{
  "id": 9368277,
  "title": "‘Didn’t see that coming’: NHLers reflect league’s cash-infused off-season",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/didnt-see-that-coming-nhlers-reflect-leagues-cash-infused-off-season",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-23T16:06:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/2026/09/23/didnt-see-that-coming-nhlers-reflect-leagues-cash-infused-off-season"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "NHL players are reflecting on the league’s cash-infused off-season, with agents and clubs reaching record-breaking offers in restricted free agency. The NHL’s salary cap is projected to rise to $104 million in 2026-27, reflecting a significant increase from previous years. Players like Connor Bedard, Macklin Celebrini, and Cale Makar have all signed lucrative extensions, with Bedard receiving a $15 million AAV five-year deal and Makar securing an eight-year, $163.2-million agreement. Younger players such as Cutter Gauthier and Zeev Buium have also benefited from the increased compensation, with contracts ranging from six to eight years and $75 million to $75.04 million AAV. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has emphasized the league's commitment to competitive fairness, ensuring that even younger players with limited experience can secure significant deals. While some players, like Sidney Crosby, have chosen to accept below-market value for longer-term stability, the majority seem content with the financial opportunities available in the current NHL landscape.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Global News",
        "title": "NHLers reflect league’s cash-infused off-season",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/nhlers-reflect-leagues-cash-infused-off-season",
        "published": "2026-09-23T16:08:01.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}