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NHL Trade Clauses: Worst Contracts

By Ryan Ritchie

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Nov 23, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf (3) skates around his net with the puck as he is chased by Boston Bruins center Zac Rinaldo (36) at Air Canada Centre. The Bruins beat the Maple Leafs 4-3 in the shootout. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Trade Clauses: Highlighting Some of the League’s Worst Risk/Reward Contracts

Matt Beleskey, Boston Bruins ($3.8 million dollar cap hit)
Signed through 2019-20 (Full NTC in 2015-16, Modified NTC, player submits list of 6 teams he cannot be traded to)

Nov 17, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Matt Beleskey (39) shoots the puck against the San Jose Sharks during the second period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Boston’s big free agent signing from the summer of 2015 was destined to be overpaid by someone. It was a weak free agency class, and Beleskey had shown glimpses of top six ability with Anaheim. Luckily for the Bruins, the cap hit is fairly affordable, providing great value as long as he’s healthy and productive. We’re less than half a year into the five-year contract, so there’s plenty of time for B’s fans to grow frustrated with this one.

Mason Raymond, Calgary Flames ($3.15 million dollar cap hit)
Signed through 2016-17 (Modified NTC)

He had the makings of a solid third-line contributor when he first arrived in Calgary, but it’s been downhill ever since. Luckily for Calgary, he’s only on the books for the next couple seasons. Why teams are handing out even limited no trade clauses to bottom six forwards is beyond baffling. Minus one of Raymond or Stajan (even both), and there’s money that could be used to address the goaltending issue.

Matt Stajan, Calgary Flames ($3.125 million dollar cap hit)
Signed through 2017-18 (Modified NTC)

Nov 17, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Matt Stajan (18) skates with the puck against the New Jersey Devils during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Similar to Raymond’s cap hit, with an extra year of contract for a player who at least plays a little more than Mason Raymond. Stajan only averages around 14 minutes/game in ice-time in 2015-16 (he’s seen a spike to 16-17 in recent games), but still fails to produce enough to earn his lucrative contract.

Brad Stuart, Colorado Avalanche ($3.6 million dollar cap hit)
Signed through 2016-17 (Modified NTC, provides a list of 7 teams)

Currently on the IR, Stuart has only appeared in six games for Colorado in 2015-16. An aging vet, Brad Stuart’s play continues to digress, and he’s failed to provide solid enough play to warrant his cap hit.

David Clarkson, Columbus Blue Jackets ($5.25 million dollar cap hit)
Signed through 2019-2020 (Modified NTC, NMC)

Oct 27, 2015; Newark, NJ, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing David Clarkson (23) and New Jersey Devils right wing Jordin Tootoo (22) battle for the puck during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Originally signed by Toronto as a prized free-agent acquisition, Clarkson never did manage to find his game while dawning the Maple Leaf on his chest. Based on the long-term and cap hit in comparison to his overall play, the contract was thought to be unmovable.

Columbus was stuck paying Nathan Horton big money to not play (placed on long-term IR). Even though he didn’t count against the cap, smaller markets such as Columbus simply can’t afford huge money long-term to injured players. Jarmo Kekalainen was willing to roll the dice with Nathan Horton, in hopes that a change of scenery might re-vitalize his career.

He hasn’t been the same David Clarkson we remember from his New Jersey Devils days, but he’s certainly shown improvement from his short tenure in Toronto. With Clarkson locked in for so long, this contract has a lot of time to cause problems.

Kari Lehtonen, Dallas Stars ($5.9 million dollar cap hit)
Signed through 2017-18 (NTC in 2013-14 and 2014-15; Limited NTC for remainder of deal)

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Currently carrying the larger cap hit in the NHL’s most expensive goaltending duo, Lehtonen has just come off the IR. Between the pair, Lehtonen shares the better statistics in 2015-16, but

Antti Niemi

has provided more consistent performances. Niemi has gotten the edge thus far because he’s found ways to make big saves, especially when it matters most. These are goaltender traits a team needs to make deep playoff runs.

