50 NHL Players Who Aren’t Worth the Money
![Overpaid nhl hockey players](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/overpaid-nhl-hockey-players/YfDB68bQYSS6FtvM7tblZcAYkx4=/87x147:690x600/603x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/06/c7/06c76d58c8454b4386387d7914d24594.jpeg)
If you want to see an NHL general manager get his shorts in a bunch, one bad word will do it. Overpaid. This is especially true in the pandemic era. Because teams took considerable financial hits in the last two seasons, the salary cap will be stagnant for a while. That renders every overgenerous contract that much worse.
With an assist from Spotrac, which supplied the numbers, here’s the shortlist of the most overpaid players in professional hockey. To be eligible, a player had to 1) take part in at least 20 games in the 2020-21 season, 2) have a minimum $3 million cash salary and 3) be under contract for next season.
Alexa, please void these deals as soon as possible if not earlier...
50. Brett Connolly
![Brett Connolly celebrates his goal](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/brett-connolly-celebrates-his-goal/2ptvmaCP_p2viQWWHu2G_KVuwLc=/0x0:2471x1853/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/e6/c7/e6c7e5b4e6ad413397531fec1d83e2a2.jpeg)
Career: 14 seasons (2007-present)
Teams: Tampa Bay Lightning (2011-15),Boston Bruins (2015-16), Washington Capitals (2016-19), Florida Panthers (2019-21), Chicago Blackhawks (2021-present)
Cash salary: $3.5 million
Career statistics: 527 games played/101 goals/93 assists/+12 plus-minus rating
* Note: Career statistics are included through the 2020-21 season.
Bottom Line: Brett Connolly
![Brett Connolly skates with puck](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/brett-connolly-skates-with-puck/0kgBM4si7lWD1GR9eB-An9VNvHs=/0x0:3200x2400/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/5e/be/5ebe02aeb7cf425395d8b8e01df26f48.jpeg)
It made sense for the Panthers to pursue the 26-year-old on the heels of a career-high, 22-goal season, but not at a hefty 113 percent pay increase over four years.
It took less than two seasons for the organization to cut its losses.
49. Patrick Kane
![Patrick Kane congratulates Philipp Kurashev](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/patrick-kane-congratulates-philipp-kurashev/MDDQNf7SP0znYt33-DfJvbvWXeE=/270x0:3782x2633/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/9d/1e/9d1e8a9cc2344f5ba40cdb5e1cbc4f8e.jpeg)
Career: 14 seasons (2007-present)
Teams: Chicago Blackhawks (2007-present)
Cash salary: $7 million
Career statistics: 1,029/402/684/+62
Bottom Line: Patrick Kane
![Patrick Kane skating](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/patrick-kane-skating/ccBpXxZtyhDfM8bCgo44h82PRSo=/285x0:4868x3437/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/b2/cc/b2cc5f84b3504a119a3b3446bb7f0a2f.jpeg)
While the 32-year-old remains a point-a-game player, he comes off career lows in his bread and butter — goals (15) and power-play goals (3).
His $10.5 million average salary ranks No. 9 in the league.
48. Sean Monahan
![Sean Monahan reaches out for loose puck](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/sean-monahan-reaches-out-for-loose-puck/ZvKPeUO4imanbMDDG5woqf1K9Cw=/0x114:4448x3451/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/f6/79/f6794bbc365047669ca485cc4969bfe5.jpeg)
Career: 8 seasons (2014-present)
Teams: Calgary Flames (2014-present)
Cash salary: $6 million
Career statistics: 591/204/235/-31
Bottom Line: Sean Monahan
![Calgary Flames center Sean Monahan skates](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/calgary-flames-center-sean-monahan-skates/qshxgUlU1E_3yQOBOjOOCvIVfxs=/0x0:3200x2400/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/16/4f/164f1a0e5a6748f391cdceca05ddbf50.jpeg)
The power forwardpeaked at 82 points in the 2018-19 campaign, but health issues have taken him down, down, down since then.
47. Brent Burns
![Brent Burns portrait](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/brent-burns-portrait/6EB4OUjvEReFqO9vFeakItththY=/514x0:4648x3100/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/b7/d9/b7d96db8feec4cfca23abaf53ad447ae.jpeg)
Career: 17 seasons (2003-present)
Teams: Minnesota Wild (2003-11), San Jose Sharks (2011- present)
Cash salary: $10 million
Career statistics: 1,238/226/543/-35
Bottom Line: Brent Burns
![Brent Burns skates with puck](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/brent-burns-skates-with-puck/NuXOjDt7P6yDXM3KfbxV1iLnRKM=/40x0:3986x2959/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/00/db/00dbba9853924f6ca9687e399adce067.jpeg)
The 36-year-old bearded wonder has fallen prey to age and the rigors of a 25-plus-minute workload.
Worse yet, his salary cap hit will increase in the final four seasons of his eight-year, $64 million deal.
46. Jared Spurgeon
![Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon shoots against Vegas Golden Knights](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/minnesota-wild-defenseman-jared-spurgeon-shoots-against-vegas-golden-knights/Pa0VhhcFLjhiML9NJv8jgWkPVUw=/355x93:3793x2671/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/93/90/9390404f2d3e467db199239f76ac4e90.jpeg)
Career: 11 seasons (2010-present)
Teams: Minnesota Wild (2010-present)
Cash salary:
Career statistics: 707/89/216/+48
Bottom Line: Jared Spurgeon
![Minnesota Wild's Jared Spurgeon moves puck](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/minnesota-wilds-jared-spurgeon-moves-puck/GPXGEOcjuIahkAsQpcFUMj3fGIg=/201x0:3427x2419/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/db/9c/db9cc8ce8c0848e6941962d838878341.jpeg)
This d-man has been among the most consistent throughout his career. It’s just that, at 31, he has likely maxed out with six years left on a seven-year, $53 million deal.
That partly explains why his team is in salary cap hell at the moment.
45 Chris Kreider
![Chris Kreider shoot on goal](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/chris-kreider-shoot-on-goal/HslwRGJG2Hb5ux2INRcD3_Fd_YE=/372x0:3371x2249/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/25/57/2557353dd21643b7b7bf52ac1cf15bb9.jpeg)
Career: 9 seasons (2012-present)
Teams: New York Rangers (2012-present)
Cash salary: $10 million
Career statistics: 573/177/169/+67
Bottom Line: Chris Kreider
![New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider celebrates his goal against the Detroit Red Wings](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/new-york-rangers-left-wing-chris-kreider-celebrates-his-goal-against-the-detroit-red-wings/z7iZ1Vj7QrhEGdUpToIjWG2_rvY=/180x0:2457x1707/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/d2/7d/d27d718497c742799a30e1c102821d88.jpeg)
Kreider has been a consistent 20-plus goal scorer who gets paid like a 30-plus goal scorer.
A signing bonus comprises nearly half his salary, which renders the salary cap hit more manageable.
