The NHL's worst value contracts of 2025-26: A deep dive into the costliest per-point production among forwards
The NHL's 2025-26 season has brought to light some of the most costly and underperforming forward contracts in the league. This article takes a closer look at the ten forwards whose points came at the highest price, shedding light on the challenges these teams face in managing their payrolls and player performance.
- Brandon Tanev: The Offense Vanished
Tanev's three-point campaign in 2025-26 was a stark contrast to his ten-goal, 22-point season the previous year. Signed to a three-year deal in Utah, Tanev's $2.5MM cap hit resulted in an astonishing $833K per point. His goalless performance across 56 games raised concerns about his ability to contribute offensively, despite his physical presence and penalty-killing skills. The Mammoth's expectations of energy and penalty killing were met, but the lack of offensive production is a significant issue.
- Garnet Hathaway: A Trade and a Production Dip
Hathaway's $2.4MM cap hit in Philadelphia translated to $800K per point, a significant drop from his 2024-25 season. The Flyers traded him to Florida while retaining half his deal, indicating a perceived lack of value. Hathaway's regular-season performance was underwhelming, with only three points in 66 games, despite leading the Flyers with 252 hits. His trade to the Panthers raises questions about his future role and the team's strategy.
- Maxim Tsyplakov: A Journeyman's Struggle
Tsyplakov's journey between Long Island, New Jersey, and Calgary is a testament to the challenges of managing player performance. His $2.25MM cap hit resulted in a mere four points in 49 games, averaging $563K per point. The Russian forward's production ability is recognized, having scored 30 goals for Spartak Moskva in the KHL. However, his struggle to find consistency in North America is a concern for the Flames, who are hoping for a resurgence.
- Trent Frederic: A Long-Term Commitment
Frederic's $3.85MM cap hit in Edmonton is a significant commitment, especially considering his seven points in 74 games. The Oilers' decision to sign him to an eight-year, $30.8MM extension raises questions about his recovery from a high-ankle sprain. The team's need for added depth scoring makes Frederic's performance a critical factor in their future success.
- Jesperi Kotkaniemi: A Stanley Cup Champion's Struggle
Kotkaniemi's season was a peculiar one, as he didn't play a single second in Carolina's Stanley Cup-winning run. His nine points in 42 games at a $4.82MM cap hit resulted in $536K per point. The debate over buying out or trading him is ongoing, with rumors linking him to Alexander Nikishin. Carolina's strategy of attaching him to deals suggests a desire to offload his contract.
- Frank Vatrano: A Fractured Shoulder and a Role Struggle
Vatrano's offense collapsed to nine points in 50 games, averaging $508K per point on his $4.57MM cap hit. A fractured shoulder in December further impacted his performance, and the emergence of young forwards in Anaheim squeezed his role. With two years remaining on his deal, rumors of him being traded along with other high-priced forwards like Alex Killorn and Chris Kreider are circulating.
- Ryan Reaves: The Expiring Enforcer
Reaves, the league's elder enforcer, is an unsigned free agent with a desire to finish his career in San Jose. His $1.35MM cap hit resulted in three goals and nothing else across 50 games. At 39 years old, his performance under eight minutes a night raises questions about his future in the league.
- Jonathan Huberdeau: Chronic Hip Problem
Huberdeau's chronic hip problem and subsequent hip resurfacing surgery in March had a significant impact on his performance. His 25 points in 50 games at a $10.5MM cap hit resulted in $420K per point. The Flames' long-standing hope of finding the former 115-point scorer they acquired in the Matthew Tkachuk trade is now a critical factor in their offseason plans.
- Ondrej Palat: A Trade and a Contractual Conundrum
Palat's trade between New Jersey and the Islanders highlights the challenges of managing player performance. His $6MM cap hit resulted in 15 points in 80 games, averaging $400K per point. With one year remaining on his deal, signed off back-to-back Cups in Tampa, Palat's inability to produce a 40-point season is a concern.
- Phillip Danault: A Messy December and a Hoped-for Revival
Danault's goalless performance in Los Angeles and a messy December in LA sent him back to Montreal. His 17 points in 75 combined games at a $5.5MM cap hit resulted in $324K per point. The Canadiens' hope for a revival in 2026 and a return to his 40-point range is a critical factor in their future plans.
In conclusion, these ten forwards' contracts present significant challenges for their respective teams. The NHL's 2025-26 season has brought to light the importance of managing player performance and payroll, with these players' underperformance impacting their teams' success and future strategies.
