NHL could give the Blue Jackets a major exemption this season after the Johnny Gaudreau incident

While the league mandates that all teams meet the cap floor to be compliant, there is a compelling argument for the NHL to grant Columbus a salary cap exception under these exceptional circumstances.

The Blue Jackets are now in a position where they could be penalized for a situation entirely out of their control-an unimaginable loss that no organization could have prepared for. Given the gravity of the situation and the relatively small amount by which they are below the cap floor, it seems only fair that the NHL considers a compassionate exemption.

The NBA has a precedent with their Disabled Player Exception, which allows teams to replace a player out for the season due to injury or death, even if they are over the cap. A similar approach in the NHL would allow Columbus to navigate this difficult time without facing additional challenges related to cap compliance.

This is an extraordinary situation that requires a compassionate response. The NHL should seriously consider granting the Blue Jackets a temporary exemption for the 2024-2025 season to honor Gaudreau's memory while supporting the team through this tragedy.

Source: Blade Of Steel
NHL could be forced to give Columbus Blue Jackets major exemption after Johnny Gaudreau's death