The NHL salary cap was expected to increase significantly this offseason, and it has risen even higher than many anticipated. The league and the NHL Players Association announced that the cap will increase to $88 million this summer, up $4.5 million from the previous $83.5 million and $300,000 more than projections. This marks the first time since 2017 that the cap has grown by over $4 million.
While this increase is good news for most teams, it raises questions about how it affects the Boston Bruins as they approach the offseason with numerous tasks at hand.
According to Puckpedia, the Bruins currently have 14 players signed to their active roster, with $64.1 million allocated toward the cap. This leaves them $900,000 below the new salary floor of $65 million. Their salary breakdown includes 38.8% for forwards, 26.9% for defense, and 5.7% for goaltending. David Pastrnak is the highest-paid player with a cap hit of $11.25 million for the next seven years, followed by Charlie McAvoy at $9.5 million and Hampus Lindholm at $6.5 million, both under contract for six more seasons.
With $23.85 million in cap space available, the Bruins have significant financial flexibility to make trades and sign players when free agency begins on July 1. However, a substantial portion of this space will likely go towards re-signing restricted free agent Jeremy Swayman.
The Bruins also need to decide on their other pending free agents, including Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, Pat Maroon, James van Riemsdyk, Kevin Shattenkirk, Derek Forbort, and Matt Grzelcyk. Jesper Boqvist is also up for a new deal as a restricted free agent. Negotiations with Heinen have already begun, but it’s unlikely all of these players will return next season. The Bruins will need to make tough decisions to address key areas, including acquiring two centers (one for the first line), a top-six winger, and two defensemen.
The Bruins could gain additional cap space by trading Linus Ullmark. Offloading Ullmark’s $5 million cap hit could increase their cap space to $28.85 million. This would provide GM Don Sweeney with ample funds to make the necessary moves and still have some left over for mid-season adjustments.
Even without the significant cap increase, the Bruins were poised to spend this summer. However, with the extra cap room, they now have the flexibility to make high-impact acquisitions and improve their roster significantly.
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