Lehtonen is only signed for a few more years, but if the Stars fall short in 2015-16, Dallas could potentially start dangling Kari Lehtonen on the trade block. Given his nasty injury history, and shaky numbers in recent years, finding a trade partner could prove difficult. He’s really not even worth the cap hit he carries, dare we murmur the words “buyout”?

Justin Abdelkader, Detroit Red Wings ($4.25 million dollar cap hit)
Signed through 2022-23 (Full NTC from 2016-17 to 2019-20, modified NTC from 2020-21 to 2022-23)

Nov 18, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) makes the save on Detroit Red Wings left wing Justin Abdelkader (8) in the first period at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The new $4.25 million dollar cap hit doesn’t kick in until 2016-17, but regardless, this is one GM Ken Holland may regret. Abdelkader was set to become a free agent in the summer of 2016, and came out of the gates on fire in 2015-16. He had five points in two games to open the season, then after a solid first month, was rewarded with a long-term deal.

His new deal is set to expire at the age of 36, carrying a number that suggests they believe he can contribute at a second-line scoring pace. The full no trade is more confusing than the cap hit or term. Full NTC’s should be reserved for the top-tier players in the league.

Mike Green, Detroit Red Wings ($6 million dollar cap hit)
Signed through 2017-18 (Full NTC)

This one has a chance to work out well, or blow up in Detroit’s face. The Red Wings were well-aware of the red flags associated with his injury history, but all is well early into the new season. But if you’re curious what kind of side effects come with a top defender on the shelf, just ask Capitals fans.

Dave Bolland, Florida Panthers ($5.5 million dollar cap hit)
Signed through 2018-19 (Limited NTC)

Oct 13, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Florida Panthers forward Dave Bolland (63) looks on against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Florida Panthers defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Bolland must have one of the best agents in sports, because he somehow managed to get overpaid every time he’s due for a contract. He’s struggled with injuries and inconsistencies ever since leaving Chicago, where he spent his early glory years. He’s an extremely talented player when he’s on, but there’s a lot of term left on this contract.

Jason Pominville, Minnesota Wild ($5.6 million dollar cap hit)
Signed through 2018-19 (NMC, modified NTC)

After scoring 18 goals in 2014-15, it took until after the quarter-mark (20+) for him to record his first goal in 2015-16. He’s only 32, but Pominville has shown signs of slowing in the past two seasons and continues that trend early in the new season. The cap hit isn’t terrible, but it’s a difficult contract to move if Minnesota feels the need.

Alexei Emelin, Montreal Canadiens ($4.1 million dollar cap hit)
Signed through 2017-18 (NTC 2014-15 and 2015-16; Limited NTC 2016-17 and 2017-18)

Oct 30, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Alexei Emelin (74) skates with the puck against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Montreal Canadiens won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

He’s looked pretty good on the one of the NHL’s top blue-lines in 2015-16, but let’s be honest, Emelin is still overpaid. The biggest problem is that Montreal boasts the most expensive defense core in the league, while they’ve got a couple of prospects seeking full-time roles. There’s simply no room for them right now.

If Montreal needs to move Emelin, and say Toronto is the only interested team (unlikely), Emelin could pull a Josh Gorges (reject the accepted trade). Which begs to ask the same question, why are we handing this type of player any type of contract clause.

Mike Cammalleri, New Jersey Devils ($5 million dollar cap hit)
Signed through 2018-19 (NTC)

Surprisingly, he’s been one of the Devils best players early in 2015-16, as long as he stays healthy. He’s missed a lot of time due to injury over the course of his career, and has struggled with inconsistency at times. Cammalleri will find himself being pushed down the depth chart over the next few years, and his contract will at some point become an issue.

Milan Michalek, Ottawa Senators ($4 million dollar cap hit)
Signed through 2016-17 (Limited NTC)

Nov 21, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators left wing Milan Michalek (9) skates with the puck in the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Flyers 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Michalek is still logging top six minutes in 2015-16, but his production has disappeared over the past couple seasons. He only boasts a limited NTC, making trades a little easier, but this is a contract Ottawa may feel pressed to move before it’s expiry at the end of next season.

