According to a source familiar with the situation, the NHL is set to introduce a playoff salary cap and eliminate team dress code requirements starting this upcoming season. The decision, which has not yet been officially announced, comes as part of the new collective bargaining agreement between the league and the Players’ Association, slated to take effect in September 2026.

The agreement includes immediate changes to the playoff cap and dress code regulations, rather than waiting for the following year. Teams will now be mandated to submit a cap-compliant 20-player roster for each playoff game.

Over the past decade, several teams have taken advantage of the absence of a post-season cap to achieve success in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Examples include Chicago with Patrick Kane in 2015, Tampa Bay with Nikita Kucherov in 2021, Vegas with Mark Stone in 2023, and Florida with Matthew Tkachuk in the most recent season, ultimately leading them to a championship victory.

• Chicago – Patrick Kane (2015)
• Tampa Bay – Nikita Kucherov (2021)
• Vegas – Mark Stone (2023)
• Florida – Matthew Tkachuk (2025)

Further changes, such as extending the regular season to 84 games, shortening the maximum length of contracts, and other adjustments, are scheduled to be implemented in the 2026-27 season. Until September 15, 2026, players will have the option to re-sign with their current teams for up to eight years or sign with a new team for up to seven years. After the specified date, these limits will be reduced to seven and six years, respectively.