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The National Hockey League teams (NHL) will have a lot of money to spend with the record increase in the salary ceiling, and several players could benefit from the market for autonomous players on Tuesday.
The ceiling climbs from US 7.5 million, from $ 88 million to $ 95.5 million. It should exceed the $ 100 million set next summer. Florida’s panthers have already taken advantage of it to offer a new contract to the winner of the Conn-Smythe trophy, Sam Bennett, after the conquest of the Stanley Cup.
The table is therefore put for an unpredictable market, with a lack of players of great talent and a lot of competition between the teams.
“I think it will be busy,” said the Sharks of San Jose Sharks, Mike Grier. There are teams that end their reconstruction. Some teams want to take a new step, especially for the playoffs. And the basin of autonomous players is not the strongest. So I think you have to combine all these elements with the increase in the salary ceiling. »»
Who is available?
If he tests the market, the striker Mitch Marner will be the headliner. He should leave the Toronto Maple Leafs when a change of decor seems inevitable after almost 10 years of success in season which have not been materialized in the playoffs. He has just established new personal brands with 75 assistance and 102 points.
The Golden Knights of Vegas have, however, demonstrated interest in obtaining its rights of negotiations in a transaction before the opening of the market.
Besides Marner, Mikael Granlund was the most productive player in the 2024-25 season with 66 points, and Nikolaj Ehlers maintained an average of 0.91 point per game. The panthers could give a new contract to the striker Brad Marchand and/or the defender Aaron Ekblad, and the Director General of the Red Wings of Detroit hopes to keep the services of Patrick Kane.
Ehlers, the striker Brock Boeser as well as the defenders Vladislav Gavrikov and Ivan Proorov could be the players who will obtain the best contracts.
“Everyone can watch the list of potential autonomous players and see that there are not many players who could have an impact,” said Yzerman on Saturday. There are not many this year, for one reason or another. »»
Who pays?
Do not expect the Lightning of Tampa Bay, with all its key players with contracts, is involved.
“I expect us to be quiet,” said the director general of Lightning, Julien Brisebois. I want to limit expectations. I do not expect anything from our part, certainly anything major. »»
The same scenario awaits the panthers, who will have to add some support players to their nucleus. Many teams in the Eastern Association are trying to join them.
Sharks, Anaheim Ducks and Columbus Blue Jackets are the most money teams to spend. The director general of Blue Jackets, Don Waddell, said that everyone is aware of the increase in the ceiling, adding, laughing that almost all the agents with whom they discuss it.
“There is obviously more money on the market this year with the current increase in the salary ceiling, and that will continue in the coming years given the current wage ceiling structure,” said Waddell.
Utah’s mammoth struck a blow by obtaining JJ Peterka in a transaction and by offering him a contract. The club wishes to participate in the series in its second year in Salt Lake City while sparing its young hopes for the long term.
“We will have to be intelligent,” said managing director Bill Armstrong.
What is the landscape?
Connor McDavid, the best undisputed hockey player on the planet, is eligible for a contract extension with the Oilers this summer. The result of the negotiations could well establish the standard for the rest of the league.
In the meantime, no one can predict the value of contracts according to the roles and the age of the players.
“It is as if we were calling an agent and that he said to us:” This is where we are “, and then, here is the figure,” said Washington Capitals Director Chris Patrick, laughing.
“I think we should all review our estimate of the salary of a second trio player under the former salary ceiling. Now it will be a different figure, “he added.
