Who Will Cash In? Breaking Down NHL’s Next Big Contracts

Contract negotiations can be a minefield for NHL players, with some preferring to tune out the discussions and others eager to get a deal done. The goal is to stay focused on performance while managing the uncertainty surrounding their future deals.

Take Alexis Lafreniere, for example. Fresh off a breakout 2023-24 season, where he scored 28 goals and recorded 57 points across 82 games, Lafreniere secured a seven-year, $52.15 million contract with the New York Rangers. If he maintains this upward trajectory, the Rangers might just consider this a bargain.

Now that Lafreniere has signed, the spotlight shifts to several players poised for a significant payday. Connor McDavid, Cale Makar, and Kirill Kaprizov are all eligible for an extension starting in July 2025, prompting speculation about how much they could command.

Top NHL stars set for contract negotiations

The Superstars

In a surprising twist, Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin reportedly declined an eight-year, $88 million extension, which would have made him the highest-paid goalie in NHL history. Although this move shocked many, the reality is that Shesterkin will demand a hefty amount, regardless of whether he remains in New York or not. His contract has the potential to shift the market for goalies dramatically.

One agent opined, “My guess is Shesterkin will get upwards of $11.5 million per year.” Following the Jeremy Swayman precedent, who netted an eight-year, $66 million deal with the Bruins, it’s clear that goaltender negotiations are heating up. Shesterkin’s numbers are hard to ignore, boasting a .926 save percentage and a 2.16 goals-against average, both ranking him in the top five in the league.

As New York’s cornerstone player, Shesterkin’s contract situation is a storyline to keep an eye on as the deadline approaches.

Another intriguing case is Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs. While keeping a low profile on the negotiations, it’s known that these discussions are ongoing. With salaries of teammates Auston Matthews and William Nylander at $13.5 million and $11.5 million, respectively, Marner’s current rate of $10.9 million is likely to increase. He’s had an impressive start to this season, leading the team with one goal and ten points in nine games, making a case for an extension.

But there’s an elephant in the room: Marner’s lesser postseason performances. As one agent commented, “It wouldn’t surprise me at all if Marner gets to the summer without an extension.” The Maple Leafs will need to carefully evaluate their core’s future, which adds complexity to these negotiations.

The Core Set

Turning our attention to the Colorado Avalanche, Mikko Rantanen is also in a precarious situation. Despite being a standout on the team, contract talks appear stalled over his current deal of $9.25 million per season. He can use this upcoming season to improve his leverage, especially as he ties for third in league scoring with four goals in the early part of the campaign.

On Long Island, Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders potentially faces a fork in the road as he becomes an unrestricted free agent. Despite speculation that he might be moved before the trade deadline, Nelson’s rising stats—111 goals and 209 points over the past three seasons—make him a valuable asset, one that the Islanders would be wise to retain.

In a similar light, Brock Boeser is making a case for a sizable pay raise following a career-best season in 2023-24 where he netted 40 goals and 73 points. With the Canucks’ cap situation uncertain, the waiting game could benefit Boeser, especially if his play continues to shine.

Impact players in contract talks

The Rising Stars

As the focus shifts to the rising stars of the league, players like Morgan Geekie of the Boston Bruins find themselves at a critical juncture. Coming off his best season, Geekie has seen a dip in production at the start of the current season. Boston may want to secure a deal quickly to capitalize on past successes and set him up as a future leader in the lineup.

Wyatt Johnston of the Dallas Stars is another young player on the verge of a lucrative contract. With 56 goals and 106 points in the past two seasons, Johnston has established himself as a cornerstone of Dallas’s offense. A potential long-term deal in the range of $8-$8.5 million could ensure his commitment to the franchise as they aim for continued success in the postseason.

Conclusion

The landscape of NHL contracts is brimming with intrigue as established stars and rising talents vie for their next big deals. As pressure mounts on franchises to solidify their rosters, fans will be watching closely to see who will get paid next. Stay tuned to Premier League Pulse for the latest updates on these exciting contract negotiations.

Exciting contract prospects in the NHL