The NHL salary cap for the upcoming season was expected to rise by around $4 million, but recent reports indicate it will only increase by $1 million.
The projected cap ceiling for the 2023-24 season is $83.5 million. The NHLPA had hoped for a higher increase but won't negotiate adjustments to escrow payments.
With NHL free agency on the horizon, it's believed the 2023-24 salary cap ceiling will be set at $83.5M -- an indication the NHL and NHLPA won't negotiate a higher increase than the $1M called for in their MOU.
The cap has been frozen due to COVID-19, and players have been repaying over a billion dollars in escrow. The repayment is expected to be completed by the end of next season.