It appears the NHL salary cap for next season could be well below the initial estimate of $83 million.

TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie, multiple teams are "very concerned" that the salary cap could come in at less than $82 million. TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger reported Monday the number could be below $83 million and added Tuesday the number should be finalized this week.

Multiple teams I’ve spoken to are very concerned about this cap forecast. Many fear that when the NHL and NHLPA settle on an upper limit this week, it will be LESS than $82M for next season, or an increase of only slightly more than $2M. https://t.co/KZiHydOZSD — Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 18, 2019

Falling below $82 million would represent just over a $2 million rise from this year's $79.5 million cap after NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced in December the salary cap was expected to rise by $3.5 million.

According to CapFriendly, the Vegas Golden Knights currently have the highest projected cap hit next season with $83.1 million in salary on their roster. That number, however, includes David Clarkson's $5.25 million salary which can be shelved on long-term injured reserve.

Last year's salary cap was announced on June 21.