In an effort to try and reduce the number of games decided by a shootout, the NHL’s general managers opted Tuesday to move next season to a five-minute overtime session with three skaters a side from four. The plan will need the approval of the NHL’s Board of Governors, who will meet Wednesday in Las Vegas in advance of the NHL’s annual awards ceremony but that approval is considered a formality.
The NHL’s salary cap will increase $2.1 million, to $71.4 million for the upcoming season. The NHLPA triggered a 5 percent escalator clause in the collective bargaining agreement to boost the cap, while increasing player escrow payments. Despite the increase, the new cap figure will force several teams to shed payroll in an effort to get under the ceiling.