NHL Teams Face Salary Cap Decisions Ahead of 2026-27 Season

The 2026-27 NHL season is approaching, prompting teams to consider their salary cap strategies following a busy off-season filled with significant transactions.

The Anaheim Ducks recently signed Leo Carlsson to a five-year contract worth $18 million annually, raising questions about their future financial flexibility, especially with leading scorer Cutter Gauthier still unsigned. While the Ducks have $9 million in cap space, they will gain nearly $13 million next summer when veteran contracts expire.

In Montreal, GM Kent Hughes has secured key players like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield under manageable contracts, allowing for flexibility as they prepare for Ivan Demidov's upcoming $9.15 million cap hit. The Dallas Stars, meanwhile, are managing a one-year deal for Jason Robertson while considering the implications of Tyler Seguin's contract coming off the books next year. The Colorado Avalanche face a critical decision regarding Cale Makar, who will enter unrestricted free agency, while the San Jose Sharks are focused on maintaining their young core, highlighted by Macklin Celebrini's new contract worth $18.8 million per season.