NHL Contract Signings Overview
In recent weeks, the NHL has seen a flurry of major contract signings by some of its top stars. The Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid agreed to a two-year deal that will see him receive $12.5 million annually starting Monday. Meanwhile, Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov made headlines by inking the largest contract in NHL history, an eight-year deal with an annual cap hit of $17 million.
Notable Contract Renewals
The contract renewals didn’t stop there. The Winnipeg Jets secured Kyle Connor for an additional eight years at $12 million per year, while the Vegas Golden Knights have locked in Jack Eichel with a similar agreement worth $13.5 million each season for eight years.
Shifting Landscape of Player Salaries
Kaprizov’s staggering deal illustrates the shifting landscape of player salaries in the NHL, particularly as the salary cap continues to rise. Many had speculated that McDavid, a multi-award winner and arguably the league’s most recognized player, might break this record. However, his signing came just days after Kaprizov’s, suggesting other players might have to wait to surpass Kaprizov’s average annual value until after McDavid’s contract expires in the 2027-28 season.
Future Contract Expectations
With several high-profile athletes like Nikita Kucherov, Auston Matthews, Cale Makar, and Quinn Hughes approaching contract renewal, anticipation is building about who might be the first NHL player to hit the $20 million cap hit mark. Kucherov and Matthews have each claimed significant individual trophies, which indicate a potential for lucrative contracts, especially for Matthews, who leads the Toronto Maple Leafs and plays a premium position as a center.
If Matthews were to secure a new deal at $20 million per season when his current deal (at 15.06% of the cap) expires, and assuming the salary cap reaches a forecasted $113.5 million, this new contract would represent approximately 17.62% of the cap.
Conclusion
Kaprizov’s recent achievement has set a high bar for contracts, with the league witnessing an increase in the financial worth of players. Both Makar and Hughes, defensive powerhouses contributing to their teams’ offenses, currently secure cap hits below $10 million, fueling belief that they are undervalued. Given the nature of contract negotiations, it’s plausible that they could see significant financial increases in their next agreements, especially considering their irreplaceable talents.
The landscape of contracts within the NHL will continue to be fascinating, particularly as discussions heat up about which player will break the $20 million threshold in the near future. As the league grows and salaries inflate, the potential exists for contracts that redefine what top-tier talent is worth on the ice.
