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NHL investigates LTIR use: Evander Kane case raises red flags as salary cap loophole draws increased attention
Evander Kane's LTIR case reignites NHL salary cap reform ahead of CBA talks (Image via: Getty Images)
The
NHL
is investigating Evander Kane's LTIR status, sparking renewed debate over salary cap loopholes. As teams continue to find ways around the rules during the playoffs, the league now faces growing calls for change.
With CBA talks approaching, closing the LTIR gap has become a top priority for protecting the integrity of the game.
Understanding the NHL's LTIR rule and how it impacts the salary cap
Originally introduced as part of the 2005 collective bargaining agreement, the LTIR rule allows teams to exceed the salary cap when a player is expected to miss a minimum of 10 games and 24 days due to injury. This flexibility was intended to provide roster relief, not a tactical advantage.
However, in recent seasons, the LTIR designation has increasingly been used to create strategic cap space.
This has led to teams activating high-salary players just in time for the playoffs when the salary cap no longer applies.
NHL enters offseason with unanswered questions about LTIR and cap compliance
With the Stanley Cup Final wrapped up, the NHL's attention is turning from playoff glory to an increasingly urgent issue: the potential misuse of the Long Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) system. At the center of the growing debate is Evander
Kane
, whose LTIR status during the postseason has prompted an internal review by the league.
Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed the case remains 'pending,' but Kane's recent trade to the Vancouver Canucks adds another layer of complexity. As the league faces increased scrutiny over playoff cap compliance, the situation underscores the broader push to reform how LTIR is used across the NHL.
High-profile NHL LTIR cases reveal ongoing salary cap loophole exploitation
Kane's case isn't the first time LTIR practices have come under fire:
In 2015, the Chicago Blackhawks placed Patrick Kane on LTIR, then added $6.3 million in salary before Kane returned for the playoffs ultimately helping them win the Stanley Cup.
In 2021, the Tampa Bay Lightning placed Nikita Kucherov on LTIR for the regular season, only to have him return in full health for Game 1 of the playoffs. The team went on to win the Cup with a roster many argued exceeded the spirit of the cap.
Most recently, Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers returned in the 2024 playoffs after being on LTIR with multiple injuries, prompting similar questions about timing and transparency.
These recurring examples reveal how the current system enables roster manipulation that some see as smart management and others view as rule exploitation.
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LTIR loophole under review as NHL and NHLPA begin salary cap reform talks
The NHL has entered early CBA talks with the Players' Association, with LTIR loopholes and playoff cap enforcement listed as key issues. While Kane's case hasn't confirmed wrongdoing, it highlights growing concerns. To protect the integrity of the salary cap system, the league now faces pressure to modernize and clarify LTIR rules before more controversy arises.
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