Articles / NHL’s Rising Salary Cap Makes “Getting Paid” More Acceptable

NHL’s Rising Salary Cap Makes “Getting Paid” More Acceptable

T
The Hockey Writers
Oct 8, 2025 1:35 PM

Summary: This is a summary of an article originally published by The Hockey Writers. Read the full original article here →

The rising salary cap in the NHL has brought a renewed sense of financial freedom for teams and players alike. With the cap projected to increase steadily in the coming years, players are starting to feel more comfortable demanding higher salaries. This trend is exemplified by stars like Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid, whose contracts reflect their immense contributions to their respective teams. As the league continues to grow, so too does the willingness for teams to invest in their top talents.

Teams are now more inclined to make bold moves in the free agent market and extend lucrative contracts to key players. The increase in revenue from broadcast deals and expanding market sizes has allowed franchises to be more flexible in their salary cap management. Teams such as the Tampa Bay Lightning and Colorado Avalanche are leveraging this new financial landscape to build competitive rosters.

Furthermore, the changing attitude toward player compensation is not only surprising but beneficial. With more funds available, younger players are finding that venturing into negotiations for better pay is becoming more commonplace. Veterans like Sidney Crosby and Ovechkin are setting precedents, paving the way for a future where players feel valued for their contributions. Overall, the rising cap is reshaping the economic landscape of the NHL, and players are stepping up to seize the moment.