Let's dive into the world of NHL contracts and explore some of the most intriguing, and perhaps controversial, deals of the 2025-26 season. This list takes a closer look at the forwards whose points came at a premium, and the implications these contracts have for their respective teams.
The Costliest Points
At the top of our list is Brandon Tanev, whose points in the 2025-26 season cost his team, the Utah Mammoth, a whopping $833,000 each. That's a significant price tag for a player who went goalless across 56 games. The Mammoth's expectations for Tanev were clear: energy, penalty killing, and physicality. While he delivered on the latter, with 135 hits, the offense was a major concern. This season was a stark contrast to his previous one, where he scored ten goals and 22 points.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the impact of a player's performance on their contract value. Tanev's two-year, $2.5 million deal now seems like a risky investment, especially with his offensive production taking a nosedive. It raises the question: can a player's value be accurately assessed based on a single season's performance?
A Tale of Declining Production
Garnet Hathaway, a player known more for his physical presence than his scoring prowess, also made the list. His three points in 66 games cost the Philadelphia Flyers $800,000 each. While Hathaway's regular season may have been lackluster, his performance in the playoffs, with a goal and an assist against Pittsburgh, might have saved his reputation with Flyers fans. However, the team decided to trade him to Florida, where he will finish his contract at a reduced rate.
In my opinion, Hathaway's story highlights the importance of context. A player's value isn't solely determined by their regular-season stats; their impact in high-pressure situations, like the playoffs, can be just as crucial.
Traveling For Points
Maxim Tsyplakov, a forward who played for three different organizations in six months, is an interesting case. His four points in 49 games cost the Calgary Flames $563,000 each. Despite his struggles in the NHL, Tsyplakov has shown offensive ability in the KHL, where he was a 30-goal scorer. The Flames, who struggled to score goals last season, are hoping for a turnaround.
This situation brings up an important point about player development and adaptation. Tsyplakov's journey is a reminder that adjusting to a new league and team can be challenging, and it's not always a linear process. It's a fascinating aspect of sports that often goes unnoticed.
Long-Term Concerns
Trent Frederic, with seven points in 74 games, is a concern for the Edmonton Oilers. His $3.85 million contract has seven years remaining, which is the longest commitment on this list. The Oilers' decision to sign him to an eight-year extension last summer now seems like a risky move, especially with Frederic still recovering from a high-ankle sprain.
Personally, I think this situation highlights the fine line between rewarding a player's potential and overestimating their long-term value. It's a gamble that many teams take, but the consequences can be significant if the player fails to live up to expectations.
The Stanley Cup Champion's Struggles
Jesperi Kotkaniemi, a Stanley Cup champion with the Carolina Hurricanes, had a strange season. He was frequently scratched during the regular season and didn't play a single second during the Hurricanes' championship run. With four years remaining on his $4.82 million contract, the Hurricanes are facing a difficult decision: buy him out or trade him.
This raises a deeper question about the impact of a player's role within a championship team. Kotkaniemi's situation shows that being part of a winning team doesn't always guarantee playing time, and it can create complex contract situations for teams.
Injury and Cap Crunches
Frank Vatrano, a forward who scored 37 goals two seasons ago, saw his offensive production collapse to nine points in 50 games. His $4.57 million contract is now a concern for the Anaheim Ducks, who are facing a cap crunch. Vatrano's name has been linked to trade rumors, as the team looks to move contracts.
Injury is often an overlooked factor in a player's performance. Vatrano's fractured shoulder and the emergence of young forwards in Anaheim highlight the unpredictable nature of sports. It's a reminder that a player's value can change drastically due to circumstances beyond their control.
The Elder Enforcer
Ryan Reaves, at 39 years old, is the list's elder enforcer and the only player with an expiring contract. His three goals in 50 games cost the San Jose Sharks $450,000 each. With his contract now up, Reaves is an unsigned free agent, but he has expressed a desire to finish his career with the Sharks.
Reaves' situation is a unique one. His value to a team goes beyond his offensive production. The Sharks will have to decide if Reaves' experience and leadership are worth the investment, especially with the team having $12 million in cap space.
The Big Name, Big Contract
Jonathan Huberdeau, a well-known name in the NHL, made the list with his 25 points in 50 games costing the Calgary Flames $420,000 each. Huberdeau played through a chronic hip problem and underwent hip resurfacing surgery in March. His contract, with five years remaining at $10.5 million, is a significant commitment for the Flames.
The Flames' acquisition of Huberdeau in the Matthew Tkachuk trade during the 2022 offseason was a big move. However, Huberdeau's production has not met the team's expectations. His recovery and performance in the upcoming seasons will be crucial for the Flames' success.
The Final Two
Ondrej Palat and Phillip Danault round out our list. Palat, who was traded to the New Jersey Devils in January, managed 15 points in 80 games, costing the Devils $400,000 each. Danault, who went goalless in 30 games with the Los Angeles Kings before returning to the Montreal Canadiens, had a similar story. His 17 points in 75 games cost the Canadiens $324,000 each.
These two players' situations are a reminder that sometimes, a change of scenery isn't enough to spark a player's performance. It's a complex interplay of factors, including team dynamics, personal motivation, and, of course, skill.
Conclusion
This list of the NHL's worst value contracts for forwards in the 2025-26 season provides an intriguing insight into the world of sports contracts. It's a reminder that while numbers and statistics are important, the human element and the unpredictable nature of sports often play a significant role in a player's value and performance. These contracts and the stories behind them showcase the fascinating complexities of the NHL.
