In hockey, the term "injured reserve" (IR) refers to a roster designation that allows teams to temporarily remove players who are unable to play due to injury from the active roster while also preserving their ability to retain those players’ rights and salary cap space. This system is essential for managing a team’s roster and addressing injuries without permanently losing a player. Here are some detailed aspects of the injured reserve:
1. Purpose:
- The injured reserve designation is intended to provide teams relief from the salary cap implications of having injured players. It allows teams to call up other players to take the place of those who are injured.
2. Types of Injured Reserve:
- Regular Injured Reserve: A player is placed on regular injured reserve when they are projected to be out for a significant period (typically over 7 days). Teams can call up replacements for these players.
- Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR): Used for players with more severe injuries that are expected to keep them out for a longer period (usually 10 games and 24 days). LTIR allows teams to exceed the salary cap by the injured player’s cap hit, as long as the player is not expected to return within that time frame.
3. Salary Cap Implications:
- A player on regular IR does not count against a team’s active roster limit and their salary might not count against the team’s salary cap, depending on the situation.
- While a player is on LTIR, a team can exceed the salary cap by an amount equal to the injured player’s salary. This can significantly impact how teams structure their rosters.
4. Roster Management:
- Teams can use the IR to manage their rosters, allowing them to call up players from the minor leagues or from their practice squad to fill in for injured athletes.
- The IR provides flexibility in roster moves, allowing teams to adapt quickly to changes in player availability.
5. Reactivation:
- Players can be activated from the injured reserve when they are deemed healthy enough to play. Teams must make decisions quickly, especially as players return to form, to maintain competitive roster management.
6. Limitations:
- There are specific guidelines and procedures that must be followed when placing a player on IR, including medical assessments and compliance with league rules.
- The timeline for a player to return is often contingent on medical evaluations and can impact the team’s strategy as it navigates player injuries throughout the season.
7. Notable Examples:
- Teams may prioritize placing players on IR during the playoffs or at critical points in the season to strategically manage their lineups due to injuries to key players.
In summary, injured reserve in hockey is a critical mechanism for addressing player injuries while maintaining competitive roster flexibility and compliance with salary cap regulations. It enables teams to adapt their strategies and lineups throughout the season, particularly in response to injuries.