The NHL and NHL Players’ Association announced Thursday that the salary cap limit will be $79.5 million for the upcoming 2018-19 season. The lower limit will be $58.8 million.
NHL Salary Cap by season
2018-19: $79.5M
2017-18: $75M
2016-17: $73M
2015-16: $71.4M
2014-15: $69M
2013-14: $64.3M— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) June 21, 2018
The Blackhawks currently have $70.274 million — with salary cap overage from this past season’s team performance bonuses — committed to nine forwards, seven defensemen and two goaltenders, according to CapFriendly. Chicago was at $68.72 million entering the offseason before signing forwards Vinnie Hinostroza and John Hayden to two-year extensions.
The Hawks’ $70.274 million figure does include Marian Hossa, whose contract remains on the books until the Hawks can place him on long-term injured reserve on the first day of the 2018-19 season, like they did in 2017. Hossa told Slovakia newspaper Novy cas earlier this month his playing days are over due to a progressive skin disorder caused by his hockey equipment. Or the Hawks could trade him, which a source tells Jay Zawaski of 670 the Score is a “top priority” this summer.
Bowman said during the team’s locker room clean out day that re-signing the Hawks’ young restricted free agents is also an offseason priority. Restricted free agent forwards Anthony Duclair and Tomas Jurco remain unsigned.