On Wednesday, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman gave an indication of what to expect the salary cap should be for the 2018-19 season. Though it has yet to be finalized with the NHLPA, it should fall between $79.5 and $80 million.
Gary Bettman says next year's salary cap will fall between $79.5M and $80M. Still needs to be finalized with NHLPA.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 20, 2018
For the 2017-18 season, the salary cap was set at $75 million. It contributed to several offseason adjustments by the Capitals, including trading Marcus Johansson to the New Jersey Devils.
The expected $4 million increase would make this the largest since the cap went from $64.3 million in 2013-14 to $69 million in 2014-15.
With several potential signings still to make, the increase could help with retaining John Carlson. The Caps PPQB is coming off the final season of a six-year, $23.8 million contract. Carlson led all NHL defensemen in regular season (68) and playoff points (20). Carlson will be the biggest free agent defense on the market if he doesn’t re-sign with the Caps before July 1.
“I love it here. I want to stay here. But there’s more to it than that.” — John Carlson on his approaching free agency. Washington, btw, is home for Carlson. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/ytUhigqQmB
— Tarik El-Bashir⌨️🎙🏒 (@TarikNBCS) June 13, 2018
Michal Kempny, Jay Beagle, Alex Chiasson, and Jakub Jerabek are all pending Capitals’ UFAs.
Meanwhile, Devante Smith-Pelly, Tom Wilson, Travis Boyd, Madison Bowey, and Philip Grubauer are restricted free agents.
