NHL’s 10 worst contracts, 2026 edition: Jonathan Huberdeau (again), Leo Carlsson and more
NHL media analysts have published updated rankings for the league's most difficult player contracts, spotlighting high-value deals across several franchises.
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The brief
Recent reports have identified several NHL players whose current contracts are being scrutinized as the league's most unfavorable. Jonathan Huberdeau and Leo Carlsson are frequently cited in these lists, alongside Alex Tuch and Trent Frederic. The discourse specifically highlights Frederic's $30.8M deal with the Edmonton Oilers as a focal point of criticism.
Coverage from outlets including The New York Times, Yahoo Sports, and team-specific publications like The Rat Trick and Sabre Noise emphasizes the financial implications of these agreements. Various pundits and sports writers are debating the merits of these rankings, with some commentators openly contesting the classification of certain Edmonton Oilers contracts.
Future updates will likely track whether these players' on-ice performance shifts public and expert perception of their value. Coverage does not yet specify if front offices intend to restructure any of the deals currently under fire.
Synthesized by headlinez.news from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. Updated just now.
Quick answers
Which players are most frequently mentioned in these reports?
Jonathan Huberdeau, Leo Carlsson, Alex Tuch, and Trent Frederic are among the players most cited in the recent contract rankings.
Are there disagreements regarding these rankings?
Yes, some coverage, including reports from the Edmonton Journal, explicitly challenges the characterization of certain contracts as the league's worst.
What specific contract value was highlighted in the coverage?
The coverage notes a $30.8M contract for Trent Frederic with the Edmonton Oilers.
Coverage (11)
- 5 worst NHL contracts handed out in the last year Yahoo Sports · 22h ago
- Edmonton Oilers have two of NHL's worst contracts, expert says. I beg to differ Edmonton Journal · 22h ago
- Trent Frederic’s $30.8M Oilers contract under fire for being ‘complete anchor’ Yahoo Sports · 22h ago
- Former Panthers star Jonathan Huberdeau tops NHL's worst contracts list again The Rat Trick · 22h ago
- Alex Tuch listed as one of 10 worst contracts in the NHL by trusted pundit Stars and Sticks · 22h ago
- Calgary Flames Veteran Given Dubious Honour for Third Straight Season Flame for Thought · 22h ago
- Leo Carlsson: One of the Worst Contracts in the NHL (According to the Numbers) Dose.ca · 22h ago
- 5 worst NHL contracts handed out in the last year The Big Lead · 22h ago
- ‘Tough Sell’ Yahoo Sports · 22h ago
- Capitals' Alex Tuch ranked as one of NHL's worst contracts after Sabres exit Sabre Noise · 22h ago
- NHL’s 10 worst contracts, 2026 edition: Jonathan Huberdeau (again), Leo Carlsson and more The New York Times · 22h ago
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