標籤: outlook

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.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, Dallas Cowboys fans have a lot to look forward to. Not only is Cowboys owner Jerry Jones never afraid to make a big deal, but Dallas already enters April 23 with two first-round picks. Certainly, fireworks are in order.

Additionally, there are plenty of rumors suggesting the Cowboys are trying to trade for the prospect they want most. We now have a better idea of ​​which players the Cowboys have strong interest in.

According to ESPN’s NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys are actually leaning toward a huge defensive overhaul with their two first-round selections. They’re willing to negotiate a trade, but Dallas hasn’t really been very active in discussing deals yet this week. However, the two prospects the Cowboys have set their sights on are Miami running back Ruben Benn Jr. and Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles.

The Giants trading up for the 10th pick could change how the draft board falls ahead of Dallas at No. 12. Previous reports indicated that the Cowboys were trying to trade up to the Giants at No. 5.

Well, now the Giants have traded ahead of the Cowboys for another pick before No. 12. Would this mark a move from Dallas? If so, Styles may actually be the player Dallas wants, as it is believed he could play the No. 5 spot for New York.

RELATED: Dallas Cowboys urged to trade for Pro Bowl cornerback

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

It is the last day of the New Jersey Devils regular season. And then that’s it, friends. The Devils will return to New Jersey in the coming days, clean out their lockers, and disperse for the summer months before returning for training camp in September.

In the meantime, there will be plenty to learn in New Jersey. For starters, they need a general manager. We spoke to Greg Wyshinski on Sunny Mehta’s potential fit. You can find it by linking below.

Also, some brief thoughts on Dawson Mercer, and why Lenny Haminaho was reassigned.

Devil’s Trade Rumors and News

New Jersey Hockey Now: Heading into a chaotic offseason, here are six thoughts after the home finale, including Dawson Mercer’s outlook, Sheldon Keefe’s future and more.

Yesterday, the Devils re-assigned Lenny Haminaho to the American Hockey League to play for the Utica Comets. here’s why.

📺 devil’s rink report: Is Sunny Mehta ready to become the next Devils GM? Greg Wyshinski joins me to share his thoughts on the latest Devils Rink report.

Full episode here 👇🏼

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NHL Trade Talk, News and National Hockey Now

Forever Blueshirts: Jonathan Quick is officially retiring. The New York Rangers goaltender announced that 2025-26 is his final season in the NHL.

Athletic ($): Are the Chicago Blackhawks the next Kirill Kaprizov owner? Here’s an interesting article by Scott Powers.

NYI Hockey Now: The New York Islanders’ last second desperate move to fire Patrick Roy and hire Pete DeBoer proved to be too little, too late. More from Pat Pickens here.

Philly hockey now: One of the great deals made by the Philadelphia Flyers at the 2026 NHL trade deadline was the acquisition of David Jiricek. He has now officially been recalled as Philly prepares its pitch for the postseason.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

The Detroit Red Wings need to start winning games. After losing in heartbreaking fashion to the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators, Detroit is one point out of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs with 11 games remaining in the regular season. Despite scoring 84 points through 71 games, the Red Wings need more.

Last season, the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference was earned by the Montreal Canadiens. The organization scored 91 points in 82 games, leading the Stanley Cup playoffs by double digits. The Eastern Conference is on fire during the 2025-26 NHL season, and Detroit has to join the party.

The Red Wings have a record of 3-5-2 in their last 10 games. If Detroit repeats this over the next 11 games, it will finish with around 92–94 points, which likely won’t be enough to make the Stanley Cup playoffs. So, what challenges do the Red Wings face over the next 11 games?

Honestly, the schedule is in Detroit’s favor, but they need to take advantage of the time ahead.

Detroit Red Wings playoff outlook, remaining schedule in 2026

The Red Wings have the 10th toughest remaining schedule in the NHL, with six of their 11 games against teams outside the playoffs. Detroit has not fared well in games against the Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Wild and Tampa Bay Lightning; However, other bubble teams have much worse schedules.

As of Thursday, March 26, the New York Islanders, Columbus Blue Jackets, Bruins and Senators have the top-4 toughest remaining schedules in the NHL. Ironically, all four teams are battling the Red Wings for the two wild card spots in the Eastern Conference. This is a great situation for Detroit.

Despite the 10th-toughest schedule, the Red Wings have a favorable draw with other teams. Boston is scheduled to play the Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota, Columbus and Tampa Bay twice. Meanwhile, New York has to play Dallas, Buffalo, Montreal, Ottawa and Carolina twice.

Ottawa also has a tough schedule with Carolina, Buffalo, Minnesota, New York and Tampa Bay. Ultimately, Columbus was assigned to Buffalo, Detroit, Carolina twice, Boston twice, and Montreal twice. Needless to say, the Red Wings have a more realistic path to the Stanley Cup playoffs than other teams in the Eastern Conference.

If the Red Wings can win two of their remaining three games against the Philadelphia Flyers, they will be in a great position to advance. However, Detroit will have to take advantage of their games against the New York Rangers, Florida Panthers and New Jersey Devils.

As of now, MoneyPak has the Red Wings having a 42.4% chance of making the Stanley Cup playoffs; However, their chances seem high. Detroit should be able to control its own destiny unless other teams end up on scorched earth to end the season.

If the Red Wings want to end a nine-year playoff drought, they will have to earn it in the next 11 games.

READ MORE: Detroit Red Wings almost got a different defenseman at the trade deadline

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

As the Dallas Mavericks deal with injuries to top stars like Kyrie Irving, another key player who is dealing with the issue is rookie Cooper Flagg. The Mavericks rookie was seen wearing the boots while attending a Duke basketball game in Flagg, the latest reporting detailing his outlook on his injury.

According to NBA insider Mark Stein, Flagg is wearing a boot because MRI results revealed a sprain in the middle of his left foot, with the diagnosis of which, Dallas “feels fortunate.” Despite not knowing the timeline for his return, the team ‘seems to be in relief’ from a left medial sprain, as it could have been worse.

“Cooper Flagg was seen with a boot on his left foot at Duke’s home game against Clemson on Saturday, but league sources tell The Stein Line that Dallas feels fortunate that Flagg’s MRI results last week revealed only a left foot sprain,” Stein wrote on Monday. “It is still not known exactly how long the 19-year-old will be sidelined, but the Mavericks are relieved that the injury is not more serious.”

Cooper Flagg is in attendance for today’s Duke game. He is wearing a boot because of a sprain in the middle of his left foot. pic.twitter.com/TX5G0FGIFY

– Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) 14 February 2026

Mavericks have “big concern” over Cooper Flagg’s injury

While Flagg had to miss representing the Mavericks during All-Star weekend, it can’t be ruled out that the team will take it with caution, as he is the player who will be drafted for the foreseeable future. As Steen says, the “big concern” for Dallas is the “care” of the 19-year-old, with the team having lost nine straight games heading into the All-Star break, leading to a 19-35 record at the moment.

Stein wrote, “The bigger concern for the Mavericks – of course, that the injury not get worse – is taking care of Flagg during their ongoing losing season of 19-35.” “Dallas has lost nine consecutive games, which is certainly the longest losing streak in Flagg’s basketball career and certainly the franchise’s longest losing streak since a 15-gamer stretch in 1997–98.”

At any rate, it remains to be seen when the flag returns, as the Mavericks are in 12th place in the Western Conference, with their first game after the break on Friday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves.