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We’ll hit on more of this later on, but for now here’s an overview on what was covered at the NHL general manager meetings. Discuss at your leisure.
The salary cap will (probably) increase!
Bill Daly says the NHL's salary cap is projected to be $75.5M-$76M next season, but adds it will depend on inflator negotiations with NHLPA.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 8, 2017
That helps everyone, obviously, and should give the Sharks a little more flexibility going forward as some of these young guys will be getting raises soon.
A more sensible bye week is coming
Bettman confirms new bye week configuration: all teams on bye over a two week period, half the league one week, other half other the week
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) March 8, 2017
This makes a lot more sense than the current system.
Maybe no more timeouts after icing?
One recommendation to come out of GMs meeting: Taking away the ability to call a timeout after an icing. That goes to competition committee.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 8, 2017
File this under “the NHL doesn’t understand why scoring is down.”
General managers are too scared to give us protected player lists
For those who have asked, here's an NHL spokesperson's statement on the public release of teams' protected lists for the expansion draft. pic.twitter.com/TiChf2lsDV
— Craig Morgan (@craigsmorgan) March 8, 2017
They’re going to say they’re protecting the players, but let’s be real: they just don’t want fans to evaluate how they evaluate talent.
Sweden wants their players out of the AHL
Swedish officials had a polite but clear message for GMs today: leave their young players in Sweden to develop. They don't want them in AHL
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) March 8, 2017
(You know, kinda like that Marcus Sorensen guy, who happens to be in the NHL at the moment. Not that I’d classify him as young anymore, but you get the idea.)
Gary Bettman still really wants to go to the 2022 Olympics instead of the 2018 games
Bettman: 2018 Olympics still in doubt; discussions ongoing for 2022. By @jonassiegel https://t.co/Ds09DqfGcG
— Cdn Press Sports (@CdnPress_Sports) March 8, 2017
If I’m the IOC, I tell Bettman to kiss my ass. It’s both or neither, baby.
Meanwhile, let’s check in on how the players feel...
They're going.... https://t.co/z18y36i5XV
— Allan Walsh (@walsha) March 8, 2017
Yeah, they still want to go.