0
0
The Utilization of Long-Term Injured Reserve in the NHL
Following heavy scrutiny from hockey enthusiasts towards the Vegas Golden Knights for their extensive use of the long-term injured reserve (LTIR) this season, coach Bruce Cassidy candidly shared insights regarding his team’s health status after a disappointing Game 7 loss to the Dallas Stars.
Cassidy revealed the staggering number of injuries faced by the team throughout the season, with a significant nine players undergoing surgery out of a limited roster of 23 individuals. Despite this adversity, he commended the resilience of his players who persevered through injuries while attempting to establish chemistry amidst the constant influx of changes in the lineup.
Coach’s Acknowledgment and Criticism
While Cassidy acknowledged the advantage of having key players available for the first round of the playoffs, he also recognized a potential drawback. He emphasized that players might not have had ample time to regain their peak performance levels before diving into crucial matchups. Expressing a sense of responsibility, Cassidy admitted a possible shortfall in his efforts to fully prepare the team under challenging circumstances.
The focal point of the criticism surrounding the Golden Knights’ use of LTIR revolves around team captain Mark Stone. The seasoned 31-year-old forward missed a substantial number of regular-season games due to a serious injury, only returning to full-contact practice mere days before the commencement of the playoffs.
Implications of LTIR in the NHL
Stone’s recurrent placement on LTIR over the past three seasons enabled the Golden Knights to surpass salary cap restrictions by an amount equivalent to his earnings until the playoffs unfold. This strategic maneuver facilitated notable acquisitions for the team, including prominent players such as Jack Eichel, Ivan Barbashev, Tomas Hertl, and Noah Hanifin.
It is essential to note that while the Golden Knights have come under fire for their usage of LTIR, they are not alone in employing this approach to their advantage. According to data compiled by PuckPedia, approximately 69% of NHL teams utilized LTIR throughout the season to transcend cap limitations. The analytics further illustrate that ten playoff-bound teams concluded the regular season with cap overages, with franchises like the Toronto Maple Leafs ($14.15 million over) and the Tampa Bay Lightning ($10.27 million over) emerging as the foremost offenders.
It becomes evident that the utilization of LTIR serves as a prevalent tactic in navigating salary cap constraints within the NHL landscape, with various teams leveraging this strategy to bolster their rosters and enhance competitiveness on the ice.
Image/Photo credit: source url
