The question has been asked a lot; what exactly would be the salary cap for the 2009-2010 season? There was a lot of speculation that it might even go down a little but that really was not expected. Today, on the same day as the entry draft, the league answer that question with a $100,000 answer.

Yep, that is the increase for next season. Teams will now have $56.8 million to spend rather that $56.7 million. That puts the bind on any team with multiple important free agents to sign. Teams like the Penguins. So if players like Guerin and Fedotenko were expecting to get huge raises to stick around you can pretty much kiss those thoughts goodbye guys!

Reports are that the the Penguins have already talked with Fedotenko’s agent and extended an initial offer for next season. We’ll see if they can fit him in under the cap and who else they are actively chasing down to resign in the coming days. Guerin will likely not resign until after the 1st when he sees what other teams will offer his veteran and experienced frame. But I still hold out hope that he will take a pay cut to stay on a team like the Penguins.