Actually the NHL will care if this happens, this is a huge development. Z or another recapture player retires to play in a different league and their cap hit disappears? It'll be the new way to sign old players long term and not worry about 35+, it would great a massive loophole.
It's only a loophole if the team saves salary cap by the contract being extended beyond the intended years of play. That ability has been shut down due to contracts being forced to adhere to more standardized averages that don't deviate too greatly.
How much cap did the Wings save with this amazing loophole?
Datsyuk's deal was $22.5 million over 3 years. He'll collect $17 million of that leaving now. Average cap hit $8.5 if he did a 2 year deal instead of 3, which was $7.5. Wings saved 1 million in cap per year.
This incredible million dollar loophole requires a star veteran player who can command over $7 million and then flee to a new league. At lower salaries the savings are even less. It's such a small benefit to a very specific problem.