The NHL and NHLPA recently ratified their new CBA agreement. That means some new changes are on the horizon for 2026-27, including an 84-game season, shortened max-term contracts, and a postseason salary cap.
Wait a minute. A postseason salary cap?
It looks like the days of using LTIR loopholes for the Stanley Cup playoffs are over. Pour one out for the real homies (i.e., Mark Stone and Alex Pietrangelo). It's been real (yes, OTHER teams have used these loopholes, too).
That could be the mindset Kelly McCrimmon and the Vegas Golden Knights take towards the future. They could throw themselves onto the floor, kick their feet in the air, and have a temper tantrum.
...Or they could make some adjustments and get in tune with the times. That shouldn't be a problem, considering the Golden Knights have a Stanley Cup to their name. Part of that has been attributed to the franchise adjusting at the right time.
For example, Max Pacioretty was constantly injured during his Vegas tenure. He was jettisoned while Jack Eichel was ushered in as the franchise's superstar. It was a painful process that didn't end as fans hoped. However, it was a small part in winning that Stanley Cup.
Personal lessons on adjustments
Imagine this scenario, my friend. You're in Los Angeles and you're at the NHL Draft. You're having a blast talking with other fans hanging out there. You leave and head back to your car.
You open the trunk to see that your stuff is gone and your bag has been stolen. That included your clothes and your work laptop. What do you do in this scenario?
Do you panic and freak out over the incident? Or do you adjust and cancel any cards you might've had on file? For me, it involved that and getting a new laptop.
I couldn't just wallow in my sorrows and curse the heavens. Instead, I got a new laptop and took care of my business. Lo and behold, my newest laptop actually has a touch-screen capability. It makes my life much easier when handling my business, whether it's writing about the Golden Knights or doing my regular job.
I'm certain Alex Pietrangelo and company have dealt with similar issues in their lives. It meant making the necessary adjustments to ensure their weak spots were covered. After all, that's what you need to do if you want to win a Stanley Cup.
Just ask Kelly McCrimmon and the Golden Knights. They didn't take kindly to being eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers, so they got Mitch Marner. The moral of the story? Adapt and make some necessary adjustments! That way, you're not lagging behind from a setback.