Modifié 25 juin 2019 à 2 h 50
In order to be deemed a "scratch" for the game, they have to be on the roster.
"Both the 23-player active roster and 20-player game roster can change day-to-day and game-to-game. All changes to the team’s 23-player active roster must be cleared through the NHL’s Central Registry before the move is considered finalized (and before the player is eligible to play in a game). In most cases the clearance from Central Registry is simple and completed in a nominal time span. Changes to the 20 players on the game roster are even easier – the list is submitted to the NHL official (either referee or official scorer) by the team (usually the head coach) moments before the start of the game. Prior to submitting the list, the team can choose from any members of its 23-man active roster.
As for the 20-player game roster, according to Rule 5.2, “Only players and goalkeepers on the list submitted to the Official Scorer before the game may participate in the game.” The rule further states that any goals scored while ineligible players are on the ice are subject to be disallowed – at the time of the goal – and the ineligible player(s) removed from the game with the offending team not allowed to replace the ineligible player’s roster spot. However, the rule continues, “No additional penalties are to be assessed but a report of the incident must be submitted to the Commissioner.”
And what I'm trying to explain to you is if your team existed IRL is when you go to use those 3 empty spots with AHL player A, B, C, they have to be on the 23 player ACTIVE roster list. Those players (ABC) will count towards the salary cap even if "healthy scratched" for that game.
Hypothetical situation, during pregame warm up, All the Barracuda players are out there skating with the Sharks, one of them hits a slapshot and hits Burns in the eye. Burns can't play since his eye is swollen shut. Erickson pulls his groin exiting the ice and can't play. Under your team build-up you have no backups as there is no one on the 23 man ACTIVE roster. Head coach can't use any of his Barracuda players because his GM(you) only gave him 20 ACTIVE NHL players. He only has 4 D men to play the game. Hence why most teams carry 3 extra(healthy scratch) players on the active roster (2-F & 1-D) and those contracts count towards the cap.
Another example, Pavelski was deemed a GTD. Went out and skated, exited the ice but was scratched. His replacement AHL (Grambrell) had to be on the 23 active player list before DeBoer inputted him on the 20 man game day roster. Grambrell now makes 21 on roster. All 21 players contracts can't total more than the cap and under your team scenario, you couldn't make it work.