44. Colton Parayko
![Colton Parayko skating](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/colton-parayko-skating/dqRAtBfh033sAFnRLaROLpJFQmQ=/427x127:3425x2376/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/75/18/751851fef6134885bc705bceba0a3c1b.jpeg)
Career: 6 seasons (2015-present)
Teams: St. Louis Blues (2015-present)
Cash salary: $3.35 million
Career statistics: 418/41/130/+54
Bottom Line: Colton Parayko
![Colton Parayko and Conor Sheary compete for puck](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/colton-parayko-and-conor-sheary-compete-for-puck/eX041KSlw6TPbm4WfYpqvQoZY1M=/328x0:4351x3017/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/68/a2/68a29d941cb54ae1a610abc18b9ebddf.jpeg)
Parayko comes off an injury-marred season, his worst to date.
His salary will escalate to $5.63 million in the 2021-22 season, the last of a five-year, $27.5 million deal.
43. Travis Konecny
![Travis Konecny skates](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/travis-konecny-skates/DQu5XBHf4z-atPl0ijf400_4RAA=/0x0:3328x2496/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/64/9b/649bf5e0e2c9461b817ef42340a52dbe.jpeg)
Career: 5 seasons (2016-present)
Teams: Philadelphia Flyers (2016-present)
Cash salary: $5 million
Career statistics: 349/94/125/+5
Bottom Line: Travis Konecny
![Philadelphia Flyers' Travis Konecny scores goal](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/philadelphia-flyers-travis-konecny-scores-goal/nFtPlnrvtKYz4jW-OoW_AgAFi9U=/173x0:2973x2100/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/43/8c/438ccd2187544d699e0c70cbf63c6850.jpeg)
After three consecutive 24-goal campaigns, the forward slumped to 11 last season when health problems continued to be problematic.
He has four years left on a six-year, $33 million agreement.
42. Mikko Koskinen
![Edmonton Oilers goaltender Mikko Koskinen looks on](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/edmonton-oilers-goaltender-mikko-koskinen-looks-on/ibDtcYx0PWaFNufBsSpVrmpBfZk=/400x196:5643x4128/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/0f/08/0f085f8fdcc34129aec55d0761ccc97e.jpeg)
Career: 4 seasons (2010-11, 2018-present)
Teams: New York Islanders (2010-11),Edmonton Oilers (2018-present)
Cash salary: $3.8 million
Career statistics: 163/83-58-12/3/.906
Bottom Line: Mikko Koskinin
![Edmonton Oilers goaltender Mikko Koskinen stops puck](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/edmonton-oilers-goaltender-mikko-koskinen-stops-puck/kn-RsxEZZFLCKYDatW8KoytISpg=/257x0:3432x2381/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/f1/e3/f1e3efba3efa4cc1b8bf3c76b1df3290.jpeg)
A franchise goalie should be at the top of the Oilers want list, one would think. But nooooo, they settled on a 30-year-old vagabond who once had been out of the league for six years.
He was gifted a three-year, $13.5 million contract extension that runs through the 2021-22 season.
41. Marcus Pettersson
![Marcus Pettersson congratulates Chad Ruhwedel](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/marcus-pettersson-congratulates-chad-ruhwedel/GSqAJBalzG3TtwySToQ7ZvUEpkE=/207x0:3036x2121/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/cb/fa/cbfa522bd0b94f0dbf9481040ff17006.jpeg)
Career: 4 seasons (2017-present)
Teams: Anaheim Ducks (2017-18), Pittsburgh Penguins (2018-present)
Cash salary: $4 million
Career statistics: 222/7/53/+39
Bottom Line: Marcus Pettersson
![New York Rangers' Artemi Panarin collides with Pittsburgh Penguins' Marcus Pettersson](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/new-york-rangers-artemi-panarin-collides-with-pittsburgh-penguins-marcus-pettersson/yWSaFyLBqm_pUcq25Vd7zgmrSUs=/287x0:3235x2211/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/58/ab/58abcd13b5df499d9a0247d1ab3a06ab.jpeg)
This defenseman tries hard at one end and scores a goal every three months at the other. Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford believed that package was worth $20.1 million over five seasons.
Now, it’s left to successor Ron Hextall to clean up the spill.
40. Victor Rask
![Minnesota Wild center Victor Rask skates away from Arizona Coyotes center Nick Schmaltz](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/minnesota-wild-center-victor-rask-skates-away-from-arizona-coyotes-center-nick-schmaltz/fLjpDKTNCMXntlmBj2orE6wq5r0=/290x0:3667x2532/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/03/73/0373587166174ada91437c8121baf966.jpeg)
Career: 7 seasons (2014-present)
Teams: Carolina Hurricanes (2014-19), Minnesota Wild (2019-present)
Cash salary: $4 million
Career statistics: 459/80/122/-26
Bottom Line: Victor Rask
![Seattle Kraken center Victor Rask passes puck](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/seattle-kraken-center-victor-rask-passes-puck/mNusHiz18gXgmZkSBVWIrdKnHBA=/423x0:4235x2858/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/13/83/1383dd6048d84b79afc6a9439251acd7.jpeg)
After the 22-goal center scored 22 goals in his second season, Hurricanes management locked him up for the next six seasons.
Their projections were just a little bit short of the mark, though. He has averaged a mere 9.7 goals per season since then.
39. Jacob Trouba
![New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba skates against Lawson Crouse](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/new-york-rangers-defenseman-jacob-trouba-skates-against-lawson-crouse/HLKx3J8vANJcqQYSc5XEg_N0dNM=/159x21:3331x2400/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/29/71/2971cdfc468348ee8b70bb478119ff64.jpeg)
Career: 9 seasons (2013-present)
Teams: Winnipeg Jets (2013-19), New York Rangers (2019-present)
Cash salary: $10 million
Career statistics: 516/51/167/+28
Bottom Line: Jacob Trouba
![New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba and St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn fight](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/new-york-rangers-defenseman-jacob-trouba-and-st-louis-blues-center-brayden-schenn-fight/OR6JJIxTZ44MtITvK7YmS98c0tw=/269x0:4912x3482/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/28/ed/28edd7d14bab455bbe865d56f271a5e0.jpeg)
When the Blue Shirts signed the free agent defenseman to a front-loaded, $56 million deal, eyes bugged out around the league. The next two seasons confirmed their reaction.
It’s premature to write off the 26-year-old at this stage, but the guy has a big tab to pick up.
38. Tyler Myers
![Tyler Myers in action](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/tyler-myers-in-action/G5QxmwJxSce9HbVbAkC4X7USNGo=/643x98:3935x2567/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/25/00/25006c7ae48944c7aa27e7d158522cda.jpeg)
Career: 12 seasons (2009-present)
Teams: Buffalo Sabres (2009-15), Winnipeg Jets (2015-19), Vancouver Canucks (2019-present)
Cash salary: $5 million
Career statistics: 758/86/221/-6
Bottom Line: Tyler Myers
![Tyler Myers celebrates with Tanner Pearson](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/tyler-myers-celebrates-with-tanner-pearson/blgfk-AMGmUdb2rfrO4kbqAL1nU=/308x0:3005x2023/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/fb/89/fb89b9fa74fd492fa736604e202ee740.jpeg)
Myers entered the league with lots of size (6-foot-8) and hype (12th overall pick), but he never lived up to massive expectations.
