The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Hockey’s Taxi Squad

For many hockey fans, the term “taxi squad” may be relatively new. However, in the current NHL landscape, the taxi squad is an integral part of a team’s roster management. This ultimate guide will help you to understand everything you need to know about the hockey taxi squad.

The taxi squad is a relatively new concept in the NHL, created in response to the unique challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic forced teams to be more flexible with their rosters and be prepared to make last-minute changes in the event of a player’s illness or quarantine. In this guide, we’ll delve deeper into why the taxi squad was created and how it has evolved over time.

From the number of players allowed on the taxi squad to how often players can be moved to and from the squad, we will cover all the essential aspects of the taxi squad. By the end of this guide, you will have a thorough understanding of what the hockey taxi squad is, why it exists, and how it affects the NHL today.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the hockey taxi squad and how it has become an essential tool in managing NHL rosters.

What is the hockey taxi squad?

One of the biggest challenges that NHL teams face is managing their roster throughout the season. Injuries, trades, and other unforeseen circumstances can leave teams scrambling to fill gaps in their lineup. That’s where the hockey taxi squad comes in.

The taxi squad was introduced ahead of the 2020-2021 season as a way to help teams navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s essentially a group of extra players that each team can keep on hand in case they’re needed to fill in at the last minute. These players practice and travel with the team, but they don’t count against the salary cap and they’re not officially part of the roster.

The taxi squad can consist of anywhere from four to six players, depending on the team’s needs. They can be players who have been drafted but haven’t yet played in the NHL, or veterans who have been signed to short-term contracts. They’re usually players who are close to being ready for NHL action, but who might need a little more time to develop or adjust to the pace of the game.

Definition of the hockey taxi squad

The hockey taxi squad, also known as the taxi squad or the expanded practice squad, is a group of players who are on a team’s reserve list but not on the active roster. They are typically made up of young prospects, veteran players, or players who are recovering from an injury. These players can practice and travel with the team, but they cannot participate in games unless they are called up to the active roster.

1. Composition: The taxi squad can consist of up to six players in the NHL, and four players in the AHL. These players are signed to contracts with the team and are paid a salary.
2. Call-ups: Players on the taxi squad can be called up to the active roster at any time, as long as they meet the NHL salary cap requirements. Teams can call up to four players at once, but they must have room under the salary cap to do so.
3. COVID-19: The taxi squad was introduced in the 2020-2021 NHL season as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was used as a way to isolate players who may have been exposed to the virus and to prevent the spread of the virus throughout the league.
4. Practice: Players on the taxi squad can practice with the team and participate in team meetings and activities. This allows them to stay in game shape and learn the team’s systems and strategies.
5. Development: The taxi squad can be a valuable tool for player development, as it allows young players to practice and travel with the team and learn from more experienced players. It can also give older players a chance to extend their careers and mentor younger players.

The use of the taxi squad has become a more common practice in the NHL, and it has proven to be an effective way for teams to manage their rosters and develop their players. However, the rules and regulations surrounding the taxi squad can be complex and confusing, and it is important for fans to have a clear understanding of how it works.

How does the hockey taxi squad work?

The hockey taxi squad is made up of players who are not on a team’s active roster but are still considered part of the organization. The purpose of the taxi squad is to provide teams with additional flexibility and depth in case of injuries or other unforeseen circumstances.

Players on the taxi squad can be called up to the active roster at any time, and they can also be sent back down without having to clear waivers. This means that a team can make roster changes quickly and easily without the risk of losing a player to another team.

• Eligibility: To be eligible for the taxi squad, players must be under contract and have cleared waivers, if necessary. There are also restrictions on how long a player can stay on the taxi squad, which varies depending on the player’s experience and contract status.
• Practice: Players on the taxi squad can practice with the team but cannot travel with them for away games, unless they are called up to the active roster.
• Salary: Players on the taxi squad earn a pro-rated portion of the NHL minimum salary, regardless of their contract status or experience.
• COVID-19: The taxi squad was originally introduced during the 2020-21 season as part of the NHL’s COVID-19 protocols to ensure teams had enough players available to play games despite positive cases or exposures.
• Impact: The taxi squad has been well-received by teams and players alike, as it provides additional job security and playing opportunities for players who might otherwise be stuck in the AHL or ECHL.

Overall, the hockey taxi squad is an innovative addition to the NHL that has helped teams navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while also providing them with greater flexibility and depth.

Who is eligible to be on the hockey taxi squad?

Players: Any player on the NHL team’s active roster, with the exception of emergency goaltenders, can be assigned to the taxi squad. Players who are not on the active roster, such as those on the injured reserve, cannot be assigned to the taxi squad.

