The NHL playoff salary cap begins in 2026 and every contender is wondering which team will crack under the new rules first

Starting in 2026, the NHL introduces a playoff salary cap, ending LTIR loopholes that allowed teams to exceed the cap with injured players. Teams must now field a cap-compliant 20-man roster for each playoff game. Regular-season LTIR rules also change, limiting cap relief to the average league salary unless NHL and NHLPA approve more.