Nonetheless, some general managers are suckers for potential. They’ve shelled out a cool $53 million-plus in this case.
37. Jonathan Quick
![Jonathan Quick portrait](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/jonathan-quick-portrait/oBlwy7_1SzBIhmJS6qc9hFKikbc=/915x131:6157x4063/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/71/3d/713d3cdea6094c68aa43f04390fe80a6.jpeg)
Career: 14 seasons (2007-present)
Teams: Los Angeles Kings (2007-present)
Cash salary: $5 million
Career statistics: 666/336-249-69/2.41/.913
Bottom Line: Jonathan Quick
![Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick glove save](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/los-angeles-kings-goaltender-jonathan-quick-glove-save/r00ZnfG-7QU2E5tfRFvDywSoB6w=/0x0:1777x1333/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/41/25/41259f6a5ccf4296897cf231a26a939f.jpeg)
Well, you know what they say...
If you’re gonna overpay for a 35-year-old, backup goalie whose best days are behind him, then get at least two Stanley Cups out of him when his best days are in front of him.
36. James Neal
![St. Louis Blues James Neal and Colorado Avalanche Andre Burakovsky skates](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/st-louis-blues-james-neal-and-colorado-avalanche-andre-burakovsky-skates/wSxJqzku6NQOJApdcVFWDuRzXDA=/0x94:2800x2195/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/11/e6/11e6e554f2704d33bab17d47e0c5dd72.jpeg)
Career: 13 seasons (2008-present)
Teams: Dallas Stars (2008-11), Pittsburgh Penguins (2011-14), Nashville Predators (2014-17), Vegas Golden Knights (2017-18), Calgary Flames (2018-19), Edmonton Oilers (2019-present)
Cash salary: $5.75 million
Career statistics: 850/294/261/+8
Bottom Line: James Neal
![St. Louis Blues' James Neal skates](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/st-louis-blues-james-neal-skates/w-5YOvPzGP8wzeVvJ5aVdujkTU0=/437x51:2603x1676/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/4b/d8/4bd82a3ee0d34133a46cf5655eecf2ad.jpeg)
As long as the Oilers sign one-dimensional, 32-year-old has-beens like this one, they’re doomed to salary cap purgatory.
It might be worth $3.83 million to buy out the contract and try, try again.
35. Ivan Provorov
![Philadelphia Flyers' Ivan Provorov and Vegas Golden Knights' Chandler Stephenson collide](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/philadelphia-flyers-ivan-provorov-and-vegas-golden-knights-chandler-stephenson-collide/qGMQodpgp4elAMP9_VK4cACzj_A=/87x0:1627x1155/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/1b/48/1b487e45e03947159f297c39cba3321f.jpeg)
Career: 5 seasons (2016-present)
Teams: Philadelphia Flyers (2016-present)
Cash salary: $4.75 million
Career statistics: 371/50/109/+9
Bottom Line: Ivan Provorov
![Philadelphia Flyers' Ivan Provorov skates the puck past Toronto Maple Leafs' Michael Bunting](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/philadelphia-flyers-ivan-provorov-skates-the-puck-past-toronto-maple-leafs-michael-bunting/SsvFHUyUPJipvUSMOxW-ZI2OBYY=/2x0:3870x2901/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/fb/50/fb5079891c1d4d549cf2f4f2b173fe2d.jpeg)
How many years have we heard that Provorov is the second coming of Nicklas Lidstrom?
Ha. Haha. Hahaha. Hahahaha. Hahahahaha ... Have you ever seen the Flyers win the Cup?
34. Mats Zuccarello
![Minnesota Wild's Mats Zuccarello passes puck against Philadelphia Flyers' Cam Atkinson](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/minnesota-wilds-mats-zuccarello-passes-puck-against-philadelphia-flyers-cam-atkinson/Q-JG2NXgEOb-AaMc5gQJaQCg9NA=/75x0:3324x2436/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/af/06/af0688eadbda4822b9754f355724eb86.jpeg)
Career: 11 seasons (2010-present)
Teams: New York Rangers (2010-2019), Dallas Stars (2019), Minnesota North Stars (2019-present)
Cash salary: $5 million
Career statistics: 618/140/287/+40
Bottom Line: Mats Zuccarello
![Mats Zuccarello celebrates goal with Jason Zucker](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/mats-zuccarello-celebrates-goal-with-jason-zucker/eYHVs6bhfhA_qI79kBUDdgvbJbY=/102x57:3761x2801/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/d6/42/d642ad46873546b6b6ffa744c3a48fe7.jpeg)
The Lizard reached the 20-goal mark once in his career. That was eight seasons ago.
His five-year, $30 million contract is guaranteed and calls for a hefty 50 percent raise in the 2021-22 season.
33. Ryan Getzlaf
![Ryan Getzlaf skating](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/ryan-getzlaf-skating/BRCP6FS7SarP8nD1nMuCVh1fkvY=/0x0:2412x1809/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/2a/de/2adeb15f91854eeba307a3b827ac3fca.jpeg)
Career: 16 seasons (2005-present)
Teams: Anaheim Ducks (2005-present)
Cash salary: $6 million
Career statistics: 1,101/279/703/+116
Bottom Line: Ryan Getzlaf
![Los Angeles Kings' Dustin Brown fights for puck](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/los-angeles-kings-dustin-brown-fights-for-puck/OJoaBcJSFRnjv5RW5ItrCRn6m1Y=/387x0:3716x2497/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/77/4b/774b3e5adf784f008bfef2a18f2c3440.jpeg)
When the 27-year-old team captain re-upped for eight years at $66 million, it had the appearance of a fair deal for both sides.
But too many hard minutes and too little support around him made for diminishing returns, especially in the last three seasons.
32. Sergei Bobrovsky
![Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky makes save](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/florida-panthers-goaltender-sergei-bobrovsky-makes-save/tZLomLrAcSWitho07SR1vA2JT1w=/163x0:2794x1973/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/8f/a3/8fa3b4d6defd44179ae958bf75d24ae9.jpeg)
Career: 11 seasons (2010-present)
Teams: Philadelphia Flyers (2010-12), Columbus Blue Jackets (2012-19), Florida Panthers (2019-present)
Cash salary: $12 million
Career statistics: 538/297-180-45/2.56/.916
Bottom Line: Sergei Bobrovsky
![Sergei Bobrovsky saves a shot](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/sergei-bobrovsky-saves-a-shot/ADzhkNHhaBlaWfSrjzMxohAsJ68=/129x29:4465x3281/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/ef/ee/efeefb9daac945c2ab1974d5e038098e.jpeg)
So desperate were the Panthers to land a franchise goalie, they rewarded the 30-year-old free agent with a monstrous seven-year, $70 million contract, the second richest at the position.
Problem was,the two-time Vezina Trophy version hadn’t been seen in a while. Bob will be so old by the time the deal expires, his nickname will be Robert by then.