Contract: The player must have a one-way contract to be eligible to be on the taxi squad. A one-way contract means the player is paid the same amount whether they are in the NHL or the AHL, regardless of where they are playing. Players with two-way contracts can be assigned to the AHL without going through waivers, but cannot be on the taxi squad unless they clear waivers first.

Age: There are no age restrictions for players on the taxi squad. However, the NHL team must comply with the NHL’s minimum roster requirements, which include having a certain number of players on the active roster who are not rookies.

Salary: Players on the taxi squad receive a minimum of $50,000 for the AHL season, but they can make more depending on their NHL salary. The salary they make while on the taxi squad does not count against the NHL team’s salary cap.

Why was the hockey taxi squad created?

Developing player skills: One of the primary reasons the taxi squad was created was to provide young players with the opportunity to practice and develop their skills with an NHL team. By being part of a team’s practice squad, players have the chance to work with NHL coaches and learn from experienced players, which can help them grow and improve as hockey players.

Managing COVID-19: The COVID-19 pandemic was another reason for the creation of the taxi squad. The squad was designed to help teams deal with unexpected injuries and COVID-19 protocols, as it allowed them to quickly add or remove players from their roster as needed.

Saving travel costs: Finally, the taxi squad was created to help NHL teams save money on travel costs. By having a group of players who can travel with the team but not necessarily play in games, teams can reduce the number of flights they need to book, which can result in significant cost savings over the course of a season.

The creation of the hockey taxi squad is closely tied to the impact of COVID-19 on the NHL. In the 2020-21 season, the NHL faced significant challenges due to the pandemic, including travel restrictions, mandatory quarantines, and players testing positive for the virus. These challenges created a need for more flexibility in roster management and player movement, which led to the creation of the taxi squad.

One of the key reasons for the creation of the taxi squad was to allow teams to have a pool of additional players available on short notice. With the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, teams needed to be able to quickly replace players who were unable to play due to COVID-19 protocols or other reasons. The taxi squad provided teams with a way to add players to their active roster without having to go through waivers or other lengthy processes.

Another important factor in the creation of the taxi squad was the NHL’s desire to minimize travel and reduce the risk of virus transmission. By having a group of players who could travel with the team and be available to play if needed, teams were able to limit the number of people they had to bring to each game and reduce the need for additional travel.

The need for flexible roster management

The implementation of the hockey taxi squad has addressed a longstanding need for roster flexibility in the NHL. Injuries, illnesses, and other unforeseen circumstances can quickly deplete a team’s roster, leaving them with a limited number of players to compete.

With the taxi squad, teams can quickly bring in reinforcements without having to rely on players from lower-level leagues or scramble to make trades. This allows for more efficient roster management and gives teams the ability to react quickly to unexpected situations.

Additionally, the taxi squad helps to ensure that players who may not have otherwise had a chance to play at the NHL level get the opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot on the team’s regular roster in the future. This creates a more competitive and dynamic environment within the league.

The need for flexible roster management is not limited to the NHL, as many sports organizations have had to adapt to changing circumstances due to COVID-1The implementation of the taxi squad in the NHL may serve as a model for other sports leagues looking for ways to address similar challenges.

The role of the taxi squad in player development

The hockey taxi squad not only provides NHL teams with a way to maintain a full roster during the pandemic, but also offers opportunities for player development.

Players who are not quite ready for regular NHL play or who need more ice time and experience can benefit from being on the taxi squad. They can practice and travel with the team, and also be called up to play in games if needed.

The taxi squad can also be beneficial for younger players who are transitioning from junior leagues or European leagues to the NHL. It allows them to adjust to the North American game and lifestyle, and gives them a chance to develop their skills under the guidance of NHL coaches and veterans.

Overall, the taxi squad has provided NHL teams with a valuable tool for roster management and player development, and may continue to be a useful resource even after the pandemic is over.

How many players are on the hockey taxi squad?

The number of players on a hockey taxi squad varies depending on the league and situation, but in the NHL, each team is allowed to have up to six players on their taxi squad.

Teams can choose to have fewer than six players on their taxi squad if they prefer, but they cannot exceed the maximum limit.

Players on the taxi squad are considered to be part of the team’s roster and are subject to the same salary cap rules and waivers as the rest of the roster.

Teams can move players on and off the taxi squad throughout the season as needed, but they must follow certain rules and procedures to do so.

The maximum number of players allowed on the taxi squad

The maximum number of players allowed on the hockey taxi squad varies depending on the situation. During the 2020-2021 season, due to COVID-19, teams were allowed to have a maximum of six players on the taxi squad.

