NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman formally announced the planned cap increase for the 2026-27 season on Wednesday afternoon. He informed teams and the NHLPA that the league’s budget will increase in all areas.
The hard ceiling climbed from $95. 5 million to $104 million, representing an $8. 5 million annual rise.
The cap floor was also increased to $76. 9 million, although Boston Bruins supporters are lucky in that they do not need to be concerned about this amount.
Boston wasn’t exactly flush with funds going into 26-27. Before the raise, the crew had a bit over $8 million to spend on free agents. However, with the salary cap limit raised, the Bruins will have a sizable $16. 5 million to invest this summer.
And that is before general manager Don Sweeney makes any possible changes to the Bruins’ existing roster.
Several key players on the Bruins squad, including Viktor Arvidsson, are without a contract going into next season. Arvidsson performed on a $4 million contract last season that was about to expire. He recorded the third-most goals and fifth-most points of all Bruins forwards.
Lukas Reichel and Jordan Harris are both restricted free agents who might expect contracts in the million-dollar AAV range.
Finally, defenseman Andrew Peeke, 28, is set to become an unrestricted free agent.
Sweeney will have $16. 5 million to resign anybody he wants and add a few more players to the championship-contending team.