31. Nate Schmidt
![Winnipeg Jets defenseman Nate Schmidt shoots during an NHL hockey game](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/winnipeg-jets-defenseman-nate-schmidt-shoots-during-an-nhl-hockey-game/IigMUnz39RmmSuscP_9pUctX0ic=/183x110:3448x2559/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/c6/d6/c6d6703a8d6e451cb99a48ae3c143a73.jpeg)
Career: 8 seasons (2013-present)
Teams: Washington Capitals (2013-17), Vegas Golden Knights (2017-2020). Vancouver Canucks (2020-21), Winnipeg Jets (2021-present)
Cash salary: $6.1 million
Career statistics: 450/34/121/+81
Bottom Line: Nate Schmidt
![Winnipeg Jets' Nate Schmidt controls the puck](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/winnipeg-jets-nate-schmidt-controls-the-puck/05RHrpNBxaQppfPUJVOzFW1-cbY=/186x0:2807x1965/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/4f/10/4f1012a06c6d494caf9b34eff97a6b5c.jpeg)
The expansion Golden Knights had lots of money to burn in their debut season, and the veteran puck-mover reaped the benefits of a six-year, $35.7 million deal.
That was a No. 1 d-man salary for a middle-pair player. Two trades later, the Jets will pick up the tab for the final three years.
30. Kevin Hayes
![New York Rangers' Kevin Hayes drives against Carolina Hurricanes' Lucas Wallmark](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/new-york-rangers-kevin-hayes-drives-against-carolina-hurricanes-lucas-wallmark/E_xD5kime10mgaN19YdJ_dlv8FA=/0x0:3027x2270/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/97/d9/97d9cd667dd04d0bb1b84ba7cbdcd300.jpeg)
Career: 8 seasons (2014-present)
Teams: New York Rangers (2014-19), Winnipeg Jets (2019), Philadelphia Flyers (2019-present)
Cash salary: $9 million
Career statistics: 505/127/174/20
Bottom Line: Kevin Hayes
![Philadelphia Flyers' Kevin Hayes carries puck as Columbus Blue Jackets' Eric Robinson defends](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/philadelphia-flyers-kevin-hayes-carries-puck-as-columbus-blue-jackets-eric-robinson-defends/Xwo2aFyI5Lkm1aQlYiIIUYl0fJM=/46x0:2691x1983/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/d3/f3/d3f3707e1f35465db6ccca0c8ba45a3c.jpeg)
Some Philly lug nuts rave about this guy. Sorry, we don’t see it. The center is paid more than Leon Draisaitl, Anje Kopitar, Aleksander Barkov, Nathan MacKinnon ... or to put it another way, he rakes in more money in three months than Bobby Clarke did in his 15-season career.
We bet the franchise GOAT is pissed about this.
29. John Tavares
![Toronto Maple Leafs' John Tavares during first period of NHL hockey game](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/toronto-maple-leafs-john-tavares-during-first-period-of-nhl-hockey-game/KftLDwE9CaxM2kIThXjWtTWah9A=/270x0:2878x1956/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/78/6e/786e7413424e4d668f35075613c69403.jpeg)
Career: 13 seasons (2009-present)
Teams: New York Islanders (2009-present), Toronto Maple Leafs (2018-present)
Cash salary: $9.35 million
Career statistics: 870/364/455/-18
Bottom Line: John Tavares
![John Tavares in action in second period](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/john-tavares-in-action-in-second-period/xd4ppQZ69kOHB4H7MoSSS1C5mu4=/264x0:2896x1974/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/dc/34/dc347a69a6704eb5b8cf9221347b0596.jpeg)
Count us among those who gets why the captain wanted Toronto in the summer of 2018 and his hometown team wanted him. But did management have to bid against itself when it was obvious where his heart was all along?
It grossly overpaid for three or four peak seasons in the seven-year, $77 million megadeals, most if not all are already behind him.
28. Josh Morrissey
![Josh Morrissey and Joel Eriksson skating](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/josh-morrissey-and-joel-eriksson-skating/DxLyVnVnlNczKBwXGEpVN3EFUAQ=/41x0:2195x1615/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/4a/f6/4af698dc99ec40a0aa680fe3f5d27001.jpeg)
Career: 7 seasons (2015-present)
Teams: Winnipeg Jets (2015-present)
Cash salary: $8 million
Career statistics: 344/28/101/+3
Bottom Line: Josh Morrissey
![Josh Morrissey in action](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/josh-morrissey-in-action/k5J6qWR7fZgKwo-iA7hVtvXz6VQ=/80x0:3888x2855/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/b8/b3/b8b3673353794e6d84b283d19a57341a.jpeg)
Here’s a No. 2 or No. 3 d-man who is paid like a top dog. Then again, when Dustin Byfuglien upped and quit on short notice two years ago, the mid-market team had little choice except to overpay him.
Seven years remain on his eight-year, $50 million deal, the final three of which will pay a more reasonable $4.8 million annually.
27. T.J. Brodie
![Calgary Flames defenseman TJ Brodie plays against Detroit Red Wings](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/calgary-flames-defenseman-tj-brodie-plays-against-detroit-red-wings/vRCtt8XFM0FrpljM40TkDKEfA-w=/324x0:2991x2000/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/97/82/9782f8b40f1a4ef9ab871646d2cef6c2.jpeg)
Career: 12 seasons (2010-present)
Teams: Calgary Flames (2010-2020), Toronto Maple Leafs (2020-present)
Cash salary: $5 million
Career statistics: 690/49/231/37
Bottom Line: T.J. Brodie
![Color](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/color/dMFqfwrVvdM1GF1LdL2qvbKlOg8=/215x0:2874x1994/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/4c/64/4c64728607654c409723eccd1c3b72c5.jpeg)
In his early 30s, this veteran peaked two years ago. No matter. The Maple Loafs were so desperate to upgrade their backline, the free agent couldn’t turn down their lucrative four-year, $20 million offer.
The deal maxes out at $7.5 million in the final year, at which point he’ll be a 34-year-old albatross.
26. John Gibson
![Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson defends the puck](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/anaheim-ducks-goaltender-john-gibson-defends-the-puck/1UJwZqnasy7sY9Y8QqAGUHFZI4s=/143x0:4077x2950/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/86/47/8647835c0200429187da1f82aa939bb4.jpeg)
Career: 9 seasons (2013-present)
Teams: Anaheim Ducks (2013-present)
Cash salary: $6.65 million
Career statistics: 322/2.58/.917
Bottom Line: John Gibson
![John Gibson defends net](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/john-gibson-defends-net/c9vXgmw0Wl8vUXhkwjjSCmT4fUo=/260x0:2460x1650/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/5f/9c/5f9ca59637e744bbaf8d5eefe04ead56.jpeg)
We don’t buy that a guy who had been an elite goalie not long ago suddenly forgot how to stop pucks the last two seasons. Rather, we see a frustrated player who knows that he’ll never hoist a Stanley Cup where he’s stuck now.
How good would the Pittsburgh native look good in black and gold? Just sayin’.
