NHL Free Agency: Dallas Stars Should Have Plenty Of Cap Space For Trades, Signings
The NHL revenue for this season is higher than initially expected, which means the salary cap will be higher next season.
As we look forward to free agency, which officially opens on July 1st, we should take stock of what the Dallas Stars are working with for next season.
Reports surfaced on Twitter today that the NHL revenue for this season is approximately $3.7 billion. James Mirtle estimates the 2014-2015 salary cap would be about $70.6 million if that is the true revenue number, which is actually higher than many expected it to be next season.
How much space does that give the Dallas Stars heading into free agency?
Let's look at what they have already locked down for next year (numbers courtesy of CapGeek.com):
| Forwards (9) | Cap Hit |
| Tyler Seguin | $5,750,000 |
| Shawn Horcoff | $5,500,000 |
| Jamie Benn | $5,250,000 |
| Erik Cole | $4,500,000 |
| Rich Peverley | $3,250,000 |
| Ryan Garbutt | $1,800,000 |
| Valeri Nichushkin | $925,000 |
| Alex Chiasson | $866,667 |
| Colton Sceviour | $650,000 |
| Total (F) | $28,491,667 |
| Defensemen (6) | Cap Hit |
| Sergei Gonchar | $5,000,000 |
| Alex Goligoski | $4,600,000 |
| Trevor Daley | $3,300,000 |
| Aaron Rome | $1,500,000 |
| Jordie Benn | $700,000 |
| Kevin Connauton | $683,333 |
| Total (D) | $15,783,333 |
| Goaltenders (1) | Cap Hit |
| Kari Lehtonen | $5,900,000 |
| Total (G) | $5,900,000 |
They've got $50,175,000 committed to the salary cap already. Dallas does still have a few restricted free agents to sign to deals that will add to their salary cap of players under contract for the upcoming season:
Cody Eakin
Antoine Roussel
Brenden Dillon
After those signings, Dallas will have nearly a full roster signed for 2014-2015: 11 forwards, 7 defensemen, 1 goaltender.
They'll need to add a backup goaltender at the very least, but that's not the only move we'd expect from general manager Jim Nill this offseason.
He'll be looking to improve his forwards, especially with the unknown status of Rich Peverley for next season. At least one top six forward will need to be added (looking at you, second line center slot...) but another forward will most likely be added also. If there is an upgrade to be had on defense, the Stars will look to make a move there as well.
The Stars appear to be in a good position when it comes to the salary cap, with an estimated $20 million in cap space to sign their three restricted free agents and make any moves in trades or signings in free agency.
