The current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is set to expire in September 2026, with the NHL Players Association (NHLPA) already prioritizing discussions about potential salary cap increases.

For the 2024-25 season, the salary cap is established at $88 million, with projections indicating it could rise to $92.5 million for the subsequent season.

Recent reports have suggested that there may be discussions about raising the salary cap beyond the projected $92.5 million, potentially reaching figures of $95 or $97 million.

However, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has denied rumors of a significant salary cap increase for the 2025-26 season, asserting that the reported figures are inaccurate.

Bettman further clarified that any adjustments to the salary cap would necessitate an agreement between the league and the NHLPA, and that formal discussions on this matter have yet to occur.

A notable increase in the salary cap could result in higher player contracts and enhanced financial flexibility for NHL teams moving forward.

The existing CBA allows for a maximum annual salary cap increase of five percent, although larger increases can be negotiated, as demonstrated by a 5.39 percent rise that was implemented over the summer.