An NHL taxi squad is a group of extra players who are signed to a team but are not on the active roster. The taxi squad was created in 2020 as a way to help teams deal with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Taxi squads allow teams to have more flexibility in managing their rosters and to quickly replace players who are injured or exposed to COVID-19. Players on the taxi squad are not eligible to play in games unless they are called up to the active roster. Taxi squad players typically practice with the team and are available to fill in if needed. The size of the taxi squad varies from team to team, but it is typically between 4 and 6 players.
Taxi Squad Size and Eligibility
The NHL taxi squad is a group of players who are not on the active roster but are available to be called up in case of injuries or other roster needs. Taxi squads were first introduced in the 2020-21 season in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and they have been used in every season since then.
The size of the taxi squad varies depending on the league’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which is negotiated between the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA). In the 2022-23 season, the taxi squad size is six players. To be eligible for the taxi squad, a player must meet the following criteria:
- Be under contract with the NHL team
- Not be on the active roster
- Not be assigned to the minors
- Not be injured
Players on the taxi squad are not eligible to play in NHL games, but they can practice with the team and travel with the team on road trips. If a player on the active roster is injured or suspended, a player from the taxi squad can be called up to take his place.
| Season | Taxi Squad Size |
|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 6 |
| 2021-22 | 6 |
| 2022-23 | 6 |
Player Movement Rules
Players can be moved between the active roster and taxi squad at any time, even during games. There are no limits on the number of times a player can be moved between the two rosters.
- Players must clear waivers before being sent down to the taxi squad.
- Players can only be recalled from the taxi squad if there is an injury or illness on the active roster
- Players on the taxi squad are not eligible to play in games unless they are called up to the active roster.
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| John Smith | Active roster |
| Jane Doe | Taxi squad |
The NHL taxi squad is a valuable tool for teams to manage their roster and stay competitive throughout the season.
Salary and Contract Considerations
NHL taxi squad players are not paid their full salaries while on the taxi squad. Instead, they receive a daily rate of pay that is determined by the league. The daily rate for the 2020-21 season was $1,000.
- Taxi squad players are not eligible for performance bonuses.
- Taxi squad players are not eligible for playoff bonuses.
- Taxi squad players are not eligible for the Stanley Cup.
Taxi squad players are still under contract with their NHL teams. However, their contracts are tolled while they are on the taxi squad. This means that the time they spend on the taxi squad does not count towards their contract term.
For example, if a player signs a one-year contract with an NHL team and spends six weeks on the taxi squad, their contract will still be valid for one year. However, their salary will be reduced by the amount of money they would have earned during those six weeks if they had been on the active roster.
| Active Roster | Taxi Squad | |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | Full salary | Daily rate |
| Performance bonuses | Eligible | Ineligible |
| Playoff bonuses | Eligible | Ineligible |
| Stanley Cup | Eligible | Ineligible |
| Contract term | Counts towards contract term | Does not count towards contract term |
Impact on Team Depth and Strategy
NHL teams must carefully consider their squad composition to address injuries and optimize performance. Squads provide flexibility, allowing teams to rotate players and adjust lines to counter specific opponents or game situations.
- Increased Depth: Squads allow teams to carry more players who can contribute in various roles, providing depth and versatility in case of injuries or underperformance.
- Line Adjustments: Squads enable teams to adjust lines dynamically, moving players up or down based on matchups, momentum, or the need for a spark.
- Special Teams Specialists: Squads can include specialists who focus on power plays, penalty kills, or other specific scenarios, enhancing the team’s effectiveness in those situations.
The following table summarizes the impact of NHL squads on team depth and strategy:
| Squad Feature | Team Depth and Strategy |
|---|---|
| Increased Depth | More versatile roster with players who can fill multiple roles |
| Line Adjustments | Flexibility to adjust lines based on matchups, momentum, or need |
| Special Teams Specialists | Dedicated players for specific scenarios, enhancing team performance |
Thanks for taking the time to learn about how the NHL taxi squad works. I hope this article has given you a better understanding of this new feature in the league. If you found this information helpful, please consider sharing it with your friends and family. Be sure to check back later for more updates and insights on the NHL and other sports news.