National Hockey Post's explainers answer the questions fans ask most about NHL rules, contracts, the salary cap and the postseason. Each one is kept up to date for the 2026-27 season and lists its sources.
NHL rules and the league
- NHL Waivers Explained: How waivers work, who is exempt and the claim order.
- NHL Salary Cap and LTIR Explained: The 2026-27 cap, LTIR, buyouts and dead cap.
- NHL Offer Sheets Explained: Restricted free agents, offer sheets, matching and draft-pick compensation.
- NHL Playoff Format and Tiebreakers Explained: The 16-team bracket, wild cards and the tiebreaker order.
- How the NHL Draft Lottery Works: Odds by finish, the 10-spot limit and recent results.
Columns
Adam Bertram's weekly NHL columns from the 2026-27 season are collected on his author page.