When the NHL and its players exited the 2013 Lockout, the salary cap was less than $65 million USD. After years of steady increases and a short-term hiccup due to COVID, it currently sits at $88 million USD. And within the next 3 years, it is projected to increase by $25.3 million, potentially reaching $113.5 million USD by the start of 2027-28. A big reason for this staggering salary jump is a crop of superstar talents resetting the market, a trend that will likely continue in 2026 when Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Avalanche rearguard Cale Makar sign their career-defining pacts. CFRA Live technical producer Stephen Ellsworth explains why the skyrocketing salary cap could force teams to implement 'internal caps', allowing the wealthiest franchises to profit even more.

<p>When the NHL and its players exited the 2013 Lockout, the salary cap was less than $65 million USD. After years of steady increases and a short-term hiccup due to COVID, it currently sits at $88 million USD. And within the next 3 years, it is projected to increase by $25.3 million, potentially reaching $113.5 million USD by the start of 2027-28. A big reason for this staggering salary jump is a crop of superstar talents resetting the market, a trend that will likely continue in 2026 when Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Avalanche rearguard Cale Makar sign their career-defining pacts. CFRA Live technical producer Stephen Ellsworth explains why the skyrocketing salary cap could force teams to implement 'internal caps', allowing the wealthiest franchises to profit even more.</p>