What happened to Capfriendly? Reason behind website tracking NHL contracts shutting down

The NHL community was surprised when CapFriendly, known for NHL salary info, announced that it would shut down. The reason behind the closure? The Washington Capitals finalized a deal on June 12, 2024, to acquire the website and have privatized it, removing it from public access.

CapFriendly, a successor to CapGeek, became crucial for fans, journalists and NHL teams since 2015. It provided detailed player contract info and salary cap insights. The Capitals' acquisition aims to enhance its operations.

Capitals GM Brian MacLellan stressed the benefits of using CapFriendly in their hockey operations. The Capitals plan to improve their financial strategies using CapFriendly's industry expertise and data tools.

"This strategic move will provide the Capitals organization with the ability to digest, present and analyze both our internal and league-supplied data," MacLellan said (via ESPN on July 13).

MacLellan mentioned improving management, scouting, analytics and player development.

"We anticipate that this acquisition will significantly enhance and integrate the various branches of our hockey operations department, allowing us to strengthen our management, scouting, analytics and player development, in addition to augmenting our salary cap and contractual applications."

Other NHL teams were interested in CF, but the Capitals clinched the deal. They now lead in accessing vital salary cap and contract info, pointing out how data analytics and info management are crucial in NHL team operations.

Fans and industry watchers used to CapFriendly's detailed info face a change. The site remained independent for the NHL draft and start of free agency, and they were expected to shut down after that period.

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CapFriendly acquisition by Capitals ignites digital hockey growth expectations

Hart Levine, the founder of PuckPedia, reacted positively to the acquisition. He plans to speed up developments based on user feedback and industry needs.

"We were already working on some exciting development, but this obviously will expedite and speed that work up," Levine said via (Associated Press).

Levine sees opportunities for growth and innovation in the digital hockey scene.

"We've been getting very useful feedback, which we're taking to move quickly and be responsive to people's suggestions," Levine said."It's an opportunity for us to learn, build and adapt and hopefully become a trusted and important hockey destination."

As CF moves to private ownership by the Capitals, the NHL community considers its legacy. They expect changes in how the league operates due to this strategic move.