As the July 1 unrestricted free agency period approaches, National Hockey League teams are evaluating their salary cap situations to prepare for potential roster additions. This year’s free-agent market has seen significant pre-draft trade activity, leading to adjustments in team cap projections.
The methodology for these projections involves assessing signed player salaries, estimating costs for restricted free agents expected to make the lineup, and accounting for players on long-term injured reserve. This provides an estimate of available funds for unrestricted free agency, though some variability exists due to contract negotiations and players on the NHL/AHL bubble.
Western Conference teams eye cap space
The San Jose Sharks are projected to have substantial cap space, with current salaries at $64.6 million and an estimated $5.2 million for restricted free agents. After accounting for dead money deals, including buyouts for Martin Jones and Marc-Édouard Vlasic, and retention for Erik Karlsson and Tomáš Hertl, the Sharks are projected to have $34.2 million in cap space. They need to add approximately $7 million to reach the $76.9 million cap floor. The team is well-positioned upfront but could use defensive reinforcements, especially with core players like Macklin Celebrini needing new contracts in the coming years.
The Anaheim Ducks are also expected to have considerable cap flexibility, with $26 million in projected cap space. Their current projected salaries are $78 million, with $21.5 million estimated for restricted free agents. The Ducks face significant work in signing restricted free agents such as Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier. They are looking to address needs on the blue line following several veteran departures.
The Vancouver Canucks, entering a rebuild, are projected to have $21.2 million in cap space. Their current projected salaries stand at $82 million, with a relatively low $850,000 estimated for restricted free agents. General Manager Ryan Johnson has indicated a willingness to absorb unfavorable contracts in exchange for draft picks, a shift in the team’s past strategy. However, the organization is also described as budget-conscious and may need to move players before taking on additional deals. Veteran players on long-term contracts, such as Jake DeBrusk and Elias Pettersson, could be considered for trade offers.
The Seattle Kraken are projected to have $20.9 million in cap space, with current projected salaries at $83.1 million and $3.5 million estimated for restricted free agents. Despite pressure to improve after challenging seasons, the Kraken have struggled to attract elite free agents. General Manager Jason Botterill faces decisions on whether to trade prospect capital for immediate solutions or maintain patience with the team’s development.
Eastern Conference teams prepare for market
The Pittsburgh Penguins are projected to have $27.6 million in cap space. Their current projected salaries are $66.2 million, with $9.6 million estimated for restricted free agents. The Penguins need to reach the salary floor, which new deals for Egor Chinakhov, Hendrix Lapierre, and Artūrs Šilovs are expected to help achieve. General Manager Kyle Dubas is reportedly targeting higher-end players on the trade market to support the team both in the upcoming season and beyond the Sidney Crosby era.
Among the notable unrestricted free agents, defenceman Rasmus Andersson is a target for the Washington Capitals, who have over $14 million in cap space after recent trades. John Carlson, another defenceman, is being considered by the Carolina Hurricanes, who acquired his rights, and the Philadelphia Flyers. Sergei Bobrovsky, a goaltender, is a potential fit for the San Jose Sharks, who have significant cap space and a need for a mentor for Yaroslav Askarov. Alex Ovechkin is expected to either re-sign with the Washington Capitals or retire. Forward Boone Jenner is a potential target for the Winnipeg Jets, who are in need of a second-line center and have the cap space to pursue him.
Other players on the market include defenceman Jacob Trouba, who could be an option for the Boston Bruins or the San Jose Sharks, and forward Mason Marchment, who has been linked to the Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks. Anthony Mantha, a winger, is coming off a strong season and could be an offensive addition for the Los Angeles Kings or the Montreal Canadiens. The Minnesota Wild could consider signing winger Anders Lee, who had a strong play-driving season.
These roster and financial figures are accurate as of 6 a.m. ET on Monday, June 29.
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Source: nytimes.com
