New Salary Cap Estimates Released: What It Means for Top Free Agents
Key Players to Watch Over the Next Few Months
The NHL released their new salary cap estimates and there is some serious money available that could change how several franchises operate. Elliotte Friedman reports that the 2025-26 salary cap is expected to go to $95.5 million, followed by a jump in 2026-27 to $104 million, and in 2027-28: $113.5 million. As one insider mentioned, “it’s a great time to be hitting free agency.”
This news could change a lot for players, especially those ready to cash in over the next three summers. Who should we be keeping our eyes on?
Mitch Marner’s Situation in Toronto Gets Interesting
James Mirtle of The Athletic believes the new salary cap estimates might change the Toronto Maple Leafs’ ability to re-sign Mitch Marner.
Is not clear if Marner will hold firm on his rumored ask of somewhere around $13 million, but these new projections have some believing he could ask for more than Auston Matthews ($13.25). If that happens, the Leafs have a tough decision to make. Will they give Marner more knowing they can likely afford it? Or, will they stick to an internal ceiling set by Matthews’ deal and tell Marner it’s not happening?
The second things fall apart between the Leafs and Marner, other teams will step up and throw money his way this off-season.
Mikko Rantanen Might Want to Test the Market
Now that Mikko Rantanen has been traded, there’s no longer a decision that needs to be made about how much he’s willing to shave off his extension to stay in Colorado. The Avalanche chose to move on and weren’t willing to pay him the money he was seeking. Reports were that they went as high as $11.75 million, but that likely wasn’t close to his ask.
