NHL salary cap set to climb sharply over the next two seasons
The league’s salary ceiling is projected to rise from $104 million to $113.5 million for 2027-28 and to $127.5 million for 2028-29.
Elliotte Friedman reports that the NHL’s salary cap, currently $104 million, is slated to rise to $113.5 million for the 2027-28 season and further to $127.5 million for 2028-29. This continuation of recent growth could lead to even larger player contracts, as seen with recent deals for Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar and San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini. A higher cap is expected to benefit players financially and give clubs more room to pursue significant roster upgrades.
Observers will be watching how the increased ceiling shapes team strategies and player negotiations in the near future. The projected figures mark a notable escalation in the league’s financial landscape.
Why it matters
Higher caps give players bigger contracts and allow teams to improve rosters, reshaping the NHL’s competitive balance.
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