NHL salary cap could still increase next season but the NHLPA isn't willing to budge on one thing

Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the NHL and NHLPA had anticipated a significant hike in the salary cap. The increase was expected to be approximately $8,000,00, which would have been one of the largest in the cap era. However, due to the pandemic and the NHL's response to it, there was an obvious significant decline in revenue, resulting in what has been 3 years in a flat cap for the league. The league has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the NHLPA, but Gary Bettman definitely expects something in return.

Recently, the NHLPA appointed Marty Walsh as the new Executive Director, replacing Donald Fehr. During his debut press conference, Walsh stated that the players are open to discussing a potential increase in the salary cap but they are not open to modifying escrow, which is currently fixed at 6% for the next three seasons.

This approach differs greatly from the one taken by Fehr in previous negotiations, where the players felt that their best interests were not always being prioritized. On several occasions, it appeared that the players were making all of the concessions during negotiations.

It will be fascinating to observe how Walsh navigates the situation. Will the players accept a meager $1,000,000 cap increase? Alternatively, will the parties reach a consensus?

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