limit | Lower limit | Percentage increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | $95.5M | $70.6M | 8.5% |
| 2026-27 | $104M | $76.9M | 8.9% |
| 2027-28 | $113.5M | $83.9M | 9.1% |
The salary cap for this season is $88 million, meaning the league could see a potential increase of $7.5 million next campaign. From there, the cap may jump another $8.5 million in 2026-27, followed by a $9.5-million bump in 2027-28.
The changes are subject to an extension of the collective bargaining agreement, which expires in September 2026. Minor changes may also be made to the projected upper and lower limits in 2026-27 and 2027-28.
Reports in November said the NHL and NHLPA planned to discuss a salary-cap increase between $7 million and $9 million for the 2025-26 season. However, league commissioner Gary Bettman said the rumors of a $9-million increase weren't accurate.
Bettman announced in December that the cap was projected to rise to a minimum of $92.4 million in 2025-26.
The salary cap can rise a maximum of 5% each year under the current CBA but can increase by a larger margin if both parties agree.
Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl will make $14 million starting in 2025-26, which will be the league's highest cap hit as it currently stands. Under these estimates, Draisaitl will account for 14.7% of the Oilers' cap space next season, 13.5% the following year, and 12.3% in 2027-28.
There's no shortage of star players who need new deals over the next few seasons, including Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov, Artemi Panarin, Connor Bedard, and Jack Eichel in 2026 and Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes in 2027.