The 10 worst value contracts in the NHL for 2025-26
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Daily Faceoff
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In the NHL landscape, the value of contracts can often be assessed not just by player performance but also by their impact on team budgets. As we look ahead to the 2025-26 season, some contracts stand out as particularly unfavorable. Players such as Barclay Goodrow and Christian Dvorak have been identified as possessing deals that might hinder their respective teams' financial flexibility. Both players, while contributing in various ways, seem to be underperforming relative to their salary figures, raising concerns about their value moving forward.
Another name that emerges is Ilya Lyubushkin, who has struggled to justify his contract with inconsistent play. His potential is undeniable, but the results have not matched expectations, leading fans and analysts alike to question his position on the team. Similarly, Marc Staal and Erik Gudbranson are also highlighted, both players facing scrutiny as their contracts expand on cap margins without delivering significant output on the ice.
The list doesn't stop there; other players like Mikael Granlund and Jonathan Merzlikins are touched upon. Granlund's time with the team has been marred by injuries and inconsistency, prompting discussions about whether a buyout could be in the future. Meanwhile, Merzlikins, despite flashes of brilliance, has struggled to find his rhythm as a starting goaltender, raising concerns about the legitimacy of his contract moving forward.
The upcoming seasons will be crucial for these players and their teams. Owners, general managers, and fans will keenly watch how these contracts evolve against performance and ultimately impact playoff aspirations. Costly contracts can weigh heavily on franchise movements and strategies, making the scrutiny on Goodrow, Dvorak, and others even more intense as 2025-26 approaches.
Another name that emerges is Ilya Lyubushkin, who has struggled to justify his contract with inconsistent play. His potential is undeniable, but the results have not matched expectations, leading fans and analysts alike to question his position on the team. Similarly, Marc Staal and Erik Gudbranson are also highlighted, both players facing scrutiny as their contracts expand on cap margins without delivering significant output on the ice.
The list doesn't stop there; other players like Mikael Granlund and Jonathan Merzlikins are touched upon. Granlund's time with the team has been marred by injuries and inconsistency, prompting discussions about whether a buyout could be in the future. Meanwhile, Merzlikins, despite flashes of brilliance, has struggled to find his rhythm as a starting goaltender, raising concerns about the legitimacy of his contract moving forward.
The upcoming seasons will be crucial for these players and their teams. Owners, general managers, and fans will keenly watch how these contracts evolve against performance and ultimately impact playoff aspirations. Costly contracts can weigh heavily on franchise movements and strategies, making the scrutiny on Goodrow, Dvorak, and others even more intense as 2025-26 approaches.