We’re taking a closer look at each team in the Atlantic Division heading into the offseason – what their NHL salary cap situation is like for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons, as well as their pending unrestricted and restricted free agents.
The Boston Bruins have over $24 million in salary cap space to fill nine roster spots. Defenseman Torey Krug needs a new deal and they have to make a final decision on UFA winger Loui Eriksson
The Buffalo Sabres have plenty of cap space, with Rasmus Ristolainen their only big free agent needing a new contract. They will have plenty of space to add if they chose.
The Detroit Red Wings will be watching the cap again this year. Petr Mrazek needs a new deal and they are still awaiting Pavel Datsyuk’s decision.
The Florida Panthers have over $18 million in cap space with 19 players signed. They might be able to bring Brian Campbell back on a hometown discount. Talks have already started with RFA Vincent Trocheck.
The Montreal Canadiens don’t have any major free agents to deal with, which is a good thing considering they have only $9 million in cap space.
The Ottawa Senators run off an internal budget, but have over $20 million in cap space. Mike Hoffman and Cody Ceci are looking for new deals.
The Tampa Bay Lightning have some big decisions over the next couple years and it will be tight with many of their top players needing new contracts. Everyone is watching the Steven Stamkos situation.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have already locked up their top free agents in Morgan Rielly and Nazem Kadri, and have just under $11 million in cap space to fill four roster spots.
** When looking at each team’s salary cap situation for next season and 2017-18, the numbers are based of a $74 million cap ceiling.
We’ll update the NHL salary cap numbers when free agents are signed or trades are made. Salary info taken from CapFriendly.com **