What happened: Following the Carolina Hurricanes' Stanley Cup victory, the NHL officially transitions into an offseason defined by unprecedented financial growth. The league's salary cap is set to rise to $104 million for the 2026-27 season, an $8.5 million jump from the previous year.

Why it matters: This historic increase—the first time the cap has cleared the $100 million threshold—is driven by record revenues exceeding $7 billion. The additional flexibility is expected to trigger a frenzy of player movement as teams navigate a market where the maximum individual salary can now reach $20.8 million.

What to watch: Expect a flurry of trades and free-agent signings as teams leverage the expanded cap space ahead of the July 1 opening.