Colin Greening, Ottawa Senators ($2.65 million dollar cap hit)
Signed through 2016-17 (Modified NTC)

Ottawa GM Bryan Murray has been trying to move this contract for the last two seasons, with no luck. He’s been on the big club roster, but is yet to appear in any games in 2015-16, and latest rumors suggest Ottawa would be willing to package a prospect with Greening to help rid themselves of the contract.

Clarke MacArthur, Ottawa Senators ($4.65 million dollar cap hit)
Signed through 2019-20 (Modified NTC, player submits list of 10 teams he cannot be traded to)

Oct 8, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; Ottawa Senators left wing Clarke MacArthur (16) takes a shot as Buffalo Sabres left wing Tyler Ennis (63) pursues during the first period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

He was proving to be a dependable top-six forward in Ottawa, even though he’s better suited for a third-line role. The frustration with this contract will begin to grow, so hopefully there’s a Cup contender interested in adding some depth somewhere down the road. These contracts held by Michalek, Greening, and MacArthur contain a ton of money that could be well spent on one or two quality top-six forwards.

Vincent Lecavalier, Philadelphia Flyers ($4.5 million dollar cap hit)
Signed through 2017-18 (NMC)

It seems like every off-season the Vincent Lecavalier rumors start to creep up again, which was no different this past summer. He hasn’t played well enough to garner the cap hit he carries for a few years now, and there’s simply no team interested in paying that sort of money at three more years. Especially for the lack of quality you’re taking on from a player carrying a no-movement clause. Buy-out is the only way to make this contract disappear.

It would be wise for the organization and player to end this marriage. It would be much-needed cap relief for the team, while giving Vincent Lecavalier the same chance Brad Richards was offered to rejuvenate his career. There’s no team interested at $4.5 million/year, but there’s likely to be suitors at a $1 million dollar cap hit.

Patrik Berglund, St.Louis Blues ($3.7 million dollar cap hit)
Signed through 2016-17 (NTC, started July 1, 2015; player specifies seven-team no-trade list)

Apr 22, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; St. Louis Blues forward Patrik Berglund (21) carries the puck during the first period in game three of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Blues defeated the Wild 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Fans in St.Louis grew frustrated with Berglund after the 2014-15 NHL playoffs, with whispers of trade talk. With only two seasons left on the contract, St.Louis could get by with Berglund on the books. But this is a team that’s been ready to win for a while now, so unnecessary salary being wasted isn’t ideal.  Berglund has been on the IR since opening the new 2015-16 season.

Joffrey Lupul, Toronto Maple Leafs ($5.25 million dollar cap hit)
Signed through 2017-18 (Limited NTC, player can submit 14-team list)

It was starting to look like Joffrey Lupul could stay healthy long-term, but he’s recently been put on the IR. There still may be a trade market for Lupul if he can come back and stay healthy until the trade deadline. Otherwise, Toronto could consider the buyout route next off-season.

Tyler Bozak, Toronto Maple Leafs ($4.2 million dollar cap hit)
Signed through 2017-18 (Modified NTC, player submits 12-team list)

Nov 20, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Tyler Bozak (42) gets ready for a face off against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 2-1 in the shoot out. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Kessel‘s long-time line-mate is starting to look a little better in 2015-16, but still struggles to offer quality enough play to garner his expensive cap hit. Bozak has a tendency to disappear in games, struggling with inconsistent play. On the flip side, he’s a decent face-off man, with some special teams skill to offer. Finding a trade suitor within his 12-team list could prove to be difficult though.

Dion Phaneuf, Toronto Maple Leafs ($7 million dollar cap hit)
Signed through 2020-2021 (NMC, modified NTC, player submits 12 team list)

It’s hard to imagine any team being interested in taking on a $7 million dollar cap hit for a second pairing defenseman being paid like a number one defenseman. Even if the Maple Leafs can find an interested trade partner not on his 12-team list, there’s no guarantees Dion Phaneuf accepts. He’s made it pretty clear he wants to play in Toronto, so who’s to say he would waive his no-movement clause, whether a team is on the 12-team list or not.

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Which contracts listed above will teams be able to live with for the entirety of its term? On the flip, which ones will cause teams problems at some point in the future, resulting in trade or buy-out? Which of the these contracts will prove most difficult to move on the trade market? Let us know what you think below.

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