LTIR has become a very important tool for teams to help manage their salary cap. Unfortunately, with the rise of usage of this tool, teams have begun to abuse it as well. This summer, the Toronto Maple Leafs have faced criticism about their LTIR usage after they announced Matt Murray would not play next season.
Last season no team used LTIR more than the Vegas Golden Knights. The Knights battled injuries all season, culminating in them lifting their first Stanley Cup. While injuries are apart of the game, navigating the salary cap has become just as important.