How it works
Each season plays week by week: sim a week, a month, to the trade deadline (early March) or to the end, with player stats, injuries (LTIR for season-ending ones) and AI clubs trading with each other and calling you with offers. Deadline day brings a flurry of deals; then trades lock until the offseason. The playoffs enforce the new playoff cap on the 20 players dressed, followed by the Hart, Vezina, Norris, Calder and Conn Smythe. In the offseason players develop along position- and skill-specific age curves fitted to 2008-2026 ratings (forwards peak ~24-28, defense ~25-29, goalies later; finishing fades first, defense last), last season's luck regresses, prospects grow toward fogged ceilings, veterans retire. Contracts follow the 2025 NHL/NHLPA MOU: max 7 years re-signing and 6 with a new club, 20% year-to-year salary variance, no year under 71% of the peak, $850K-$1M minimum salary, ELC limits, qualifying offers, arbitration, offer sheets with pick compensation, the 50-contract limit, buyouts, retention (50% max, 3 per club), NTC/NMC and waivers. The cap follows the announced $104.0M / $113.5M / $127.5M and then grows by your setting. Your owner sets a goal each season. Saves live in this browser; export them to keep a copy, or log in to keep a copy in the cloud and continue on another device.