Navigating the NHL's financial landscape is a constant challenge for general managers. With the salary cap in place, identifying and avoiding contracts that hinder a team's ability to compete is crucial. While the rising salary cap, projected to reach $113.5 million by 2027-28, offers some relief, poorly structured or overvalued deals can still hamstring a franchise. Here's a look at one potentially problematic contract for each team heading into the 2025-26 season.
Anaheim Ducks: John Klingberg. The Ducks are still paying for mistakes of the past, and while Klingberg isn't the worst defenseman in the league, his $7 million cap hit for another two seasons is an overpayment for his current level of play.
Arizona Coyotes (Utah Hockey Club): Clayton Keller. While Keller is a talented offensive player, his $7.15 million cap hit is a significant investment for a team still finding its footing in Utah.
Boston Bruins: Tanner Jeannot. The Bruins seem to have overpaid for grit, handing Jeannot a 5-year, $17 million contract. His limited offensive output doesn't justify the term or the average annual value (AAV).
Buffalo Sabres: Jeff Skinner. Skinner's goal-scoring prowess is undeniable, but his $9 million AAV is a hefty price to pay, especially if his production declines as he ages.
Calgary Flames: Jonathan Huberdeau. After a stellar year with the Florida Panthers, Huberdeau has struggled to replicate that success in Calgary. His $10.5 million cap hit for seven more seasons is a major concern for the Flames.
Carolina Hurricanes: Brady Skjei. While a solid defenseman, Skjei's $5.25 million AAV is a bit high for his overall contribution, especially with the Hurricanes needing to allocate funds to their offensive core.
Chicago Blackhawks: Seth Jones. Jones has been better than expected, but is not close to being a $9.5 million defenseman.
Colorado Avalanche: Valeri Nichushkin. With off-ice issues and inconsistent performance, his $6.125 million cap hit is a risk for the Avalanche.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Ivan Provorov. Provorov's underlying metrics have never matched his reputation, and his $6.75 million AAV makes him one of the highest-paid defensemen in the league, despite not performing like one.
Dallas Stars: Jamie Benn. The Stars captain's leadership is invaluable, but his $9.5 million cap hit is excessive given his declining offensive production.
Detroit Red Wings: David Perron. While a valuable veteran presence, Perron's $4.75 million cap hit is a significant amount for a player likely in the twilight of his career.
Edmonton Oilers: Darnell Nurse. Nurse had a difficult season last year.
Florida Panthers: Brad Marchand. The 37-year-old winger should never have received a six-year contract, regardless of his impact on the team's recent Cup run.
Los Angeles Kings: Cody Ceci & Brian Dumoulin. The Kings went BOGO shopping for veteran defenders.
Minnesota Wild: Frederick Gaudreau. Gaudreau signed a five-year, $10.5 million contract in April 2023.
Montreal Canadiens: Brendan Gallagher. Gallagher's heart and determination are admirable, but injuries have taken their toll, and his $6.5 million AAV is a burden for the Canadiens.
Nashville Predators: Ryan McDonagh. The veteran defenseman provides stability, but his $6.75 million cap hit is a concern as he ages and his mobility declines.
New Jersey Devils: Jake Allen. Allen has a $1.8 million AAV for 5 years.
New York Islanders: Andrew Ladd. Ladd signed a 7-year 38.5 million deal worth 5.5 as the AAV.
New York Rangers: Jacob Trouba. Trouba's physical style is appreciated, but his $8 million AAV is a steep price, especially considering his defensive inconsistencies.
Ottawa Senators: Anton Forsberg. Forsberg hasn't provided value of any sorts in the past three seasons.
Philadelphia Flyers: Sean Couturier. Injuries have hampered Sean Couturier's career, and while his impacts were quite good this past season, it's difficult to argue he's a $7.75 million player anymore.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Erik Karlsson. Despite the recent success, Karlsson has one of the worst contracts in the league.
San Jose Sharks: Marc-Edouard Vlasic. Vlasic is unlikely to end his NHL days playing for a different team.
Seattle Kraken: Philipp Grubauer. While goalies are hard to predict, recent results have been quite poor.
St. Louis Blues: Tory Krue. Krue is probably not going to play again.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Yanni Gourde. Gourde has a $2,333,333 AAV for 6 years.
Toronto Maple Leafs: John Tavares. Tavares is still a productive player, but his $11 million AAV is a significant commitment for a player past his prime.
Vancouver Canucks: Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Ekman-Larsson was given a contract by the Vancouver Conucks six years worth $36 million.
Vegas Golden Knights: Mark Stone. Stone is full value for that contract when he's healthy and he's productive.
Washington Capitals: Tom Wilson. Wilson's game has started to drop off in recent years, but that didn't seem to matter to the Washington Capitals.
Winnipeg Jets: Josh Morrissey. One of the biggest bargain contracts in the NHL.
