There are three big changes in specific that could negatively impact a contending team, like the Oilers. Playoff salary capThe implementation of a playoff salary cap and the closing of the long dreaded loophole is one of the biggest changes that the new CBA will bring about. Many people would consider this a welcomed change, there have been people begging for a salary cap in the playoffs for years. This was recently done at this past deadline with the Oilers acquiring forward Trent Frederic in this way at the 2025 NHL trade deadline. This means that 75 days during the regular season would have to pass before a player's cap hit can be retained again.