NHL: Each Central Division team’s best bargain contract

By Jasmine Yen | Jul 21, 2018

Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images /

General managers are constantly on the search for the best bargains to help their teams achieve the ultimate prize. Here are the best contracts that each NHL team in the Central Division can boast.

Having good contracts helps NHL teams compete for a long time. Since it’s a league with a hard cap, value is everything. The Central Division has quickly become the toughest division in the NHL which makes valuable contracts that much more vital in the race for the ultimate prize.

This list does not include entry-level contracts because those are obvious. By definition, pretty much any ELC is a huge bargain, even after factoring in bonuses. Which player on each Central Division team has the best contract? Let’s take a look.

Chicago Blackhawks – Brandon Saad 6 years/$6 million per

Brandon Saad had an off year with the Chicago Blackhawks this season but his previous numbers indicate that this will not last. In the three seasons before he got reacquired by Chicago, he put up over 50 points and had over 20 goals each time. The fact that the entire Blackhawks squad was affected offensively is also a reason why Saad had a down year.

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He had a personal best in shots (237) but ironically, had the worst shooting percentage of his career (7.6 percent). That will not last and once his numbers go back to the norm (or he comes back with a vengeance) the contract will look much better, especially considering that he is only 25 years old.

Colorado Avalanche – Nathan MacKinnon 7 years/$6.3 million per

Before signing this contract, Nathan MacKinnon was coming off a career-high in points at 52 points (21 goals and 31 assists). Little did he know, he would crush that number less than two years later with 97 points and was a Hart Trophy finalist. He pushed the Colorado Avalanche to the playoffs for the first time in four years and had three goals and three assists.

He centers both the first line and powerplay and averages 20 minutes a night. His speed and skill makes him a top forward in the league and last season, he finished fifth in all of the NHL in scoring. A franchise player like that deserves way more than what MacKinnon is getting right now.

Dallas Stars – John Klingberg 7 years/$4.25 million per

John Klingberg finished the 2017-18 season fourth overall on the Dallas Stars in scoring as a defenseman. Last season, he recorded 8 goals and 59 assists in 82 games played. His defensive work needs some work, but his ability to drive the play and jump in when necessary is what makes him such a force on the ice.

Klingberg tied for second with Brett Burns in scoring among defensemen, beating the likes of Victor Hedman and Drew Doughty. Such a productive player for less than $5 million a year is a massive steal for the Stars.

Minnesota Wild – Mikael Granlund 3 years/$5.75 million per

Mikael Granlund is 26 years old and finished second on the Minnesota Wild in scoring with 67 points (21 goals and 46 assists). He’s a second line winger that can produce and the term is perfect for the Wild. It’s enough time to get a real assessment of his full potential before completely committing on him.

Minnesota has one of the oldest teams in the league with their average age being 28 years old. Having a somewhat younger player like Granlund is exactly what the Wild need to transition to the younger, faster NHL.

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Nashville Predators – Roman Josi 7 years/$4 million per

Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators is one of the best defensemen in the league and he’s making less than $5 million. The penalty kills, power plays, you name it, Josi plays it. He plays on the top defensive pairing with P.K. Subban, which means he always has to deal with the best the opponents have to offer.

Yet, he still is fifth on the Predators in scoring with 53 points (14 goals and 39 assists) and averages over 24 minutes a night. The Predators’ captain is a great leader on and off the ice and to only make $4 million is insane.

St. Louis Blues – Brayden Schenn 4 years/$5.125 million per

Brayden Schenn is 26 years old and there are still two years left on his gem of a contract. His offensive production has been steadily on the rise until he exploded for 70 points last season. He’s the center that anchors the St. Louis Blues first line, plays on the first powerplay unit, and averages over 19 minutes a night. He’s a really useful player and will be a key piece that the Blues’ need to push them over the edge.

Next: Best contracts in the Metropolitan Division

Winnipeg Jets – Mark Scheifele 8 years/$6.125 million per

Mark Scheifele‘s play in the regular season is great, but in the playoffs, he reaches a whole other level. In the playoffs last season, he recorded 14 goals in 17 games and had a total of 20 points. Not only is he such a consistent player for the Jets, he’s also their go-to guy when they need some magic. Such a critical player for $6.125 million a great contract for the Winnipeg Jets.