Toronto Maple Leafs Roundtable
Report: NHL Salary Cap Believed to be Set at $83.5 Million for 2023-24, What it Means for the Maple Leafs
Although believed to be set at the number for a while, there was hope the NHL and NHLPA could negotiate a higher number.
It appears there will be no wiggle room when it comes to the salary cap for the upcoming season.
According to TSN hockey insider Chris Johnston, the salary cap for the 2023-24 NHL season is believed to be set at $83.5 million.
There was a belief that the NHL and NHLPA could negotiate to try and increase the salary cap beyond the $1 million outlined in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The agreement calls for just a $1 million increase until the NHLPA's debt to the NHL is fully paid off stemming from revenue losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before the 2023 Stanley Cup Final began, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman indicated that the payment wasn't likely to be repaid in time for next season. Once the debt is fully paid off, the salary cap is expected to grow further and be a proper reflection of league-wide revenue.
How does this affect the Maple Leafs?
There's not expected to be any material change to Toronto's off-season strategy as a salary cap of $83.5 million was the expectation. According to Puckpedia.com, the Maple Leafs have $8.381 million in cap space remaining with 17 players under contract. More cap space can be created with defenseman Jake Muzzin ending last season on long-term injured reserve and his $5.625 million cap hit proving some relief. There is also goaltender Matt Murray and his $4.6875 million cap hit that could potentially be moved.
The Maple Leafs priorities for new GM Brad Treliving include getting an extension locked up with star forward Auston Matthews. The 25-year-old is a free agent at the end of the 2023-24 season and can sign an extension as soon as July 1.
William Nylander is also a free agent at the end of the 2023-24 and would likely command a big increase from his $6.96 million cap hit.
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