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NHL salary cap skyrockets to $104 million for the 2026-27 season, marking an $8.5 million increase. This shift signals a pivotal moment for the league's financial landscape and its growing popularity.
Teams received the news from the NHL and NHLPA, aligning with projections made under the collective bargaining agreement that ties cap increases to Hockey Related Revenue. The maximum player salary will also rise to $20.8 million, while Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov is set to become the highest-paid player with a $17 million annual extension beginning next season. The cap floor will be established at $76.9 million.
This increase reflects the NHL's continued growth, especially after the league's most-watched first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman emphasized that the rise in interest isn’t just from major markets. He points to the thrilling nature of the games, the success of international hockey events, and the impact of the viral show "Heated Rivalry" in attracting new fans.
Bettman stated, “When you mush it all together... that’s how you can account for it.” The league is on an upward trajectory, and the future looks bright for hockey as it continues to capture a larger audience.
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