Top 10 Least Valuable NHL Contracts for 2025-26

Bassyonni

ago 2 hours

In the competitive landscape of the NHL, managing a team within the constraints of a salary cap can be challenging. Poor contracts can hinder a team’s ability to build a championship-caliber roster. As teams assess their financial commitments for the 2025-26 season, several contracts have emerged as the least valuable in the league.

Top 10 Least Valuable NHL Contracts for 2025-26

The following players highlight contracts that have not lived up to expectations, causing significant strains on their respective teams’ budgets.

1. Jake Goodrow, New York Rangers

Cap Hit: $3,641,667 (2 years remaining)
Contract Rating: -404
Goodrow’s contract reflects a misguided investment, as his performance has not aligned with the expectations set by his previous success.

2. Christian Dvorak, Philadelphia Flyers

Cap Hit: $5.4 million (1 year remaining)
Contract Rating: -402
Despite the short duration remaining, Dvorak’s underwhelming play has made this deal a headache for Philadelphia.

3. Ilya Lyubushkin, Dallas Stars

Cap Hit: $3.25 million (2 years remaining)
Contract Rating: -369.11
Lyubushkin’s contract limits the Stars’ financial flexibility, particularly given his lackluster performance.

4. Ben Chiarot, Detroit Red Wings

Cap Hit: $4.75 million (1 year remaining)
Contract Rating: -369.11
Chiarot has struggled in his role, failing to justify his high cap hit.

5. Erik Gudbranson, Columbus Blue Jackets

Cap Hit: $4 million (1 year remaining)
Contract Rating: -364.38
Gudbranson’s inflated market value has never reflected his on-ice contributions.

6. Mikael Granlund, Anaheim Ducks

Cap Hit: $5.5 million (2 years remaining)
Contract Rating: -355
Granlund’s disappointing performance makes his contract a significant liability for the Ducks.

7. Elvis Merzlikins, Columbus Blue Jackets

Cap Hit: $5.4 million (2 years remaining)
Contract Rating: -354.93
Once a promising goaltender, Merzlikins has struggled to maintain levels expected of his contract.

8. Ivan Fedotov, Philadelphia Flyers

Cap Hit: $3.275 million (1 year remaining)
Contract Rating: -354.93
Fedotov’s poor performance metrics have raised concerns about the value of his deal.

9. Brayden Schenn, St. Louis Blues

Cap Hit: $6.5 million (3 years remaining)
Contract Rating: -354
While Schenn has had his moments, his declining performance isn’t fitting for such a lucrative contract.

10. Josh Anderson, Montreal Canadiens

Cap Hit: $5.5 million (2 years remaining)
Contract Rating: -359
Anderson’s inconsistency has left him unable to justify his significant cap hit.

As the NHL approaches the 2025-26 season, teams will need to navigate these challenging contracts carefully. Making sound decisions will be critical to maintaining competitiveness while managing salary cap restraints.