The $39 Million Solution Rules in the National Salary Cap League

But the biggest story, one that will loom larger as the season continues, is how the salary cap has left many NHL teams handcuffed.

General managers, accustomed to remaking their rosters on the fly and molding teams to peak at playoff time, now find they are simply spectators, sitting in the stands and hoping for the best.

In New Jersey, the Devils are already at the $39 million cap, and have to clear more room when Patrick Elias returns to the lineup with his $4.18 million contract. So what can GM Lou Lamoriello do to fix his lousy defense? Not much, reports Larry Brooks of the New York Post.

In Atlanta, the Thrashers are watching early season hopes evaporate in a flurry of goaltending injuries. Atlanta is maxed out on cap space. So when it comes to finding a new goalie, what are their options? Very few, reports Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail.

In any other season, a run of injuries or a poor start might prompt a GM to pick up the phone and do some dealing. But don't expect many big trades this year. Many teams simply cannot add contracts.

The irony in all this is that the frugal teams (New Jersey) and those who focused on drafting well (Atlanta) were supposed to benefit under the cap, while big spenders like the Rangers, Red Wings and Maple Leafs were supposed to take a fall.

But if you hate the Devils, don't take too much pleasure in their predicament. Your team might be a couple of groin injuries away from a cap crisis of its own.