25. Pierre-Luc Dubois
![Columbus Blue Jackets' Pierre-Luc Dubois celebrates his goal](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/columbus-blue-jackets-pierre-luc-dubois-celebrates-his-goal/_8em3j2QiK-nc6csKZQoI4zMz_w=/441x0:3975x2650/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/31/2a/312a02c0bafb40409b1272f2c038bd3d.jpeg)
Career: 5 seasons (2017-present)
Teams: Columbus Blue Jackets (2017-2020), Winnipeg Jets (2020-present)
Cash salary: $6.65 million
Career statistics: 280 games played/74 goals/105 assists/+14 plus-minus rating
Bottom Line: Pierre-Luc Dubois
![Pierre-Luc Dubois in action](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/pierre-luc-dubois-in-action/KZ6y2nMQmzh2L9rrs-pTppkBbmc=/183x0:3007x2118/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/70/19/7019bf75f3d34ec1a013ad4c99ea95d8.jpeg)
It’s much too early to write this enigma off completely, but we wonder if we’ve seen the best of him already.
Consider that the Jets gave up headcase Patrik Laine to get him, and the guy was worth a dice roll.
24. Olli Maatta
![Los Angeles Kings defenseman Olli Maatta plays against the Vegas Golden Knights](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/los-angeles-kings-defenseman-olli-maatta-plays-against-the-vegas-golden-knights/NVJI6udV9QT6yk2E_9DfxF_byC8=/171x0:4107x2952/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/95/8d/958de32b7e0a45a88b164fe9e5d0df33.jpeg)
Career: 9 seasons (2013-present)
Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins (2013-2019), Chicago Blackhawks (2019-20), Los Angeles Kings (2020-present)
Cash salary: $4.1 million
Career statistics: 468/29/99/+53
Bottom Line: Olli Maatta
![Olli Maatta plays against John Tavares](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/olli-maatta-plays-against-john-tavares/675eyuGbjUpGBAf_SF5oJxpCi4o=/215x0:3665x2587/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/4e/9d/4e9d91ba7c7341889760cb016d6a3724.jpeg)
There’s only one thing worse than a slow defenseman. It’s a slow d-man who has had shoulder, thyroid and hand surgeries.
We believe that’s called the Olli Maatta Hat Trick.
23. Blake Wheeler
![Blake Wheeler moves puck](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/blake-wheeler-moves-puck/km3hWnMHL-0EU2CS9O81q2tBShM=/0x39:2816x2151/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/12/c5/12c5beffafd7427493ad8d7e9a77e5c2.jpeg)
Career: 14 seasons (1979-99)
Teams: Boston Bruins (2008-11), Atlanta Thrashers (2011), Winnipeg Jets (2011-present)
Cash salary: $10 million
Career statistics: 981/279/528/+83
Bottom Line: Blake Wheeler
![Winnipeg Jets right wing Blake Wheeler celebrates with Nik Antropov](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/winnipeg-jets-right-wing-blake-wheeler-celebrates-with-nik-antropov/o_gBIPCtNvG-IK1iVtalkAxxKWo=/68x0:1855x1340/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/01/b0/01b0b80271eb4c44bd65c2ee23772d17.jpeg)
This warhorse reminds me of an older John Tavares — a 34-year-old captain who can no longer meet the expectations of his five-year, $45.25 million contract, which includes a $4 million signing bonus.
Spend some of those bucks on the backline, and the J-E-T-S would be that much better for it.
22. Nicklas Backstrom
![Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom in action](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/washington-capitals-center-nicklas-backstrom-in-action/Uu3_LhUMASnqHc1ivA0PMHxAe0I=/169x0:4283x3085/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/99/ec/99ecc04dd4374f44afbe5d1e38488147.jpeg)
Career: 15 seasons (2007-present)
Teams: Washington Capitals (2007-present)
Cash salary: $10 million
Career statistics: 1,011/258/722/+119
Bottom Line: Nicklas Backstrom
![Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom warms up](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/washington-capitals-center-nicklas-backstrom-warms-up/NQioqiZL3qTsucp1m-ewOIzxzXM=/392x141:3273x2302/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/00/79/0079605fc8ca469ea912b5ead628d162.jpeg)
This Capitals lifer should give Alex Ovechkin at least one-third of his bloated salary. Did you know that 293 of his career assists (playoffs included) came on Ovi goals?
That’s a ridiculous 37 percent.
21. Ryan Suter
![Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Suter checks Marian Hossa](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/nashville-predators-defenseman-ryan-suter-checks-marian-hossa/rYev0ugkxCOqn7SFqfqTEZWtUI4=/59x0:2676x2616/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/ef/b4/efb47093916e44bcacab8d5d9695ec87.jpeg)
Career: 16 seasons (2005-21)
Teams: Nashville Predators (2005-12), Minnesota Wild (2012-21)
Cash salary: $6 million
Career statistics: 1,198/93/514/+105
Bottom Line: Ryan Suter
![Minnesota Wild defenseman Ryan Suter congratulated after scoring](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/minnesota-wild-defenseman-ryan-suter-congratulated-after-scoring/ZlnXBdqzyxFxnzLYd9hJ-EpZRno=/41x0:2070x1521/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/61/3b/613ba8c5cd96491fa4c1f5daea5109ce.jpeg)
If team management had consulted us in 2012, when it hitched the future of the franchise to this guy and Zach Parise with matching 13-year, $98 million contracts, it could have saved a lot of money. We were among those who were skeptical that the high-stakes marriage would end well.
Sure enough, the organization bought out the final four years of both deals after the 2020-21 season. The team never advanced past the second round of the playoffs while they were there.
20. Braden Holtby
![Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby blocks shot by John Tavares](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/washington-capitals-goalie-braden-holtby-blocks-shot-by-john-tavares/KIJZy5oUO-qy3DNtcaV-4hnOYTo=/342x0:4065x2792/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/d0/72/d072bfb140c14867acb52e64b4b13173.jpeg)
Career: 12 seasons (2010-21)
Teams: Washington Capitals (2010-2020), Vancouver Canucks (2020-present)
Cash salary: $5.7 million
Career statistics: 489 games played/2.58 goals-against average/.915 save percentage
Bottom Line: Braden Holtby
![Braden Holtby in action](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/braden-holtby-in-action/4t56ZTBemla7PaDsykIbpoJ6e0Q=/57x0:1187x847/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/7c/79/7c79e309249b46b095c5408fcc24798f.jpeg)
Did you need to overpay this much for a backup who was worse than every goalie except one (ahem, Carter Hart) in goals-against average and save percentage among the 47 who played at least 20 games last season?
Please discuss.
