Articles / NHL to address LTIR loophole with playoff salary cap in new CBA

NHL to address LTIR loophole with playoff salary cap in new CBA

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Daily Faceoff
Jun 28, 2025 12:20 AM

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In a significant move to address ongoing concerns within the NHL, league officials have announced plans to implement a salary cap for the playoffs, particularly targeting the loopholes associated with Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) rules. This decision comes as a response to the increasing scrutiny over how teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning have leveraged LTIR to gain competitive advantages during playoff seasons.

The proposed changes are part of negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which aims to create a more level playing field and ensure that all teams operate under fair conditions during the playoffs. The NHLPA is expected to play a critical role in discussions, as player representatives push for noticeability in how salaries can be managed, especially for teams handling multiple injured players.

Key players such as Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov have been at the center of this conversation, given their roles in assisting the Lightning’s strategies in past playoff runs. While this change might alter some teams' approach to roster management, it ultimately sets the stage for a more balanced competition in the championship chase.

As the league prepares for these changes, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this will reshape the playoff landscape. The focus will now shift to how teams adapt to these potential new rules and whether they can maintain their competitive edge without exploiting previous discrepancies in the system.