The NHL's worst value contracts of 2025-26 are a fascinating yet concerning look at the league's financial landscape. These deals, where players' points come at a high cost, are a testament to the delicate balance between talent and compensation. Let's dive into the top 10 forwards whose points came at the highest price, and explore the implications of these deals for both the players and their teams.
The Costly Point Producers
Brandon Tanev ($833K per point): Tanev's goalless season in Utah was a stark contrast to his previous 10-goal, 22-point campaign. The Mammoth signed him for energy and penalty killing, but his offensive disappearance is alarming. With two years remaining at $2.5MM, Tanev's contract is a reminder that consistency is key in the NHL.
Garnet Hathaway ($800K per point): Hathaway's game has never been about scoring, but his three points in 66 games stretched even that job description. The Flyers traded him to Florida while retaining half his deal, so the Panthers get his final year at an effective $1.2MM. Hathaway's production drop-off from the previous year is a concern, and his future in Florida remains uncertain.
Maxim Tsyplakov ($563K per point): Tsyplakov's journey across three organizations in six months is a testament to the NHL's fluidity. Despite his KHL success, he managed only four points in 49 games. The Flames, who finished last in goals for, are hoping a fresh start will ignite his offensive production.
Trent Frederic ($550K per point): Frederic's seven points in 74 games in Edmonton were not enough to justify his $3.85MM cap hit. The Oilers' commitment to him for seven years is a long-term investment, but his recovery from a high-ankle sprain remains a question mark.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi ($536K per point): Kotkaniemi's strange season in Carolina, where he didn't play a single second of the Stanley Cup run, is a mystery. Scratched frequently, he managed only nine points in 42 games. With four years remaining, the buyout-versus-trade debate hangs over him, and his future in Carolina is uncertain.
Frank Vatrano ($508K per point): Vatrano's offense collapsed to nine points in 50 games, but a fractured shoulder and a cap crunch in Anaheim squeezed his role. With two years remaining on his deal, Vatrano's name has been in trade rumors, and his future in Anaheim is uncertain.
Ryan Reaves ($450K per point): Reaves' three goals in 50 games for San Jose at 39 years old were not enough to justify his $1.35MM cap hit. With his contract up, Reaves is an unsigned free agent who hopes to finish his career as a Shark. San Jose's cap space and Reaves' desire to stay make this a fascinating situation.
Jonathan Huberdeau ($420K per point): Huberdeau's 25 points in 50 games came at a high cost due to a chronic hip problem and surgery. The Flames owe him five more years at $10.5MM, and his recovery is the most consequential rehab of the offseason. The Flames' hope to find the former 115-point scorer remains a question mark.
Ondrej Palat ($400K per point): Palat's season is linked to the trade that sent Tsyplakov to the Islanders. Between two stops, he managed 15 points in 80 games. One year remains on his deal, and his future in New York is uncertain.
Phillip Danault ($324K per point): Danault's goalless season in Los Angeles and his messy December in Montreal stabilized somewhat. With one more season remaining on his deal, Montreal hopes he can find another gear and provide depth production.
Implications and Takeaways
These deals raise questions about the NHL's salary cap system and the value of offensive production. Teams must balance talent and compensation, and players must deliver on their potential. The NHL's worst value contracts are a reminder that consistency and production are key, and that the league's financial landscape is ever-changing. As the season unfolds, these deals will shape the NHL's future, and the implications will be felt across the league.