19. Zack Kassian
![Edmonton Oilers' Zack Kassian tries to get shot off during third period](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/edmonton-oilers-zack-kassian-tries-to-get-shot-off-during-third-period/GPTxRC7cYskgfdUfrbNSAfyKDfY=/136x0:3128x2244/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/39/94/399493e4b7f14490934b11ce8313496d.jpeg)
Career: 11 seasons (2011-present)
Teams: Buffalo Sabres (2011-12), Vancouver Canucks (2012-15), Edmonton Oilers (2016-present)
Cash salary: $3.5 million
Career statistics: 552/84/98/39
Bottom Line: Zack Kassian
![Zack Kassian skating with puck](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/zack-kassian-skating-with-puck/Xx-YV_ar4JzgmTS_IphFbGeFHlk=/0x0:3417x2563/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/04/a2/04a28ed36bfc4400845b6a3794edaf20.jpeg)
There’s something to be said for his 6-foot-3 size and physicality, especially with a team that has Connor McDonald around (think: a decaffeinated Dave Semenko).
Still, the guy is in his 30s, doesn’t score much, doesn’t contribute on special teams and plays bottom-six minutes.
18. Dylan Strome
![Chicago Blackhawks' Dylan Strome celebrates his goal](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/chicago-blackhawks-dylan-strome-celebrates-his-goal/NGHj83PzGuoz9D9yI6ET_8zX19A=/0x0:4267x3200/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/77/10/77103936010643599639b066dc1c58b8.jpeg)
Career: 6 seasons (2016-present)
Teams: Arizona Coyotes (2016-18),Chicago Blackhawks (2018-present)
Cash salary: $3.6 million
Career statistics: 204/45/77/-24
Bottom Line: Dylan Strome
![Chicago Blackhawks Dylan Strome controls puck](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/chicago-blackhawks-dylan-strome-controls-puck/mnS_NlnF1IUol1Z2YZsrrg9HOg8=/14x0:2548x1900/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/6b/bc/6bbcb26e29a04b6db0495f81e9d55f3d.jpeg)
Did the Arizona Coyotes make a huge mistake to select him third overall in the loaded 2015 draft, which featured Mitch Marner (fourth), Mikko Rantanen (10th), Mathew Barzal (16th) and Kyle Connor (17th) among other stud forwards?
It’s too early to say for certain — he’s only in his mid-20s — but we don’t like that his numbers have dropped like a rock since a 57-point season two years ago. Waiting. Still waiting...
17. Carey Price
![Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price deflects shot](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/montreal-canadiens-goaltender-carey-price-deflects-shot/DlmlpKjl3sZLJRh5NDgTK0H-u7w=/337x0:4627x3217/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/9a/58/9a5870bdc08746c98632b7cc41dae851.jpeg)
Career: 14 seasons (2007-21)
Teams: Montreal Canadiens (2007-21)
Cash salary: $13 million
Career statistics: 707/2.50/.917
Bottom Line: Carey Price
![Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price follows play](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/montreal-canadiens-goaltender-carey-price-follows-play/awza5zce8cvLONz6Ohr2ksiSyXc=/557x0:3437x2160/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/b4/43/b443a981685f4de5bfbfc2dde7b51b7a.jpeg)
As this Price confirmed in the 2021 postseason, he can still play albeit in smaller doses. But he’s no longer so good to be paid more than anyone except Connor McDavid and Erik Karlsson in all of puckdom.
Would the Habs be better off with one less overpaid netminder and one more legit goal-scorer, for instance? You know the answer.
16. Martin Jones
![Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Martin Jones stops shot](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/philadelphia-flyers-goaltender-martin-jones-stops-shot/5WFjM2Bh6HS95CvndF1edpwc4hk=/282x0:4794x3384/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/54/38/5438eb9eee1440748e8ebfb9ea5716ba.jpeg)
Career: 9 seasons (2013-present)
Teams: Los Angeles Kings (2013-15), San Jose Sharks (2015-present)
Cash salary: $5.5 million
Career statistics: 361/2.60/.908
Bottom Line: Martin Jones
![Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Martin Jones defends goal](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/philadelphia-flyers-goaltender-martin-jones-defends-goal/bmDdg5DkOY9bwojqgae1d_cO_mU=/201x0:3084x2162/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/27/db/27db41eb9ddf42ab9c7687c3f0ec4c49.jpeg)
His goals-against average has increased in every season that he has been in the league, seven in all. Has that ever happened before?
In most cases, a goalie is only as effective as the support in front of him, but that trend should set off a siren. Jones is only halfway through a six-year, $34.5 million deal.
15. P.K. Subban
![P.K. Subban looks to pass](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/pk-subban-looks-to-pass/NLPWzhpRwLaeIjRpjOpCB3ccMOE=/325x0:3611x2464/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/45/30/453059d1128e454ba555622405caf211.jpeg)
Career: 13 seasons (2009-present)
Teams: Montreal Canadiens (2009-16), Nashville Predators (2016-19), New Jersey Devils (2019-present)
Cash salary: $8 million
Career statistics: 757/110/335/13
Bottom Line: P.K. Subban
![P.K. Subban reacts](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/pk-subban-reacts/31zwkhUTf8WX5YQjZbREoYPDF6Y=/274x0:3608x2500/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/8e/11/8e11e91831a748f59097e2322fc91a93.jpeg)
It was only three years ago when this guy was a Norris Trophy candidate. OK, P.K., wha’ happened?
You could blame his -37 rating on the inexperience around him, but he wasn’t even a regular on the power play, which had been his bread and butter. Has he maxed out? Stay tuned. There’s rarely a dull moment on his planet.
14. Jeff Skinner
![Kyle Palmieri and Jeff Skinner chase the puck](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/kyle-palmieri-and-jeff-skinner-chase-the-puck/neRf2B0AEZHxnbRdbyzyqa2ghnQ=/194x0:3312x2338/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/32/54/3254e1324e624a29802fb22322ebd1a3.jpeg)
Career: 12 seasons (2010-present)
Teams: Carolina Hurricanes (2010-18), Buffalo Sabres (2018-present)
Cash salary: $10 million
Career statistics: 429/90/185/-14
Bottom Line: Jeff Skinner
![Buffalo Sabres left wing Jeff Skinner celebrates his goal](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/buffalo-sabres-left-wing-jeff-skinner-celebrates-his-goal/ls6D95IbP_UwwxECodDEHpWE2IE=/400x0:3600x2400/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/da/56/da56c12a44a949bc9859fc02cc772495.jpeg)
His forgettable 2020-21 season (seven goals, seven assists) was summed up in one 75-foot solo breakaway. He didn’t have a stick in his hands and dribbled the puck the entire way. Hey, why not? Nothin’ else worked for him.
Strange how a proven sniper can lose his nerve and his confidence to this extent, but until he finds them, the second-highest-paid left wing in the league will continue to be among its most expensive enigmas as well.
13. Max Domi
![Max Domi celebrates with Victor Mete](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/max-domi-celebrates-with-victor-mete/LJV8D1yjQ0s2eSjeWpiNL0wMEZw=/115x0:2166x1538/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/c8/9b/c89bb197b91a4bc68333ef7fc0876ca1.jpeg)
Career: 7 seasons (2015-present)
Teams: Arizona Coyotes (2015-18),Montreal Canadiens (2018-20), Columbus Blue Jackets (2020-22), Carolina Hurricanes (2022-present)
Cash salary: $6 million
Career statistics: 429/90/185/-14
Bottom Line: Max Domi
![Max Domi shoots](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/max-domi-shoots/Ad2wiIVI--YWvVDGeM_sAOVPzXg=/191x0:3278x2315/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/2d/f5/2df5a3151c344dca9f05a6454ff66195.jpeg)
Not only did the BJ’s give up a power forward with upside (Josh Anderson) to acquire this laggard two years ago, but they threw in a third-round draft pick to make the deal more lop-sided yet.
