In the world of hockey, building a roster is always a challenging task. However, in today’s salary cap environment, the complexity is amplified. The cap is increasing, with projections up to $88 million for the upcoming season, but player salaries continue to rise as well.
“It’s challenging to manage the cap space,” said an anonymous team executive. “Star players demand top dollar, and even core players can command significant salaries. Breakout stars and free agents also drive up the costs.”
Star power is crucial in hockey, but unlike basketball, where one elite player can single-handedly transform a team, hockey requires a solid supporting cast around elite talent.
“Balancing star players with supporting talent is crucial,” said a veteran coach. “But managing the salaries to make it all work within the cap is a real challenge.”
Currently, the average percentage of the cap per player on the top teams in the league is at a high. Toronto leads the way with four players accounting for 13.3 percent each, the highest in the league.
The situation is expected to change when John Tavares’ high cap hit comes off the books. Even if he remains in Toronto, his cost is projected to decrease, allowing for more flexibility in managing the cap.
The real question mark for Toronto is Mitch Marner. His potential extension could push the team’s cap space limits even further. With players like Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Morgan Rielly, and Marner all commanding high salaries, Toronto’s core could take up almost half of the projected cap in 2025-26.
Looking back at recent Stanley Cup winners, the Florida Panthers lead the way with four players taking up 44 percent of their cap space. This trend is higher than past champions, making it a challenging balancing act for management.
The Edmonton Oilers also face a similar challenge, with three players accounting for 34 percent of their cap space. As these players’ contracts expire, the team will need to make tough decisions to stay under the cap.
In the end, managing a team’s roster within the constraints of the salary cap requires strategic planning and tough choices. As player salaries continue to rise, teams must find ways to maximize their talent while staying within the financial limits imposed by the league.