MANALAPAN, Fla. (AP) — The NHL has introduced a cutting-edge front office app that updates the league’s roster, contract, and salary cap information. Developed in partnership with SAP, the app is tailored for Apple iPads, providing general managers and league executives easy access to Central Registry data, cap status, long-term injury updates, and contractual details such as no-trade and no-move clauses. Initially announced on Thursday, GMs have been test-driving the app since late December.
Philadelphia Flyers GM Daniel Briere expressed his enthusiasm for the app, stating, “Instead of carrying around a hefty booklet, having everything consolidated on an iPad will streamline the process of checking roster status and making transactions.” This initiative marks a significant advancement since the NHL first introduced iPads to coaches and players on the benches eight years ago, with the aim of facilitating trades, free agent deals, and other strategic moves.
NHL chief operating officer Stephen McArdle highlighted the app’s significance, emphasizing the collective effort to enhance roster management. “We’ve done pioneering work on multiple fronts, including coaching apps and fan engagement through statistical data. This app marks another critical aspect of our technological evolution in roster information.”
The initial SAP-NHL Front Office App release comprises three main sections:
— League view: Provides an overview of each team’s current cap situation, transaction alerts, player watch lists, and future draft picks.
— Team view: Displays contract details for every player in the organization for the current and upcoming seasons.
— Player view: Offers player profiles, contract specifics, game logs, and transaction history.
McArdle noted that the app was developed in response to feedback from NHL teams, aligning technological capabilities with organizational requirements. SAP VP of Global Sponsorships Dan Fleetwood highlighted the coaching app as a crucial starting point for this innovation, potentially expediting player movement within the NHL.
With the Washington Capitals recently acquiring and closing the CapFriendly site, alternative resources like PuckPedia and CapWages have emerged to provide fans with roster data.
CapGeek was utilized by Int to research and visualize team rosters. This application is exclusively designed for teams and is anticipated to be accessible on iPhone in the future. However, there are no current intentions to provide a version for the public at large. McArdle emphasized that the team is prioritizing providing comprehensive support to front office clubs. The information within this version is deemed most beneficial for front offices and clubs at present. While potential future developments are not ruled out, the current focus remains on serving the needs of teams. For more NHL news, visit AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