Looks like he's the Hurricanes' problem now, though.
12. Kyle Okposo
![Kyle Okposo celebrates his goal](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/kyle-okposo-celebrates-his-goal/vX-8BU6wGvOrtHHEYffz9ZS6zEg=/231x0:3941x2782/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/17/22/1722d724c7b848f48e11a879a585af61.jpeg)
Career: 15 seasons (2007-present)
Teams: New York Islanders (2007-16), Buffalo Sabres (2016-present)
Cash salary: $4 million
Career statistics: 835/198/321/-114
Bottom Line: Kyle Okposo
![Kyle Okposo fighting for puck with Adam Fox](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/kyle-okposo-fighting-for-puck-with-adam-fox/k_fW5v3vSp0pvb8tTcgfHQT5fRE=/158x0:2597x1829/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/ab/a0/aba0a8392cec470ca7383913100368b3.jpeg)
After this Islander forward put together three fairly productive seasons, the Sabres went all in with a generous seven-year, $42 million offer. Apparently, they didn’t read the fine print: Played on the John Tavares line.
Since then, the veteran has been a considerable disappointment, partly because of health issues, partly because of the lug nuts around him. Team management would be wise to buy out his contract and cut its losses.
11. Drew Doughty
![Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty shouts as he celebrates his goal](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/los-angeles-kings-defenseman-drew-doughty-shouts-as-he-celebrates-his-goal/maEIDKij_76iCxqfPwOTuKf2APE=/238x0:3439x2400/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/b8/a0/b8a075e88fae4cb2a19b190fbf4a0084.jpeg)
Career: 14 seasons (2008-present)
Teams: Los Angeles Kings (2008-present)
Cash salary: $11 million
Career statistics: 975/125/411/+29
Bottom Line: Drew Doughty
![Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty skates around Arizona Coyotes' Clayton Keller and Jakob Chychrun](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/los-angeles-kings-defenseman-drew-doughty-skates-around-arizona-coyotes-clayton-keller-and-jakob-chychrun/37NnEzdsHWLIMxDghFXnq46bQhU=/719x42:4574x2933/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/dd/95/dd95e10d14784df9bd09d55be7cc23e6.jpeg)
This 11-time All-Star was a bargain when his team contended for Stanley Cups on a regular basis. Um, that was a long time ago.
Since then, he signed an eight-year, $88 million contract extension that won’t expire until he’s 36 years old. In hockey speak, that’s known as a King’s ransom.
10. Phil Kessel
![Pittsburgh Penguins' Phil Kessel celebrates](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/pittsburgh-penguins-phil-kessel-celebrates/KG_FDB6kCRHGuVGeXYdoC56Ebz8=/190x0:3745x2666/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/5e/cc/5ecc53b1cdaf4b1f95cd0d15a96e0f3c.jpeg)
Career: 16 seasons (2006-present)
Teams: Boston Bruins (2006-09), Toronto Maple Leafs (2009-15), Pittsburgh Penguins (2015-19), Phoenix Coyotes (2019-present)
Cash salary: $6 million
Career statistics: 1,122/391/513/-124
Bottom Line: Phil Kessel
![Arizona Coyotes right wing Phil Kessel collects puck](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/arizona-coyotes-right-wing-phil-kessel-collects-puck/MWfdDDrqWFx2wbdVuSCcKcKybc0=/220x0:3522x2476/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/d9/6e/d96ea8041b364a9e9d2f0c72b42d03db.jpeg)
Phil The Pill is good for about three goals every month. Fine. Swell. The guy also averages roughly one hit for every two hours of ice time.
Oh, and check out that putrid plus-minus rating...
9. Matt Murray
![Ottawa Senators goaltender Matt Murray makes pad save on shot by Alex Killorn](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/ottawa-senators-goaltender-matt-murray-makes-pad-save-on-shot-by-alex-killorn/BC7BLru36u3TsHhrwUqLE0hXS_k=/0x0:3733x2800/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/52/e3/52e3b9e0962b45048dd14951666d51de.jpeg)
Career: 7 seasons (2015-present)
Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins (2015-20), Ottawa Senators (2020-present)
Cash salary: $6 million
Career statistics: 226/2.74/.912
Bottom Line: Matt Murray
![Matt Murray watches puck](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/matt-murray-watches-puck/Eg4khOjcD0HD3kLk4gGyQqRkzLg=/96x0:3296x2400/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/68/2a/682ae5f4fa0844799a16e93059b09670.jpeg)
Like his woefully inexperienced team, Murray stunk it up in the early weeks of the crazy 2020-21 campaign. But as the team defense became more consistent, so did its goalie before a lower-body injury cut short his season. Another injury in the 2021-22 season means we don't know when he'll be back on the ice.
But we don’t expect to see the two-time Stanley Cup winner on this list again.
8. Jakub Voracek
![Jakub Voracek scores winning goal](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/jakub-voracek-scores-winning-goal/p5POaXLcj33BJiDGvXIRfJ5YYjI=/154x0:2949x2096/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/aa/f2/aaf2cd926c56441d8e04673d6ec2a635.jpeg)
Career: 10 seasons (2012-present)
Teams: Philadelphia Flyers (2012-21), Blue Jackets (2021-present)
Cash salary: $7.5 million
Career statistics: 968/216/522/+16
Bottom Line: Jakub Voracek
![Jakub Voracek controls puck](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/jakub-voracek-controls-puck/cjPQHWGaEaCfpsbm8GvxcEi8K8I=/900x0:7126x4669/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/3b/5d/3b5da7c88aca4c6bb410802ac70a4ea5.jpeg)
Other than an ability to pass the puck, there’s not much here. Jake The Fake has yet to score more than 23 goals in a season. Physicality? Gritty, the Flyers' team mascot, was known for hitting more people.
Yet somehow, he’s the seventh highest-paid right wing in the league. We'll see if he does much better with the Blue Jackets.
7. Danny DeKeyser
![Danny DeKeyser and Matt Duchene compete for puck](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/danny-dekeyser-and-matt-duchene-compete-for-puck/xmsI4NA6vOsG_FBSI3ETmjDj8_M=/358x0:6098x4305/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/4c/03/4c03996344a0485594e26dfeaa5bf51d.jpeg)
Career: 10 seasons (2012-present)
Teams: Detroit Red Wings (2012-present)
Cash salary: $5 million
Career statistics: 488/33/102/+12
Bottom Line: Danny DeKeyser
![Detroit Red Wings defenseman Danny DeKeyser celebrates his goal with Dylan Larkin](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/detroit-red-wings-defenseman-danny-dekeyser-celebrates-his-goal-with-dylan-larkin/nRUBJkhVZpDP7pUDpegqOzYSTwo=/37x45:1941x1473/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/64/18/641843350ec847d98c60a49611bad590.jpeg)
Who says it doesn’t pay to play with a sucky team? This Motown native has reaped the benefits of a six-year deal that puts him among the top 50 highest-paid players at his position.
