NHL sets official 2026-27 salary cap limits
PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 23: A general view of the Pittsburgh Penguins draft room in the locker room is seen before the first round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft at PPG Paints Arena on July 23, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ryan Yorgen/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images The NHL announced their salary cap limits for 2026-27, and as widely expected, the league has trended toward anticipated growth of a $104 million ceiling, up 8. 9% from this year’s $95.
5 million limit. NHL officially informs teams of the 2026-27 Salary cap and payroll range: Floor: $76. 9M Midpoint: $90.
4M Ceiling: $104M Maximum salary: $20. 8M — Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 6, 2026 This cap is right in-line with league estimates from as far back as January 2025 , meaning that the finances are likely on track for further expansion the next season in 2027-28 to rise even higher. The NHL and NHLPA also announced that team payroll ranges for the next three seasons would be an Upper Limit of $95.
5 million and a Lower Limit of $70. 6 million next season; an Upper Limit of $104 million and a Lower Limit of $76. 9 million in 2026-27 and an Upper Limit of $113.
5 million in 2027-28 with a Lower Limit of $83. 9 million. The projected Team Payroll Ranges for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons will be subject to potential minor adjustments (up or down).