Overview

• Beginning with the 2025–26 postseason, each game’s 20-player lineup must be cap‑compliant under a $95.5 million playoff cap, ending the no‑cap playoff era.
• LTIR relief for players expected to return is now capped at the league‑average salary, with full relief reserved only for those ruled out for the season.
• Immediate operational changes include a deferred‑compensation cutoff of Oct. 6, a one‑AHL‑game requirement before recalls, a 75‑day wait for second retained‑salary trades, and a post‑deadline non‑emergency recall limit raised to five.
• At the NHL Player Media Tour, reactions ranged from support for fairness (Charlie McAvoy, Will Cuylle) to caution about roster juggling (Victor Hedman, Sam Reinhart), with observers noting likely shifts in Trade Deadline strategy.
• Recent transactions and notes tied to the changing landscape include Montreal trading Carey Price’s contract to San Jose for Gannon Laroque with the Sharks paying 40% of his $2 million salary, Calgary re‑signing Connor Zary for three years at a $3.775 million AAV, Derek Ryan retiring at 38, and the Canadiens announcing Hall of Famer Ken Dryden’s death at 78.