However, for the 2021-2022 season, the NHL has returned to its normal taxi squad rules. Each team is allowed to carry up to four to six players on the taxi squad, depending on the team’s situation. The team must also have at least one goaltender on the taxi squad.

Teams can change the composition of their taxi squad at any time, with players moving on and off the squad as needed. However, there are certain rules in place to prevent teams from using the taxi squad as a way to circumvent salary cap rules.

How the size of the taxi squad differs from the regular roster

The size of the taxi squad in the NHL differs from the regular roster. The regular roster consists of a maximum of 23 players, while the taxi squad has a maximum of six players. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the league allowed teams to carry larger rosters, including up to 29 players in the 2021 season.

Another difference between the taxi squad and the regular roster is that the players on the taxi squad are not on the active roster, meaning they are not eligible to play in games unless they are recalled to the active roster.

Moreover, players on the taxi squad are not subject to waivers, which means they can be moved between the taxi squad and the active roster without being exposed to waivers. On the other hand, players on the regular roster who are waived and unclaimed by other teams must be sent to the minor leagues.

Additionally, players on the taxi squad have a lower salary cap hit than players on the regular roster. This makes the taxi squad an attractive option for teams looking to manage their salary cap effectively while still having depth players available to them.

How teams determine the makeup of their taxi squad

Roster Needs: Teams often determine their taxi squad makeup based on their current roster needs. This means they will typically carry players on the taxi squad who can easily fill in if a player is injured, underperforms or is placed on the COVID-19 protocol list.

Contract Status: A player’s contract status can also be a factor in determining their placement on the taxi squad. For example, if a team has a young player who they don’t want to lose to waivers but isn’t quite ready for the NHL, they may place them on the taxi squad instead of sending them down to the AHL.

Salary Cap: Another consideration is the team’s salary cap situation. Teams may place a high-salaried player on the taxi squad if they’re unable to trade them and don’t want to risk losing them on waivers.

Development: Some teams may use their taxi squad to develop younger players who aren’t quite ready for the NHL. These players will practice and travel with the team, gaining valuable experience and exposure to the NHL lifestyle.

What is the difference between the hockey taxi squad and the AHL?

Hockey taxi squad vs. AHL: One key difference between the two is that the taxi squad is a temporary measure put in place due to the pandemic, while the AHL is a permanent league that serves as the primary developmental league for the NHL.

Team affiliation: Another significant difference is that each NHL team has its taxi squad, whereas they typically have one affiliated AHL team.

Eligibility: Players on the taxi squad can be called up to the NHL team at any time and can be sent back down without going through waivers. In contrast, players in the AHL can only be called up if they are on an NHL team’s 23-man roster, and they must clear waivers before being sent back down.

Playing time: Players on the taxi squad do not necessarily play in games regularly. Still, in the AHL, players get more playing time and opportunities to develop their skills.

Salary and benefits: Players on the taxi squad receive a higher salary and NHL benefits than players in the AHL, making it a more attractive option for players.

The level of competition in the AHL versus the taxi squad

The American Hockey League (AHL) is the primary developmental league for the National Hockey League (NHL) and is considered one of the top professional hockey leagues in the world. Players who do not make the NHL roster or the taxi squad are typically assigned to the AHL.

While the taxi squad is composed of NHL players who can be called up to the active roster, the AHL is made up of players who are still developing their skills and trying to earn a spot in the NHL. As a result, the level of competition in the AHL is generally considered to be lower than that of the taxi squad.

However, the AHL is still a highly competitive league, and many players who spend time there go on to have successful NHL careers. In fact, some players on the taxi squad may have already spent time in the AHL and are called up to the NHL only when needed.

One advantage of the AHL over the taxi squad is that players in the AHL get more ice time and are able to develop their skills in a game environment. While players on the taxi squad may practice with the NHL team, they may not get the same amount of game experience.

How players are assigned to the AHL versus the taxi squad

AHL Assignment: Players who are signed to an NHL contract but are not on the NHL roster, or players who are not eligible for the taxi squad, are typically assigned to the American Hockey League (AHL) by their NHL team. The AHL is the primary developmental league for the NHL, and it features a higher level of competition than the taxi squad.

Taxi Squad Assignment: Players who are eligible for the taxi squad are typically those who are waiver-exempt, meaning they can be sent down to the AHL without being exposed to waivers. However, teams can also assign players who are not waiver-exempt to the taxi squad, but they would need to clear waivers first. Generally, players who are assigned to the taxi squad are considered NHL caliber players who just need more development time or are not currently needed on the NHL roster.

