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.
