Five teams are currently over the cap, one team by nearly $14 million

While they have a little bit of time to be cap-compliant and can be ten percent over the projected 2024-2025 salary cap of $88 million, the Capitals are in the most difficult situation.

Washington's current cap situation has them on the books for just over $102 million, which is $14 million above the projected cap for the 2024-2025 season which is expected to be around $88 million. What could they do to get themselves down to compliance is anyone's guess but at least a couple of solutions will come their way before opening night.

With Nicklas Backstrom expected to go back on LTIR before the puck drops on the season, the Capitals are slated to be able to save $9.2 million which leaves them with approximately $5 million to find and get rid of. However, it has been reported that Backstrom's teammate and right winger T.J. Oshie may be facing an injury that is causing him to contemplate retirement so he is another LTIR candidate to consider, which would save the Capitals another $5.75 million.

All in all, even if the Capitals' situation looks dire today GMs such as Chris Patrick, they are hired to solve these problems and make difficult decisions.