How often can a player be moved to and from the taxi squad?

When it comes to moving players between the taxi squad and the main roster, there are rules in place to prevent teams from manipulating the system. The NHL and NHLPA agreed that players who are placed on waivers and clear them will be eligible to be moved to the taxi squad. However, a player cannot be moved to the taxi squad if they have played in three consecutive NHL games or 10 NHL games in a 30-day span, unless they are an emergency recall.

Once a player is assigned to the taxi squad, they can be recalled back to the main roster at any time. However, the reverse is not always true. A player cannot be sent to the taxi squad if they require waivers, have been recalled as an emergency, or have played in more than 60 NHL games.

It’s important to note that the taxi squad is only in place for the duration of the 2020-2021 season. Starting from the 2021-2022 season, there will be no taxi squads.

The frequency of taxi squad moves during the season

Taxi squad moves can occur frequently during the NHL season due to a variety of factors. Teams may need to adjust their rosters based on injuries, illnesses, or simply to experiment with different lineups. Additionally, players on the taxi squad may need to be moved back and forth to maintain their eligibility to play in the AHL.

There is no set limit to the number of times a player can be moved to and from the taxi squad during the season. However, each time a player is moved, they must clear waivers. This means that other teams have the opportunity to claim the player before they can be assigned to the taxi squad.

The impact of salary cap rules on taxi squad moves

One of the biggest challenges for teams utilizing taxi squads is navigating the salary cap rules. With the NHL salary cap being set at a fixed amount for each season, teams must carefully manage their roster and payroll to ensure they stay under the cap.

When a player is moved to the taxi squad, their salary no longer counts towards the team’s cap total. However, if they are recalled back to the NHL roster, their salary will once again count towards the cap. This can make it difficult for teams to make frequent moves between the taxi squad and NHL roster without exceeding the cap.

Teams must also be mindful of the minimum salary requirements set forth by the NHL. Any player on an NHL contract who is assigned to the taxi squad must be paid at least a certain amount of money per day, regardless of how much they were making while on the NHL roster.

Can players on the taxi squad play in NHL games?

Yes, players on the taxi squad can play in NHL games. In fact, they are often called up to fill roster spots when a team has injuries or needs to make lineup changes.

When a player on the taxi squad is called up, they must be added to the active roster and another player must be removed to make room for them.

Players on the taxi squad can also be used as replacements during a game if a player gets injured or is unable to continue playing. This allows teams to maintain their roster without having to make a trade or sign a new player.

It is important to note that players on the taxi squad do not count against a team’s salary cap unless they are added to the active roster.

Overall, the taxi squad serves as a valuable resource for teams to maintain their roster and ensure they have enough players available to compete in NHL games.

How often taxi squad players are called up to play in NHL games

Taxi squad players are expected to be ready to play in NHL games at a moment’s notice. They can be called up to the active roster as often as needed throughout the season, with no limit on the number of times they can be called up.

However, there are salary cap implications for calling up players from the taxi squad. When a player is called up, their salary counts against the team’s salary cap. If a team is close to the salary cap, they may need to be strategic about when they call up players from the taxi squad.

Typically, taxi squad players are called up when there is an injury or a player is unavailable for a game. If a team is dealing with multiple injuries, they may call up multiple taxi squad players for a single game or series of games.

Teams can also call up taxi squad players for developmental purposes. For example, a team may want to give a young player a taste of NHL action without committing to a full-time roster spot. In this case, the player may only be called up for a few games or even just one game.

Overall, the frequency of taxi squad players being called up to play in NHL games varies depending on a team’s needs and circumstances throughout the season. However, players on the taxi squad should be prepared to play at any time and make the most of their opportunities when they are called up.

How the taxi squad affects player eligibility for the playoffs

Regular season eligibility: Players on the taxi squad continue to accrue NHL service time and are subject to waivers. If a player is on the taxi squad for the entire regular season, they are eligible for the playoffs just like any other player on the roster.

Expansion draft eligibility: Players on the taxi squad are eligible to be selected in the Seattle Kraken’s expansion draft. However, players with less than two years of NHL/AHL service time are exempt from selection.

Waiver eligibility: Players on the taxi squad are subject to waivers, and if they are claimed off waivers, they are no longer eligible to play for their original team in the playoffs.

Playoff eligibility: In the playoffs, the roster size is limited, and teams are only allowed to dress a certain number of players for each game. Teams can add players to their playoff roster from their taxi squad, but the player must have been on the taxi squad or NHL roster as of the trade deadline. If a player is added to the playoff roster, a player must be removed from the roster to make room for them.

