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Toronto Maple Leafs Catch Huge Break as Minimum Salary Cap for 2026-27 is Revealed
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is going to be doing a lot of prep work for free agency in 2026, although the salary cap will be an advantage.
For years, the NHL salary cap failed to increase due to the financial restraints of COVID. However, things have changed, and over the next three years, the NHL is set to see massive salary cap increases.
This summer, the cap went from $88 million to North of $95 million. In about two summers from now, the cap is expected to be above $110 million, which is great news for teams and players.
As the NHL grows in popularity, the players are going to make a lot more money, while general managers are given a bigger playground to work with.
NHL Salary Cap to benefit the Toronto Maple Leafs
2026 is going to be a particularly huge year for NHL, especially when it comes to free agency. Connor McDavid might become available, and teams will be throwing ridiculous numbers at him.
Furthermore, the salary cap is set to make a monstrous jump. According to David Pagnotta, the salary cap will be at a minimum of $104 million by next summer.
For Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving, this is phenomenal news. Now, he can seek out some of the best players on the market without breaking the bank.
The Leafs certainly have their eyes on McDavid, who would love to go back to his hometown if things don't work out with the Edmonton Oilers.
Of course, there will be other big-name UFAs out there, and with the cap going up, the Leafs will also have more space to re-sign some of their best players.
Whatever the case may be, Treliving will be doing his due diligence over the coming months to see what the best options are for his team.
For Leafs fans, next year's offseason is going to be a fun one, and only time will tell whether or not the Leafs can get that superstar to officially replace Mitch Marner.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 4 | 167 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs Catch Huge Break as Minimum Salary Cap for 2026-27 is Revealed Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs will use the salary cap to its fullest next season? | ||
| YES | 157 | 94 % |
| NO | 10 | 6 % |
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