Devils Receive Salary Cap Relief for McLeod, Foote; What it Means

TSN’s Darren Dreger reported Monday night that the New Jersey Devils, as well as the teams affected by the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault allegations, will receive salary cap relief for the players involved.

MUST READ: London Police Describe Additional Charge Against Devils McLeod

For the Devils, Michael McLeod and Cal Foote each took a leave of absence from the team. It was later revealed that McLeod and Foote were each summoned to London, Ontario to be charged in court. Philadelphia Flyers goaltender, Carter Hart, Calgary Flames forward, Dillion Dubé, and former NHLer Alex Formenton were also summoned.

McLeod ($1.4 million) and Foote ($800K) were on the books for a combined $2.2 million. As a result, said $2.2 million will come off the Devils’ cap for them to utilize ahead of the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline. New Jersey also has Dougie Hamilton and Tomas Nosek on long-term injured reserve. However, the latter of the two is seemingly going to be lifted from LTIR as soon as Tuesday when the Devils face the Colorado Avalanche.

Regardless, Hamilton’s $9 million cap hit on LTIR plus the $2.2 million New Jersey just received in relief roughly gives general manager Tom Fitzgerald a little over $11 million in cap space to utilize.

The Devils must certainly address both needs on the blue line and in goal if they hope to fulfill their playoff aspirations.

New Jersey knew they were going to be buyers before. Now, Fitzgerald will have a little extra wiggle room to work with to address his team’s needs.

The Devils have already reportedly been linked to the Flames with interest in defenseman Chris Tanev. Noah Hanifin is another defenseman who would certainly fit New Jersey’s blue line. And in goal, Jacob Markstrom would be a welcomed upgrade, although Fitzgerald will really have to knock Craig Conroy’s socks off to make him consider a deal. And that’s just one team the Devils are linked to. Fitzgerald undoubtedly has the feelers out there with multiple teams.

Regardless, Fitzgerald and the Devils catch a small break in terms of their salary cap.

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