After navigating through the NHL Draft, initial free agency signings, and the development camp for young prospects, the focus now shifts to the Nashville Predators’ salary cap situation heading into the 2024-25 season. General Manager Barry Trotz has orchestrated significant moves this summer, making it crucial to analyze their current cap status.
As of now, the Predators’ payroll stands at $89,768,881 during the offseason, where the distinction between NHL and AHL rosters for salary calculations doesn’t apply. This flexibility allows teams to exceed the standard salary cap upper limit by 10% until the start of the NHL season on October 8, excluding international games from roster and salary cap restrictions.
The Predators find themselves in a relatively comfortable position with their summer payroll management. The calculation includes upcoming salaries from one-way contracts like those of Roman Josi and Filip Forsberg, along with prorated two-way contracts such as Matt Murray and Vinnie Hinostroza, and prorated qualifying offers even if not accepted, exemplified by Marc Del Gaizo and Philip Tomasino.
Presently, Nashville has 11 forwards, six defensemen, and two goaltenders under one-way contracts, totaling 19 players with a combined payroll of $74,801,143. Including dead cap space from players like Kyle Turris, Mattias Ekholm, Ryan Johansen, and Matt Duchene amounting to $11,805,556, the active roster’s total salary amounts to $86,606,699.
Consequently, the Predators possess $2,093,301 in salary cap space from the 2024-25 cap of $88.7M to potentially utilize, pending negotiations with players like Spencer Stastney, who has filed for arbitration. The team and Stastney have until July 15 to agree on a qualifying offer, with arbitration scheduled tentatively between July 20 and August 4.
Luke Evangelista remains on an entry-level contract at $797,500, categorized separately from one-way contract players despite playing the entire previous season in the NHL. Last season, Nashville maintained a roster of 22 players for most of the year, despite the maximum roster size being 23. This dynamic prompts speculation on Trotz’s strategy and the team’s valuation of Stastney as arbitration proceedings approach.
Looking ahead to the season opener on October 10, Trotz’s recent comments indicate potential for further roster adjustments following significant signings, including Alexandre Carrier’s extension. Contemplating moves involving players like defenseman Dante Fabbro and forward Cody Glass, each carrying a $2.5M cap hit, remains a plausible scenario given Trotz’s proactive approach this offseason.
Data on two-way players’ NHL roster days from the previous season, sourced from Puckpedia, provides insights into cap management strategies, albeit subject to minor discrepancies in accuracy.
In summary, Nashville faces critical decisions as they navigate the evolving salary cap landscape, ensuring roster composition aligns with competitive objectives under Trotz’s astute management.
