Salary cap is going to force the Edmonton Oilers into an embarrassing roster situation
The salary cap was intended to create parity in the NHL and to some point it has. But the salary cap has also forced many teams into difficult roster decisions among other things. Last season teams were forced to play with short rosters just to be cap compliant.
The Toronto Maple Leafs even used a University backup goaltender because they couldn't afford to recall a goalie of their own. The Vegas Knights played short a defenseman because they didn't have any cap space. Now it appears the Edmonton Oilers will be in a similar situation this season.
NHL teams usually carry a 23-man roster, which allows for teams to overcome injuries and other challenges. But according to Daniel Nugent-Brown, the Oilers likely will be forced to run a short roster to be cap compliant.
The salary cap appears to be creating more and more issues for teams, especially given the flat cap. Today proved another example as many serviceable NHLers were forced to settle on professional tryouts to try and keep their NHL dreams alive.
| POLL | ||
Does the NHL need to change the salary cap? | ||
| Yes, get rid of it | 16 | 24.2 % |
| Yes, make it a soft cap | 25 | 37.9 % |
| No, keep the current cap | 25 | 37.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
