Representatives from 30 NHL franchises will meet Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss significant issues concerning the future of North American professional hockey. On the docket are the 2016 salary cap, 3-on-3 overtime, and league expansion. Follow along here for live updates and commentary:
NHL, NHLPA announce salary cap of $71.4 million for next season. So as expected pretty much.
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) June 23, 2015
This cap figure represents a 5% increase over 2014-15's number, which was more or less what everyone expected. Most importantly, we also now know the Colorado Avalanche will have $13.4M to spend next season, which will a strong consideration as the Joe Sakic tries to extend current contracts and navigate the free agency market.
NHL salary cap for next year will be $71.4-million. Floor will be $52.8-million. So full escalator was used.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) June 23, 2015
The cap floor is also something for the Avs to consider, as there will be teams looking to take on contracts just to reach the floor.
Pending B of G approval, NHL will go to 3-on-3 overtime for 5 minutes in regular season games next season.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 24, 2015
This is big news. Details to come...
For those asking, no 4-on-4 OT at all. Right to 3-on-3. 5 minutes sudden death. No goal, it goes to shootout.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 24, 2015
And here come details. No 4-on-4 at all. OT goes straight to 3-on-3 next year. McKenzie reports NHLPA was "adamantly opposed" to the AHL model proposed last year.
Speaking of 3on3, NHL may consider - nothing firm yet by any means - re-formatted NHL All-Star Game that could be multi-team 3-on-3 tourney.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 24, 2015
Speaking of 3-on-3, this sounds like a bunch of fun too. Anything to mix-up the current All-Star game format should be welcomed with a parade.
Coaches' challenge on goalie interference/offside goals - with on ice officials reviewing own work at p box monitor - coming, pending B of G
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 24, 2015
This I'm less excited about for time reasons. On-field/court challenges have been my biggest gripe about other sports.
BREAKING: The #Avs will kick off the 15-16 season @ home on Oct. 8 vs. the @mnwild. MORE: http://t.co/SgNqthDOfC pic.twitter.com/Zh8RfwhiWT
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) June 24, 2015
No one is going to complain about this! Home opener vs. emerging rival Minnesota Wild.
Watch live at 5 p.m. ET: Bettman to announce start of NHL expansion process http://t.co/JRw0DGaeGf pic.twitter.com/WQkT41OVSg
— HockeyNightInCanada (@hockeynight) June 24, 2015
And now we're one step closer.