The NHL and NHLPA this week announced the new payroll range and rules changes for the upcoming 2015-16 season.
The new payroll range provides for a Lower Limit of $52.8 million, an Adjusted Midpoint of $62.1 million and an Upper Limit of $71.4 million, up from $69 million this past season. The increase is due to the players voting to exercise the controversial five-percent escalator clause, which sacrifices more escrow withholdings from player paychecks during the season in the interest of growing the larger revenue pie.
The rules changes include altering the overtime format to 3-on-3, adding a limited coach’s challenge, and forcing defensive centers to put sticks down first on all face-offs.