The Columbus Blue Jackets may have found some unanticipated cap relief.
According to a report from James Mirtle of The Athletic, it looks like the NHL's salary cap is set to rise for the 2017-18 season rather than remain stagnant (as was previous reported). Small increases are expected from year-to-year, but this offseason may bring a larger increase than anticipated, pending a decision from the NHLPA.
Each year, the players' association has the option to use a five percent escalator in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) to increase the salary cap. The money comes from the wages withheld in escrow. The players have typically been unhappy with their escrow arrangement, but it sounds like they'll still be exercising the option to increase the salary cap.
This from Mirtle about the cap going up:
But a $75-million cap would mean only about 1.5 per cent of the 5 per cent growth factor was used. And there is another player-side faction that is still arguing for the NHLPA to agree to the full 5 per cent. That remains a possibility.
That would push the cap to at least $77.5 million, which is larger-than-average bump historically.
According to CapFriendly.com, the salary cap for this past year was $73.1 million (US). Any sort of bump is going to help the Blue Jackets this offseason, in addition to other moves they're believed to be pursuing, from a David Clarkson trade to a potential Scott Hartnell trade or buyout.
Whether or not the players are going to agree to a higher bump is another story; a nearly $3 million gap is nothing to scoff at, especially as teams are trying to finalize their offseason plans.
