LAS VEGAS — The NHL might not be wide open this season. But it feels uncertain.
The league’s flat salary cap the past three years is causing issues for many of the top teams. Out of the five best clubs record-wise last season, three — Colorado, Toronto and Minnesota — will have a new primary goaltender. Another, Pacific Division winner Calgary, lost two-thirds of its top line in left wing Johnny Gaudreau (free agency) and right wing Matthew Tkachuk (trade).
Whether it leads to a shake-up in the standings remains to be seen. But it does mean there are a lot of questions that need answering, even among contenders.
