Question: What happens when a player on a one-way NHL contract is demoted to the minor leagues?
Under the 2013 CBA, teams no longer receive full cap relief when demoting a player on a one-way NHL contract to the American Hockey League (or loaning him to a team in another professional league).  The AAV (Average Annual Value, aka cap hit) less the sum of the minimum NHL salary for that season plus $375,000 still counts against the Club’s cap total.
Summary Table for Calculation Purposes:
- [Season]: [Minimum Salary] + $375,000 = Total that can be buried
- 2012-13: $525,000 + $375,000 = $900,000
- 2013-14: $550,000 + $375,000 = $925,000
- 2014-15: $550,000 + $375,000 = $925,000
- 2015-16: $575,000 + $375,000 = $950,000
- 2016-17: $575,000 + $375,000 = $950,000
- 2017-18: $650,000 + $375,000 = $1,025,000
- 2018-19: $650,000 + $375,000 = $1,025,000
- 2019-20: $700,000 + $375,000 = $1,075,000
- 2020-21: $700,000 + $375,000 = $1,075,000
- 2021-22: $750,000 + $375,000 = $1,125,000
Illustration:
The Chicago Blackhawks demote Bryan Bickell to the AHL during the 2015-16 season. Â Bickell carries a $4.0 million AAV. Â The Blackhawks would still have $3.05 million counting against their Averaged Club Salary total for the period Bickell is in the minors.
CBA Reference:Â 50.5 (d-i-B-6) Page 264
Note: Explanation and legal interpretation of the above is solely the opinion of the author and may not reflect all scenarios or actual CBA interpretation by NHL/NHLPA representatives. Â If you have a suggestion for improving this interpretation, please reach out via our Contact page.