Wilson Says Sharks Have “Green Light” to Spend to the Cap

This is the new financial reality for the NHL: Not as many franchises, because of pandemic-related revenue loss, will be spending to the $81.5 million dollar salary cap ceiling next season.

The San Jose Sharks, however, will still be spending to the cap.

“We’re very fortunate we have an owner that allows us to do that. And it’s not just on the hockey team, it’s building rinks, taking care of our Barracuda team. Hasso [Plattner] gives us the ability to do that,” Doug Wilson said today. “He’s one of the best owners in sports because he wants us to have everything we need. He wants the players to feel part of the organization, part of the community. So yes, we have the ability to spend to the cap.”

Per Puckpedia, the San Jose Sharks currently have about $14 million dollars of space, and will need to bring in roughly three forwards, two defensemen, and a goaltender to fill out the rest of their roster. This doesn’t include the possible trade or buy-outs of Sharks already signed for the 2020-21 season.

“We’re fortunate to have some room. How we utilize that room and our other assets is going to be important in the next little while,” Wilson said. “But going to the cap is something we have the green light to do.”

There will also be an opportunity for San Jose to take advantage of teams that will be imposing internal budgets.

According to Frank Seravalli, Buffalo and Arizona may be operating with internal salary caps going forward. Meanwhile, Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now says the same could happen with the Penguins and Jimmy Murphy of Boston Hockey Now reports the same with the Bruins.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Digging into Plattner’s deep pockets, the talent-poor Sharks will have a chance to feast this off-season.