Meanwhile, the guy has one takeaway in 1,027 minutes over the last two seasons. That doesn’t include the $10 million that he stole from the organization, of course.
6. Josh Manson
![Josh Manson knocks puck away Jonathan Huberdeau](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/josh-manson-knocks-puck-away-jonathan-huberdeau/kWbk7-dTPq-t529_1pa6huqEcmI=/310x0:3777x2600/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/d4/26/d42684a29929465f8820a3af572fc4dd.jpeg)
Career: 8 seasons (2014-present)
Teams: Anaheim Ducks (2014-22), Colorado Avalanche (2022-present)
Cash salary: $5 million
Career statistics: 408/22/82/+39
Bottom Line: Josh Manson
![Josh Manson checks Evander Kane](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/josh-manson-checks-evander-kane/rWQRzmXFJGPX2OurqAeNePwd4J0=/927x270:4685x3089/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/56/b0/56b0aca5ed874fbc8aa50f69a0e16486.jpeg)
The then 26-year-old d-man had career highs of 37 points and plus-34 three years ago. He also received Norris Trophy votes.
Since then, his career has fallen off, which is likely why he was recently traded to the Colorado Avalanche.
5. Frans Nielsen
![Frans Nielsen in action](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/frans-nielsen-in-action/cEZzn2hYANMCZbxerR5GGGfAiFM=/203x0:3025x2116/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/44/49/4449850efe064ecaa7766f8c2d1732fa.jpeg)
Career: 16 seasons (2006-present)
Teams: New York Islanders (2006-16), Detroit Red Wings (2016-present)
Cash salary: $3 million
Career statistics: 925/167/306/-37
Bottom Line: Frans Nielsen
![Frans Nielsen shoots the puck](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/frans-nielsen-shoots-the-puck/qH-RHzyJ-58OQMzTVBuqa1-eD1w=/223x0:3845x2716/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/ef/92/ef9224c8451548cab02a92fe0f83f99f.jpeg)
This has-been was paid seven figures to score one goal last season. O-n-e. Hey, it was a biggie, we’ll have you know.
Came in a victory against the hated Blackhawks in Chicago. Oh, and he gave valuable pro tips to young teammates in the locker room, too.
4. Zach Parise
![New York Islanders' Zach Parise shoots puck as Tampa Bay Lightning's Erik Cernak defends](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/new-york-islanders-zach-parise-shoots-puck-as-tampa-bay-lightnings-erik-cernak-defends/oFzHYQMp6ivjkY10MpD_PdIvb7s=/199x0:2977x2083/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/b6/da/b6dafb1d77024fd29e45c31c9a8120ab.jpeg)
Career: 17 seasons (2005-present)
Teams: New Jersey Devils (2005-12), Minnesota Wild (2012-present)
Cash salary: $6 million
Career statistics: 1,060/393/417/+78
Bottom Line: Zach Parise
![Zach Parise skates around](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/zach-parise-skates-around/HyGsAdH9QbHnP-4ARNfs_3IFIqA=/435x0:4465x3022/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/bb/39/bb39a0ebfa8d438882b13e03abc37fd9.jpeg)
You had us at healthy scratch. The veteran remains a threat with the manpower advantage, but that’s an exorbitant amount of money to pay a specialist who’s on the 17th hole of his career.
Team management finally agreed after the 2020-21 season, when they bought out the final four years of the 13-year, $98 million deal.
3. Marc-Edourd Vlasic
![Marc-Edourd Vlasic skating puck](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/marc-edourd-vlasic-skating-puck/-Q_cF_2kfiZTSaijnReILbguLJA=/0x21:458x365/459x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/07/a0/07a06fc3c3454fffbd4ef9e2a58f27e5.png)
Career: 12 seasons (2009-present)
Teams: San Jose Sharks (2009-present)
Cash salary: $7.25 million
Career statistics: 1,086/73/259/+115
Bottom Line: Marc-Edourd Vlasic
![Marc-Edourd Vlasic looking out](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/marc-edourd-vlasic-looking-out/-V7B7gqn0SMIiQPIUyBvCQRb5-Q=/0x1:621x467/621x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/fe/3f/fe3f86cf08b24d8a8ac84722b880b059.png)
Last season, Sharks general manager Doug Wilson committed nearly $20 million to the top three defensemen, this one included. All were 30 or older.
The team coughed up the second-most goals in the league and finished out of the playoffs. Now connect the dots, people.
2. Erik Karlsson
![San Jose Sharks' Erik Karlsson avoids New York Rangers' Kevin Rooney](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/san-jose-sharks-erik-karlsson-avoids-new-york-rangers-kevin-rooney/f0-U0sqpDKan3nUCQr6nHE5ixm4=/301x0:3417x2337/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/e6/1a/e61a67b30b5f4d5aa64898f1089ac201.jpeg)
Career: 16 seasons (2006-present)
Teams: Ottawa Senators, San Jose Sharks (2006-present)
Cash salary: $7.25 million
Career statistics: 788/143/482/-63
Bottom Line: Erik Karlsson
![Erik Karlsson in action](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/erik-karlsson-in-action/Pk79pRn1xt1KJUo6gWFaogvzg4Q=/0x108:2765x2182/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/d8/0a/d80a9b73b26142fa8bc547df0dd3c42b.jpeg)
Just when one thought that Erik The Dread had reached rock bottom in his Sharks debut, the 2020-21 season was his worst ever. Fact is, offense-obsessed d-men like him and Brent Burns go together like toasters and bathtubs.
So, can we agree that his eight-year, $92 million deal was a horrible mistake as many had predicted at the time?
1. Vladimir Tarasenko
![St. Louis Blues' Vladimir Tarasenko handles puck](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/st-louis-blues-vladimir-tarasenko-handles-puck/4G6d0LVRXZ-ca1stQ4ZW3Bh_a5s=/454x0:4905x3338/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/6a/f5/6af5eb4368024eda8c3c97ce8fbe5ef8.jpeg)
Career: 10 seasons (2012-present)
Teams: St. Louis Blues (2012-present)
Cash salary: $9.5 million
Career statistics: 531/218/224/+68
Bottom Line: Vladimir Tarasenko
![St. Louis Blues' Vladimir Tarasenko carries Stanley Cup](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/st-louis-blues-vladimir-tarasenko-carries-stanley-cup/grtcnAvPIhU9Vx57A9taBptv38E=/287x0:4895x3456/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/74/e7/74e7d4a0c7b2454cbdebe8a1bf8303c7.jpeg)
After five consecutive 30-plus-goal campaigns, this temperamental Ruskie was paid $15 million to play 42 of a possible 127 games in the last two seasons.
While team management would like to accommodate his trade request, the list of rival GMs who would take a chance on his thrice-repaired right shoulder was a short one. All of which shows that even good contracts can turn bad quicker than a hiccup.