Taking a closer look at each team in the Metropolitan Division – what each teams salary cap situation is like for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons, as well as their pending restricted and unrestricted free agents.
The Carolina Hurricanes could have a different look next season with 23 free agents, with Cam Ward among the seven UFAs. They have over $34 million in cap space, though they work off an internal budget.
The Columbus Blue Jackets don’t have a lot of cap room with just under $7.5 million in cap space and Seth Jones needing an extension. They have 19 players under contract.
The New Jersey Devils are another team with plenty of cap space – over $32.5 million with 14 players signed. They have 17 UFAs and eight RFAs to make decisions on.
The New York Islanders would like to keep pending UFAs Kyle Okposo, Frans Nielsen and Matt Martin, but they may not be able to do so. They have just under $20 million in cap space for 16 players.
The New York Rangers have $17.9 million cap space. They have 17 players signed, but RFAs Chris Kreider, Kevin Hayes and J.T. Miller are among the their 14 RFAs that need new deals. They may not be able to fit in a new deal for Keith Yandle.
The Philadelphia Flyers currently don’t have a lot of room for this offseason. They have 18 players under contract for almost $64 million, and Brayden Schenn is coming off of a career year and looking for a raise.
In our initial look at next seasons salary cap, the Pittsburgh Penguins have the least available cap at $91,688 with 22 players under contract. The Pens will definitely have to make some moves to clear some salary.
The Washington Capitals have some RFAs that will eat into their $15.38 million projected cap space, headed by Marcus Johansson.
** 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 salary cap numbers when free agents are signed or trades are made. Salary info taken from CapFriendly.com **
