NHL crackdown: Five teams face sanctions for exceeding salary cap limits

As the 2024 NHL season approaches, several teams find themselves grappling with salary cap limitations. Notably, the Vegas Golden Knights, Washington Capitals, Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers, and Philadelphia Flyers are all operating above the set limit.

The salary cap for the upcoming season stands at $88 million, yet teams are allowed a 10% leeway during the offseason. Among these, the Washington Capitals are in the most precarious position, surpassing the cap by a significant $14 million, totaling a cap hit of $102 million.

Washington's general manager, Chris Patrick, is under immense pressure to rectify this financial imbalance by the end of training camp. The situation is somewhat alleviated by Nicklas Backstrom's placement on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), which will deduct $9.2 million from the cap.

This strategic move still leaves the team needing to account for an additional $5 million to achieve compliance.

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Further relief may come from T.J. Oshie, who is also likely to be placed on LTIR due to an injury, potentially saving the team an additional $5.75 million. These financial maneuvers are crucial as failure to comply with the cap could lead to severe repercussions for the team's season.

The strategic financial management of these teams, particularly the Capitals, underscores the complex dynamics of NHL team operations as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The clock is ticking for GM Chris Patrick to creatively navigate these challenges and set his team up for success without the looming threat of cap penalties.