The biggest contracts of the 2026 offseason
The 2026 offseason has already become one of the most financially aggressive in NHL history, as clubs scramble to lock up their star talent before the salary cap ceiling rises again. With the cap projected to exceed $85 million next season, teams are willing to stretch their budgets, resulting in a cascade of eight‑year, nine‑figure‑average‑annual‑value contracts that dominate the headlines.
At the top of the list, forward Leo Carlsson secured a five‑year, $18 million average annual value agreement with the Anaheim Ducks, a deal that not only reflects his breakout performance but also signals the Ducks’ intent to build around a new generation of talent. The contract places Carlsson among the league’s highest‑paid young players and sets a benchmark for future restricted‑free‑agent negotiations.
Not far behind, defenseman Bowen Byram inked a six‑year, $12.5 million AAV deal with the Chicago Blackhawks, a move that underscores Chicago’s commitment to reinforcing its blue line. Byram’s agreement, which blends term and value, is designed to keep the 23‑year‑old at the heart of the Blackhawks’ defensive core for the better part of the next decade.
The New Jersey Devils showed confidence in Nico Hischier by signing the Swiss centre to a five‑year, $11.7 million AAV contract. Hischier, who has emerged as the Devils’ offensive catalyst, will now enjoy a longer runway to translate his playmaking abilities into sustained playoff contention.
Other notable agreements include Pavel Dorofeyev’s seven‑year, $11 million AAV pact with the New York Rangers, Alex Tuch’s eight‑year, $10.5 million deal with the Washington Capitals, and Ivan Demidov’s eight‑year, $9.15 million contract with the Montreal Canadiens. Each of these deals reflects a strategic investment in talent that could shift the balance of power in their respective conferences.
Veteran defensemen John Carlson, Rasmus Andersson, Darren Raddysh, and Jacob Trouba also received multi‑year extensions, with Carlson staying in Tampa Bay, Andersson heading to Vegas, Raddysh joining Toronto, and Trouba signing with San Jose. These contracts, ranging from $8.25 million to $8.5 million per year, illustrate how even established stars are commanding significant guarantees as teams prioritize stability.
The ripple effects of these contracts extend beyond the individual teams. Cap‑hit distribution will force several clubs to make difficult roster decisions, potentially opening the door for trades or the exposure of other promising players. As the league watches, the 2026 offseason may well set a new precedent for how long‑term value is negotiated in the NHL.