Why Bigger Trades Could Happen Early in the 2025-26 NHL Season
The new NHL season comes with several key changes. See why the biggest trades of the season could happen much earlier than normal.
It’s been one of the biggest stories in the NHL over the last week. There are new rules in place regarding how long-term injured reserve (LTIR) can be utilized.
In short, teams no longer get full relief for injured players unless they are out for both the regular season and playoffs. In the event a player can return in season, the amount of relief given will equal the lesser of the player’s annual salary or the league’s average annual salary.
In 2024-25, the average annual salary was $3.8 million per PuckPedia. Approval is needed by both the NHL and the NHLPA in order for a team to get full relief.
In addition, teams now have a salary cap in the playoffs. No longer can teams acquire players and utilize LTIR in the same way.
The effects of this will be felt in the way teams conduct their business. With the LTIR loophole now closed, that’s where our story begins. If I were you, I’d prepare for the possibility of bigger trades earlier in the season. Sorry to all you trade deadline fanatics out there.
Why Earlier Trades
In previous seasons, teams who knew they were going to be in the playoffs had a distinct advantage if they had higher-salaried players on LTIR. They could go out and acquire talent to help their stretch run knowing that there was no cap in the postseason.
There was also no limit to how often LTIR was used. Teams have gone over $100 million against the cap in recent seasons. That flexibility is now gone. The Montreal Canadiens were able to trade Carey Price’s contract, a much-needed move to give them flexibility.
Suddenly, teams have to change their approach in the lead up to the NHL Trade Deadline. In 2025-26, the deadline is Friday March 6.
Many teams would wait until deadline day to make their moves. Given the new conditions and where teams think they’re at, waiting could be costly. The old saying the early bird gets the worm could hold significant meaning now.
Why could we see earlier trades? That’s because it will ultimately be easier to make bigger moves sooner. As with most anything, time and money will play a big factor. But so will player availability.
Current Lay of the Land
As we embark on the start of NHL Training Camps within the next 7-10 days, it’s safe to say that 31 teams believe they can be at least competitive this season. While that’s unrealistic of course, only one team is on record as saying this likely isn’t their season. That’s Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
While the San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks are long shots to make the playoffs this season, they each used the offseason to get better. They’re not a direct seller at the outset like the Penguins seem to be. This is where things get interesting.
Upwards of 10-12 teams are going to know by midseason if the playoffs are a real possibility or not. Some could even know by Thanksgiving.
In other words, we’re going to know in relatively short order which teams are out of the race. With only one known seller, their assets are considered a premium at this time given supply and demand.