Emergency conditions: In the event of an emergency, teams can add players to their roster without any restrictions. In this case, a player on the taxi squad would be eligible to play in the playoffs if they were called up due to an emergency.

The impact of injuries and COVID-19 protocols on taxi squad players

Injuries: The taxi squad can be a valuable asset for NHL teams dealing with injuries. If a player on the active roster is injured, the team can call up a taxi squad player to replace them without having to make a traditional roster move. This can be particularly helpful in a condensed season with a tight schedule, where teams might need to rely on their depth more than usual.

COVID-19 protocols: Another factor that has impacted the use of taxi squads in the NHL is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With players testing positive and being required to quarantine, teams have been able to call up taxi squad players to fill in while their regular players are out. Additionally, the NHL has implemented protocols that require teams to have a minimum number of players available to play a game, so having a taxi squad can help ensure that teams meet these requirements even if they have multiple players out due to COVID-19.

The taxi squad has had a significant impact on the NHL since its introduction in the 2020-2021 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Flexibility has been a key factor, as teams have been able to adjust their rosters quickly in response to injuries, illnesses, and other unforeseen circumstances.

The taxi squad has also provided opportunities for players who might not have had a chance to play in the NHL otherwise. It has allowed teams to evaluate their prospects in a unique environment and given young players a chance to gain valuable experience at the highest level of the game.

Another impact of the taxi squad has been on team dynamics. Teams have had to manage a larger group of players than usual, with some players rotating between the NHL roster and the taxi squad. This has required coaches to be strategic in their lineup decisions and has tested the ability of players to remain engaged and focused on their roles.

Financially, the taxi squad has helped teams manage costs by allowing them to keep players on lower contracts in the AHL or on the taxi squad rather than on the NHL roster. This has also allowed teams to manage their salary cap more effectively and avoid penalties for exceeding the cap.

Overall, the taxi squad has been a success for the NHL and has provided a valuable tool for teams to navigate the challenges of the pandemic and the demands of a condensed season. It remains to be seen whether the taxi squad will be a permanent fixture in the NHL, but its impact is likely to be felt for years to come.

The role of the taxi squad in mitigating the impact of COVID-19

The taxi squad played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic by helping teams to navigate the challenges created by the virus. One of the primary benefits of the taxi squad was the ability to keep a group of players ready to play in case of COVID-19 related absences. This was particularly important during the 2020-2021 NHL season, which was played under a condensed schedule with many back-to-back games.

Having a pool of players on the taxi squad allowed teams to quickly replace players who were placed on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol list or who tested positive for the virus. This helped to prevent games from being postponed and allowed the league to complete its season on time. Additionally, the taxi squad helped teams to limit the spread of the virus by reducing the need for players to travel frequently and by allowing teams to isolate players who were potentially exposed to the virus.

The NHL also used the taxi squad as a tool to manage its COVID-19 testing protocols. By keeping players on the taxi squad, teams were able to reduce the number of individuals who needed to be tested each day. This helped to conserve testing resources and allowed teams to quickly identify and isolate any players who tested positive for the virus.

The success of the taxi squad during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to discussions about its potential continued use in future NHL seasons. While the pandemic created unique circumstances that made the taxi squad particularly useful, there are many reasons why teams might want to continue to use it going forward. For example, the taxi squad could be used to provide teams with added flexibility when it comes to managing their rosters, or to give younger players more opportunities to gain experience at the NHL level.

Overall, the taxi squad proved to be a valuable tool in helping the NHL to navigate the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the pandemic is hopefully behind us, the lessons learned from the taxi squad will likely continue to shape the way the NHL thinks about roster management for years to come.

The impact of the taxi squad on team flexibility and roster management

One of the significant impacts of the taxi squad on NHL teams is the increased flexibility it provides for roster management. Teams can use their taxi squads to rotate players in and out of the active roster, allowing for rest and recovery for starters and giving more playing time to prospects who need it.

The taxi squad also allows teams to carry extra players without worrying about the salary cap implications. With a limit of 23 players on the active roster, the taxi squad provides an opportunity for teams to carry extra players and keep their cap situation manageable.

At the same time, the taxi squad also presents some challenges for teams. With players moving in and out of the active roster, it can be difficult to maintain team chemistry and consistency. Additionally, taxi squad players may become frustrated with their lack of playing time and their uncertain role on the team.

Despite these challenges, overall, the taxi squad has proven to be a valuable addition to the NHL, providing teams with more flexibility and options when it comes to roster management and player development.

It remains to be seen how the taxi squad will continue to evolve and impact NHL teams in the future, but for now, it appears to be a positive change for the league and its teams.

Frequently Asked Questions