New Jersey Devils general manager Sunny Mehta officially has the exact numbers he can work with in the 2026-27 NHL season.
According to Elliotte Friedman, the NHL officially set the 2026-27 salary cap and notified its 32 clubs.
According to Friedman, the structure is as follows:
- land: $76.9 million
- Middle: $90.4 million
- Roof: $104 million ($8.5 million increase from 2025-26)
- Maximum individual player salary: $20.8 million
This is a significant league-wide increase of $8.5 million from last July that comes at an ideal time for the Devils as they transition to a new era under Mehta.
Projected cap position on July 1, 2026
According to the latest projections from Pukpedia, the Devils are expected to enter the 2026-27 season with a projected cap hit of $92.125 million. This leaves them with approximately $11.875 million in cap space under the $104 million cap.
Obviously, the Devils' projected cap hit sits comfortably above the $76.9 million floor and just above the $90.4 million midpoint, giving them solid flexibility while still being in a strong position for floor compliance.
The projection has approximately 18 of the 23 active roster spots filled, with a total of 28 standard contracts and no significant dead money or buyout fees beyond bonus overages.
Bonus overage for 2026-27
The Devils will carry $1.25 million in performance-bonus overage into the 2026–27 season. This amount is added directly to their 2026-27 cap hit – which unfortunately reduces the available cap space.
Older Age Details:
- Simon Nemec ($750,000): Earned through three "A" bonuses (goals, plus/minus, and time on ice).
- Evgeny Dadonov ($500,000): Triggered via bonuses in games played ($250K in 10 games and $250K in 20 games).
These bonuses will be fully implemented due to the team's LTIR usage in 2025-26.
Major pending free agents and extension candidates
With a projected cap space of $11.875 million, Mehta has room to address pending free agents and extensions.
Restricted Free Agent (RFA) – High Priority
- Simon Nemec (D): Breakout young defenseman and key building block.
- Arseniy Gritsyuk (RW): Promising winger with secondary scoring ability.
- Paul Cotter (LW/C): Physical depth forward.
Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) – Depth Options
- Evgeny Dadonov (RW/LW): Veteran contributor who started his share of the bonus overage; Possible low-cost refund or replacement.
Notable extension-eligible players (under contract for 2026–27)
- Nico Hischier (C): Team captain and No. 1 center – Eligible for an extension through July 1. Keeping the 27-year-old leader safe for the long term is a key priority.
- Dawson Mercer (RW): Versatile 24-year-old middle-six forward—also extension-eligible on July 1. If a deal is not signed this summer, the Devils retain the RFA rights through 2027. Mercer is arbitration eligible.
Strategic implications for Devils under Sunny Mehta
An estimated $11.875 million in space (after a $1.25 million cap) gives Mehta a worthwhile option for July 1:
- He may prefer an extension for Hischier (and if Mehta determines Mercer is part of the future) while handling a key RFA like Nemec.
- Add target depth in free agency to improve bottom-six scoring, defense or goaltending.
- Maintain flexibility for important trades, in-season moves or LTIR use.
Looking ahead, the rising cap (expected to reach $113,500,000 in 2027–28) will create room for even more relief when the current contract expires. The core comprising Hischier, Jack Hughes, Luke Hughes, Jasper Bratt, Timo Meier and others remains locked in, providing a strong foundation for Mehta's approach.
Of course, projections can change rapidly with trades, signings or bonus outcomes. As mentioned, the Devils should make a deal for a top-6 forward to play alongside Jack and Bratt.
However, overall, the official outlook is positive.
The new $104 million cap hit puts the Devils in position to have what should be a productive offseason as Mehta begins to shape the roster for contention.
However, Mehta's hurdle will be navigating Tom Fitzgerald's no-move/trade clause on New Jersey's roster.
