When diving into the NHL, one of the first questions new fans often ask is about the number of players in the league. Hockey enthusiasts and newcomers alike may ponder the size of each team’s roster and the overall number of players in the NHL. This curiosity often stems from fans of the NFL or NBA, where roster sizes differ significantly from the National Hockey League.
How many players are in the NHL?
To find out how many players are in the NHL, simply multiply the number of teams by the roster spots per team. With 32 teams and 23 active players each, the NHL boasts around 736 players at any given time. However, this number can fluctuate with new talent being drafted, roster adjustments, and temporary replacements due to injuries.
The NHL consists of 32 teams across North America, with 25 based in the United States and 7 in Canada. Each team has an active roster of 23 players, including forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders. While this roster size stays quite consistent during the season, it can change due to injuries or suspensions.
NHL Player Count in 2023-2024
As the 2023-2024 season kicks off, each team can have up to 23 players on their active roster, typically broken down into:
- Forwards (usually 12-15 players)
- Defensemen (usually 6-8 players)
- Goalies (usually 2-3 players)
This totals an average of 736 players across the league. During the COVID-19 pandemic, teams had “taxi squads” to carry extra players, but this feature has since been removed.
The Differences in Roster Limits
The NHL sets specific guidelines for team roster limits to ensure fair competition and player safety. Let’s dive into the distinctions between the two main roster types: Active Player Roster and Game Roster.
Active Player Roster
The active player roster includes all players eligible for NHL games for a particular team. Given the long NHL season, not every player suits up for every game. The active player roster can have a maximum of 23 players, and it must adhere to the league’s salary cap. It includes:
- Forwards
- Defensemen
- Goaltenders
During the regular season, teams can tweak their active player roster by calling up players from minor league affiliates, placing injured players on the injured reserve list, and sending healthy players down to the minors.
Understanding these roster dynamics adds an intriguing layer to following your favorite NHL team throughout the season. Happy watching!
Game Roster
The game roster is a curated subset of the active player roster, featuring the players who will lace up their skates for a specific NHL game. This lineup is capped at 20 players. While some teams may tweak this setup, such as the 11-7 format, a standard game-day roster typically includes:
- 12 Forwards
- 6 Defensemen
- 2 Goaltenders
Coaches meticulously select the game roster before each match, factoring in player performance, injuries, and the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents. For instance, a team might opt for their more robust players against a rival weak on the forecheck. This flexibility allows coaches to experiment with player combinations, lineups, and strategies.
Think of the active roster as the full list of players currently called up by the team and in the NHL, while the game-day roster is the 20 players (18 skaters and two goalies) the coach chooses to hit the ice that night.
If a team is brushing up against the salary cap, you might notice them dressing fewer than 18 skaters for a game, but they will always field two goaltenders.
Explaining the Healthy Scratch
So, you’re on the active roster but not playing tonight? There are two main reasons: you’re either injured or a healthy scratch. A healthy scratch means you’re perfectly fine but just not in the lineup for the next game.
Healthy scratches still travel, practice, and participate in team meetings. They’re just not suiting up for that particular game. Many teams have NHL-caliber players who might not consistently deliver game after game. These players rest in the press box until the coach decides they’re needed on the ice. They’re also the go-to replacements when a regular game-day roster player gets injured.
Explaining the Injured Reserve List
If a player is expected to be out for more than a week due to injury, the team might place them on the injured reserve list. This move removes the player from the active NHL roster, allowing for a replacement call-up. Technically, this means 24 players could be traveling with the team, but only 23 count towards the roster.
Once on injured reserve, a player must stay there for at least seven days and cannot play. Teams typically only use this option if the injury is significant and if they’re pressed for roster spots.
Why Wouldn’t a Team Want a 23-Player Roster, No Matter What?
For teams tight against the salary cap, like my beloved Edmonton Oilers, the active roster might be the game-day roster by necessity. This setup allows them to carry higher-cost, top-tier talent while filling the roster’s bottom end with minimum salary players.
The Roster Limit Doesn’t Matter After the NHL Trade Deadline
After the trade deadline, roster limits are relaxed. Teams can sign unrestricted free agents, welcome back injured players, and even call up prospects from their AHL farm teams. However, they can only call up a maximum of 4 players from the AHL, so some restrictions still apply.
Most teams don’t exceed a 23-man roster post-deadline due to salary cap constraints and the potential disruption to team chemistry.
NHL Maximum Contract Limits
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By understanding these roster dynamics, fans can better appreciate the strategic decisions behind each game and the season as a whole. Go, team!
50-Person Contract Limit
In the NHL, each team is capped at 50 Standard Player Contracts (SPCs) within their organization. This includes everyone from active roster players to non-rostered and injured players. Why this limit? It’s all about creating a level playing field and preventing teams from stockpiling talent.
This 50-contract rule also forces teams to be strategic. They have to balance player development and trades carefully. If a team hits that 50-contract ceiling, their wiggle room for new talent is practically zero. You’ll often see teams hover around 47-50 contracts, but rarely do they max out at 50 due to the need for flexibility.
90-Player Reserve List
Beyond the 50 contracts, NHL teams also maintain a “Reserve List.” This list, maxing out at 90 players, includes those whose rights are owned by the team but aren’t under a Standard Player Contract. Think unsigned draft picks, draft-exchange agreements, restricted free agents, and players acquired through trades.
Crucially, the reserve list and the 50-contract limit operate independently. Players on the reserve list don’t count against the 50-contract cap. This allows teams to hold onto the rights of prospects and potential future stars while they develop in junior leagues or college hockey.
In summary, the NHL’s 50-person contract limit and 90-player reserve list are designed to foster balanced competition and strategic roster management. These rules ensure teams can’t just hoard talent and force them to make smart decisions about player development and trades, ultimately benefiting the league as a whole.
