James Nichols
New Jersey Devils general manager Sunny Mehta officially has the exact numbers he can work going into the 2026-27 NHL season.
Per Elliotte Friedman, the NHL officially set the 2026-27 salary cap and informed its 32 clubs.
The structure, per Friedman, is as follows:
- Floor: $76.9 million
- Midpoint: $90.4 million
- Ceiling: $104 million (an $8.5 million increase from 2025-26)
- Maximum individual player salary: $20.8 million
It’s a significant league-wide increase of $8.5 million from last July which arrives at an ideal time for the Devils as they transition into a new era under Mehta.
Projected Cap Situation on July 1, 2026
According to PuckPedia’s latest projections, the Devils are expected to enter the 2026-27 season with a projected cap hit of $92.125 million. This leaves them approximately $11.875 million in cap space under the $104 million ceiling.
Obviously, the Devils’ projected hit sits comfortably above the $76.9 million floor and just above the $90.4 million midpoint, giving them solid flexibility while remaining in strong standing for floor compliance.
The projection accounts for roughly 18 of 23 active roster spots filled, with 28 total standard contracts and no significant dead money or buyout charges beyond the bonus overage.
Bonus Overages 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 available cap space.
Breakdown of the overage:
- Simon Nemec ($750,000): Earned through three “A” bonuses (goals, plus/minus, and time on ice).
- Evgenii Dadonov ($500,000): Triggered via games-played bonuses ($250K at 10 games and $250K at 20 games).
These bonuses carry over fully due to the team’s LTIR usage in 2025-26.
Key Pending Free Agents and Extension Candidates
With $11.875 million in projected space, Mehta has room to address pending free agents and extensions.
Restricted Free Agents (RFAs) – High Priority
- Simon Nemec (D): Breakout young defenseman and key building block.
- Arseny Gritsyuk (RW): Promising winger with secondary scoring potential.
- Paul Cotter (LW/C): Physical depth forward.
Unrestricted Free Agents (UFAs) – Depth Options
- Evgenii Dadonov (RW/LW): Veteran contributor who triggered part of the bonus overage; possible low-cost return or replacement.
Notable Extension-Eligible Players (Under Contract for 2026-27)
- Nico Hischier (C): Team captain and No. 1 center—eligible for an extension as early as July 1. Securing the 27-year-old leader long-term is a major priority.
- Dawson Mercer (RW): Versatile 24-year-old middle-six forward—also extension-eligible on July 1. The Devils retain RFA rights through 2027 if no deal is signed this summer. Mercer is arbitration eligible.
Strategic Implications for the Devils Under Sunny Mehta
The projected $11.875 million in space (after the $1.25 million overage) gives Mehta meaningful options heading into July 1:
- He can prioritize an extension for Hischier (and Mercer if Mehta determines he’s part of the future) while handling key RFAs like Nemec.
- Add targeted depth in free agency to improve bottom-six scoring, defense, or goaltending.
- Preserve flexibility for significant trades, in-season moves, or LTIR usage.
Looking ahead, the rising cap (with further increases expected to reach $113,500,000 in 2027-28) will create even more breathing room as current contracts expire. The core—featuring Hischier, Jack Hughes, Luke Hughes, Jesper Bratt, Timo Meier, and others—remains locked in, which provides a strong foundation for Mehta’s vision.
Of course, projections can shift quickly with trades, signings, or bonus outcomes. As noted, the Devils SHOULD be making a deal for a top-6 forward to play with Jack and Bratt.
Overall, however, the official outlook is positive.
The new $104 million ceiling, positions the Devils for what should be a productive offseason as Mehta begins shaping the roster for contention.
Mehta’s obstacle, however, will be navigating Tom Fitzgerald‘s no-move/trade clauses on new Jersey’s roster.
