How the NHL’s salary cap is squeezing teams and forcing players out of jobs

Adam Erne found himself in a tough spot when he hit the open market as a free agent for the first time in his career. Normally, a 28-year-old player with 355 NHL games under his belt would have no problem finding a new team, but these are not normal times. Erne struggled to attract interest and had to wait until September 12th to receive an invitation from the Edmonton Oilers to try out for a job.

Erne eventually signed a two-way contract with the Oilers for the NHL minimum salary of $775,000, but the fact that it took so long for him to find a deal highlights a larger issue facing the league. The salary cap has only increased by $1 million for the 2023-24 season, making it difficult for teams to assemble competitive rosters.

Oilers GM Ken Holland explained, “When the cap doesn’t move, you’re forced to decide which player you want to keep. You have to let other players go. That’s the downside.”

Due to cap constraints, many teams were unable to dress a full roster for their season-opening games, leaving depth players like Erne and Jujhar Khaira on the outside looking in. A total of 29 players who would have been in the NHL in the past were left without jobs this season.

This lack of foresight by the league has significant financial implications for these players. Many are on two-way contracts, meaning they earn a much lower salary when playing in the minors. In addition to the financial hit, players like Erne and Khaira also miss out on valuable time towards their pensions.

Overall, the situation highlights a need for change in the NHL. Agent Allan Walsh states, “For the current CBA to not contemplate almost four years with a relatively flat cap, that teams would be in this situation shows a tremendous lack of foresight.”

As players like Erne, Khaira, and others continue to navigate these challenging circumstances, the hope is that the league and the NHLPA will take notice and work towards finding a solution.

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Sarah Anderson

Sarah Anderson dives into the fast-paced world of NHL hockey. Her coverage includes game analysis, player spotlights, and the latest news from the ice. Sarah’s dedication to the sport ensures that hockey enthusiasts stay informed about the NHL’s thrilling action.