National Hockey League (NHL) commissioner Gary Bettman took the time to answer reporters’ questions Tuesday in Montreal just before the game between the Canadiens and the Boston Bruins.
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Bettman spoke specifically about the salary cap, with a $1 million increase planned for next year. In the following campaigns, the upper limit should increase a bit. Escrow accounts mean players still owe teams money due to lost revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The general managers and the teams make their own decisions regarding the administration of the cap,” said the commissioner. Some have different philosophies. What we have said recently is that with the current trajectory almost all but not all deposits should be paid by the end of the season. If the income is even higher than expected, the upper limit can be raised further.
Bettman had started his press conference by saying he had nothing to announce.
“I’m only here because I like coming to Montreal to watch games. It’s a place that has a great passion for hockey, the history and tradition here is second to none.”