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NHL reveals 2015-16 cap will be $71.4 million

Chicago Blackhawks v Anaheim Ducks - Game Seven

Chicago Blackhawks v Anaheim Ducks - Game Seven

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As projected, the NHL payroll ceiling will climb in 2015-16, but it won’t be by a lot. After a season that saw the Canadian dollar decline substantially against its American counterpart, the NHL cap has been set at $71.4 million, which puts the floor at $52.8 million.

That’s up from the 2014-15 ceiling of $69 million, but down from the December projection of $72 million to $74 million. The lower than initially expected cap has put a greater burden on a number of high spending NHL teams.

Chicago stands out as Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane will consume a combined $21 million worth of annual cap space starting next season. That’s sparked talks of the Blackhawks moving Patrick Sharp to stay compliant. The Boston Bruins are another team that is in for a tough summer, particularly with Dougie Hamilton in line for a substantial payday as a restricted free agent.

This is good news for teams like Arizona and the Buffalo Sabres though as they will be able to land talent that top teams might have otherwise not made available. The Coyotes in particular are noteworthy as they need to spend heavily just to reach the floor.

NHL/NHLPA utilizing full 5 percent growth factor to get to $71.4 million. Some speculation it might be less than that.

— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) June 23, 2015

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