Gary Bettman Makes Encouraging Statement On Upcoming Salary Cap Increase

All indications are that the salary cap increase could be higher than expected for the upcoming season.

While many analysts were anticipating a cap increase of only $1.0 million this summer, from $82.5 million to $83.5 million, the increase could be even more significant than originally anticipated.

Following a meeting of the NHL Board of Governors on Tuesday, Commissioner Gary Bettman stated that the escrow collections claimed from players will likely be paid out at the end of this campaign. According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, if that happens, the salary cap would increase by about $4 million this summer.

"Revenues are on their way up. Business is good, so things look hopeful for the player debt to be paid off this year. If we miss it, it will be close and it will be next year." - Gary Bettman

This would be a huge boost to organizations that currently have little wiggle room with their payroll. A $4 million increase allows for some very needed additional flexibility for NHL general managers.

This change could have a significant impact on the Habs, who will finally have a little more room under the cap for the upcoming season. In addition to the expiring of many important contracts such as Evgenii Dadonov, Jonathan Drouin, Sean Monahan and Paul Byron, Kent Hughes will already benefit from an additional $20.275M to better organize his payroll.

By adding this increase, the Tricolore's GM will possibly have close to $25M for the next season.

Credit : Habs & LNH