New salary cap for 2015-16 announced, changes coming to regular-season overtime plus updates on Kris Letang, Mike Fisher and more.
NHL.COM: The salary cap limits for 2015-16 have been announced. The Lower Limit (cap floor) is $52.8 million, with an Adjusted Midpoint of $62.1 million and an Upper Limit (salary cap ceiling) of $71.4 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s because the NHLPA voted to approve their annual five percent cap escalator. While the cap isn’t as high as the original projection of $73 million, it’s not as low as it could’ve reached had the PA not voted for the escalator. This season’s cap ceiling was $69 million.
TSN.CA: Pending approval by the board of governors, the NHL will adopt three-on-three overtime for regular season games starting next season. The shootout remains in place to decide games still tied after the overtime period.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given how much open ice will be available in three-on-three overtime, it could reduce the number of games decided by shootout.
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang expects to be ready for training camp in September.
USA TODAY: Even NHL players are discussing the pros and cons of a possible league expansion into Las Vegas.
NBC SPORTS: Pittsburgh Penguins oft-injured defenseman Kris Letang expects to be ready for training camp in September. After suffering a concussion in late-March, Letang was cleared earlier this month to begin workouts.
STLTODAY.COM: Don’t expect the Blues to trade goaltender Brian Elliott. He said he’s not interested in requesting a trade, while management still considers Elliott part of their plans next season.
THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators could announce a new contract for center Mike Fisher by the end of this week. The club remains in contract talks with center Mike Ribeiro.
SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS: The Sharks are in talks with defenseman Brenden Dillon on a new contract which would be between three to six years in length. Dillon is a restricted free agent on July 1.
TWINCITIES.COM: After a letter to the Minnesota Wild by 11-year-old Jordyn Leopold, daughter of defenseman Jordan Leopold, play a role in the club acquiring her father at the March trade deadline, she’s now hoping they’ll re-sign him for two more years.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The cynic in me says, “Don’t push your luck.” The optimist says, “Hey, it worked before! No harm in trying again.”
NHL.COM: The Boston Bruins signed NCAA goaltender Zane McIntyre to a two-year entry-level contract.
CBS SPORTS: The Washington Capitals will unveil a throwback third jersey for 2015-16.
#1 Bettman the worst thing to hapen to hockey in 75 years!!!!!
#2 The shoot out is like watching grass grow in the “SKY DOME”
Interesting. I think Bettman is the best thing to happen to Hockey on the management side of the game potentially ever.
I do agree with you on shoot outs though. I hate seeing a game decided by a skills competition that favors goalies. I hate it almost as much as having some games worth 2 points & some worth 3. I was never opposed to ties.
SERIOUSLY? SHARKS SIGNING DILLON TO A MULTIYEAR EXTENSION? THAT’S JUST STUPID. HE’S NOT EVEN WORTH THAT. WILSON NEVER SHOULD’VE LET BOYLE GO. IDIOT! NEED TO THROW DOUG WILSON IN WITH A TRADE.
THERE’S A CHANCE THE SHARKS MIGHT BE GOLFING AGAIN DURING THE PLAYOFFS NEXT YEAR, TOO! WE NEED A GM IN THERE WHO KNOWS WHAT HE’S DOING. WILSON WOULD HAVE A HARD ENOUGH TIME SELLING HOT DOGS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.