With the NHL implementing a 4-6 player taxi squad, these five players could potentially make the LA Kings Opening Night roster.
We knew when the NHL and NHLPA agreed on terms for a season, expanded rosters would have to be in play. Similar to the MLB negotiations, team rosters were expanded from 25 in 2019 to 30 in the shortened 60-game slate. As part of the NHL’s 56-game schedule, teams are permitted to carry a 4-6 player “taxi squad.”
One of the more intriguing storylines to keep tabs on leading up to training camp will be who the LA Kings bring along as part of expanded rosters.
The caveat here is the taxi squad is paid full AHL salary despite potentially logging minutes for their respective NHL teams. The CBA also reportedly includes some verbiage in the event there are emergency recalls.
#NHL/#NHLPA Agreement: 23-man roster with $81.5 million salary cap.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) December 19, 2020
This includes creation of 4-6 man taxi squad. All 29 players (max) will travel and practice with NHL team. Taxi squad is paid full AHL salary. CBA has been expanded to include for more flexible emergency recalls
Come January 13, the Opening Night 23-man roster figures to look something like this:
Offense
Iafallo – Kopitar – Brown
Kempe – Vilardi – Frk
Grundstrom – Lizotte – Carter
Moore – Andersson – Wagner
Extras: Amadio, Anderson-Dolan
Defense
Maatta – Doughty
Bjornfot – Roy
Anderson – Walker
Extra: MacDermid
Goalie
Cal Petersen