Cap theory... NHL and NHLPA agree to raise cap by set amount over next 4 years (2.5m year 1 and 1.5m years 2-4). This is done to keep player salaries increasing and enable longer term deals to be signed with more certainty. Escrow will then claw back player salaries based on hockey related revenues. The actual cap is mostly irrelevant at this point so may as well provide certainty. A cap freeze actually solves nothing and I believe NHLPA should insist on scheduled cap increases. Players hate escrow under normal times but right now I think everyone understands in order to keep the league running its a requirement. Let me know what you think.

Wouldn't call this "most likely."

Rather it's a distant possibility.

i was going to post that theory dammit u beat me to it. I have a feeling the NHL will keep the cap same for 1 year then when seattle comes in they increase it as this will spark growth within the league.

Really its the only way to make it fair for current UFAs and RFAs. Also gives management some ability to negotiate longer term deals

I agree that a capfreeze doesn’t make sense but I doubt they’d do anything more than a small increase to 82/82.5.. either way I doubt Johnsson is back next year