NHL playoff cap rules and LTIR tweaks accelerate for 2025-26, tightening how injuries are used to boost rosters. An on-ice squad of 18 skaters and two goaltenders must stay cap-compliant, with replacement salaries capped to the replaced player's prior-season average. The changes also fast-track toward a long-term plan that includes an 84-game regular season in 2026-27.

Kadri of Calgary welcomed the balance, noting the league aims for fairness while acknowledging real injuries. For fantasy players, tighter cap math means depth and injury-resilience carry more value as teams adjust rosters for the playoffs and run light on surprise spring moves.