Many teams in trouble fast this summer because of “perfect storm” in free agency!

The NHL’s salary cap prepares for a significant jump this offseason and teams across the league are getting their pens ready to ink some top players. But according to former NHLer and hockey analyst Justin Bourne, this offseason might not be a gold rush — it could be a trap.

On Wednesday, Bourne posted: “The more I look at this offseason in the NHL the more I’m sold there’s gonna be just a raft of horrific contracts handed out. Cap way up, tons of desperate teams looking to take a step, weak UFA class. Perfect storm.”

He’s not wrong. On paper, a rising cap sounds like opportunity — room to maneuver, to fill holes, to dream big on your way to the Stanley Cup Final. But the class of unrestricted free agents doesn’t match the money that’s about to be available. Sure, the most coveted player is expected to be Mitch Marner, who is doubtful to re-sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs. But who else? This summer’s UFA class is nothing compare to what’s expected to be available in July 2026: Connor McDavid, Cale Makar, Jack Eichel, Kirill Kaprizov and Artemi Panarin to name a few…

With more than a few GMs under pressure to “make a move” after disappointing playoff exits, logic may take a backseat to urgency. The result? Players getting paid like top-tier stars for middle-six production. Long-term deals handed out like candy. Future buyouts and regrettable clauses baked into franchise books before the ink dries.

As fans, it’s fascinating. As front offices? There is a message out there to tread carefully.

But which GMs will listen, and which ones will hope for the best?

The cap may be going up, but so are the stakes. For a lot of teams, this offseason could go sideways fast.

Stay tuned.