Overview
- The NHL confirmed the 2026–27 payroll ranges Wednesday: a $104 million cap, a $90.4 million midpoint, and a $76.9 million floor.
- The maximum individual salary rises to $20.8 million, which equals 20% of the team cap under league rules.
- The new ceiling is up from this season’s $95.5 million, an 8.9% increase that pushes the cap into nine digits for the first time.
- The higher limit eases cap crunches, shrinking the share of long-term deals and giving general managers more room to retain cores and pursue free agents.
- The $76.9 million floor will pressure rebuilding teams to add salary, which could spur trades or short-term veteran deals as front offices move to meet the requirement.