Opinion: Here’s One Way the NHL Could Curb the LTIR Salary Cap Chicanery at the Trade Deadline29/2/2024 The Vegas Golden Knights have injury troubles right now, but they could use that to their advantage to add more players ahead of the playoffs when the salary cap isn't counted. Is it fair? Ken Campbell examines.
We all know that Vegas Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon is going to be creative and bold at the trade deadline. And if Mark Stone goes on the long-term injured reserve (LTIR) list once Jack Eichel comes off, it will be more tempting than ever for McCrimmon to use his newfound cap space to go out and get reinforcement, just as he did last year.
There are those who constantly cry foul over the fact that teams can put players on LTIR through the trade deadline and then pick up a high-priced player by using that room. Once the playoffs start, the NHL stops counting beans, and it’s basically a free-for-all with teams allowed to go as much over the cap as they please. What is strange about all that is that for a dog-days Feb. 27 game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, which the undermanned Golden Knights won 6-2, they had to be cap compliant. But if they make it to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final, they don’t. This is simply the Golden Knights, and the Tampa Bay Lightning before them, using the collective bargaining agreement to their advantage. And it’s almost certain to produce another deal for Vegas prior to March 8. “That’s what I love about this organisation,” said Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy, “they’re in the now. If they can make a deal now that will help the organisation without being reckless, they’re going to make it. And, yeah, we could use a little help.” Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland has had the best idea I’ve heard to partially remedy this. Teams can go out and get all the high-priced talent they want to replace their players on LTIR before the deadline, but their 20-man roster for each game of the playoffs has to fall under the cap. It’s not perfect, but it’s a lot better than what the NHL has now.
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