Gary Bettman announces changes for the 2024 NHL seasons salary cap

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Joshua Deeds
June 10, 2024 (11:48)

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There is great news for Chicago Blackhawks fans everywhere, as in Sunrise Florida before the Stanley Cup Finals, Gary Bettman made an announcement.

The NHL salary cap will be rising, from $83.5 Million to $88 Million for the 2024 NHL season.

This is great news for an up-and-coming team like the Chicago Blackhawks who will be able to maximize their cap situation to ice the best team they can in 2024.

This will give GM Kyle Davidson plenty of cash to help find a top-six forward to place on the same line, as Connor Bedard.

Could it end up being Jonathan Marchessault? Jake Guentzel?

The salary cap is going up in the NHL. That is great news for the #Blackhawks!

«I know the general managers and the teams are excited to have more flexibility,» Bettman told the media at a press conference Saturday. «It means that the revenues are as robust as we've been telling you all.»

With this news, it means escrow and revenues are healthy for the NHL and a healthy Blackhawks roster should follow.

The Blackhawks are reportedly interested in acquiring Jake Guentzel's services from the Hurricanes. But they want a mid-1st round pick for the 30-goal scorer, which would be an amazing linemate for Connor Bedard.

If Davidson does pull the trigger, he should exercise caution and make sure, Guentzel can agree to terms, before doing so.

With short-term deals expiring, Davidson could also use the new cap space to sign younger players to long-term deals to ensure success, much like Alex Vlasic's recent six-year deal.

There are rumors the salary cap could rise 5% in 2025-2026 which could help keep key players around and secure younger players before having to worry about Bedard's next deal, which will be here in the next few years.

A bigger salary cap for the Blackhawks, means better, younger roster for the Blackhawks down the road.