LAS VEGAS - The salary cap will be higher next season than some NHL teams had feared.
The league and Players' Association announced Tuesday that the cap will be US$71.4 million for 2015-16. That's a $2.1-million increase from this season's $69 million, more than expected a few months ago.
The weak Canadian dollar led projections to be in the $70-71 million range.
What helped push the cap to $71.4 million was the NHLPA triggering its five per-cent escalator clause to increase the cap.
Players have the option of raising the cap five per cent each year, but because of escrow there's reason for those with contracts to vote against it.