The NHL’s New Problem: Depth Players Are Getting Expensive

The useful part

Depth Players Are Getting Expensive Connect with us Montreal Canadiens The NHL's New Problem: Depth Players Are Getting Expensive NHL depth players are getting more expensive, and that could change how contenders build their rosters around elite stars. The bigger issue is what happens when the middle of an NHL roster starts becoming expensive.

How it works

• However, the organization saw it as a necessary step in improving the team.
• A third-line centre isn't necessarily being paid to score 80 points anymore.
• If the Canadiens have their important young players signed to reasonable long-term deals, they can spend more of their available money on the players who don't show up at the top of the scoring list.
• How the Toronto Maple Leafs Can See Morgan Rielly Bounce Back Morgan Rielly has had a couple of down seasons by his standards, but the...
• Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka spent a good part of the off-season bringing in strong depth forwards.

What to take from it

He's being paid because he can win draws, kill penalties, play against good players, survive playoff hockey and give the coach somebody he trusts. Not because one particular player signed a big contract. You want a strong top line, another good scoring line, a reliable third line, a fourth line that can play, six defencemen you trust and a couple of goalies who won't make everybody nervous.

Example or evidence

• Some simply make a coach feel comfortable putting them on the ice with two minutes left in a playoff game.
• Fraser Minten Bruins The Maple Leafs' Lack of Playoff Success Is a Cautionary Tale The Toronto experience offers an interesting cautionary tale.
• When a large percentage of the cap is committed to elite forwards, every $1 million or $2 million spent elsewhere becomes more important.
• By NHL Trade Talk Featured / 17 hours ago 8 Details We're Learning About the Marchenko Trade to the Maple Leafs Now that the Kirill Marchenko trade is done, there are several details surfacing about...

Details worth keeping

Somebody is always getting paid more than somebody else thinks he should. Every NHL Team Wants More Depth Every contender talks about depth. This is where NHL rosters have become increasingly difficult to construct.

Related coverage

• Nhltradetalk: The NHL salary cap is exploding, but the rising tide won't lift every team equally. Here's what it could mean for the league.
• Nhltradetalk: The Maple Leafs have less trade flexibility than before.
• Oilersnation: It's becoming more of a narrative each day as the season approaches — the landscape of the NHL is changing, and money is at the forefront of it.
• Thecanuckway: The landscape surrounding player contracts is changing, but the salary cap is also increasing.
• Nhltradetalk: The NHL is betting on young players earlier than ever. But once the big contract is signed, does belief change how teams treat them?