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Oilers owner could give Edmonton major advantage with coming changes to NHL salary cap

Originally posted on Oilers Daily | By Liam McCormick | Last updated Jan 26, 2025 7:09 PM ET

The NHL salary cap is expected to rise significantly in the next few years, and while more teams won't spend to the limit, the Edmonton Oilers will benefit by having the financial power to spend to the cap.

The Edmonton Oilers have been ranked the 7th most valuable team in the NHL with a franchise valuation of $2.4B, making them one of the richest and fastest growing in the league.

Increasing salary cap will be a major advantage to the Edmonton Oilers

According to an update from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman last night, the increasing salary cap could lead some more teams to operate with an internal cap - spending less than opposing teams.

In two years, the cap is probably going to be over $100M. There are teams that are not comfortable with that. We talked about the salary progression now, $14M for Draisaitl, there are teams - we're going to get a split. There will be teams that have no problem going to $100M and above, but there are going to be others that are like, we're not comfortable going there.
- Elliotte Friedman

With the salary cap at $88M, there's are teams already running a lower internal salary cap and are unwilling to spend the full amount. Increasing to $100M and more will take more teams and owners out of the bidding to pay multiple star players.

The Colorado Avalanche were one team that was reportedly not comfortable with pushing their spending above the salary of Nathan Mackinnon, resulting in the trade of Mikko Rantanen.

Friedman said in an earlier edition of 32 Thoughts that the salary cap could see an increase to even $110M.

It depends on who you talk to, there are some estimates ... that think in two years, a 50-50 cap will be close to $110 million.

While some other contending teams may be now handicapped by their owner's ability to spend, the Edmonton Oilers should have zero problems with Daryl Katz opening the pocketbooks to spend.

The Oilers franchise value is skyrocketing with McDavid and Draisaitl headlining their lineup, and the loyal fans in Oil Country showing up to every game.

Owner Daryl Katz and the Oilers are in a strong financial situation, and not only will they be able to retain their star players, they'll be able to capitalize off of what other teams can't afford.

A rising salary cap will be great for the NHL, but even better for the Edmonton Oilers. This should be great news for fans and the team alike.

This article first appeared on Oilers Daily and was syndicated with permission.

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