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5 worst and most untradeable contracts in the NHL

By Alex Hoegler

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 06: Brent Seabrook #7 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks across the ice in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at the United Center on March 6, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Colorado Avalanche 2-1. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 06: Brent Seabrook #7 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks across the ice in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at the United Center on March 6, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Colorado Avalanche 2-1. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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4. Ryan Kesler

Not to be outdone by his own teammate, it’s actually Ryan Kesler who has the (dis)honors of carrying the Ducks’ most untradeable contract. Though re-signing Perry back in 2013 was a no-brainer, Murray should have known that giving Kesler a six-year, $41.25 million extension in 2015 was going to hurt him in a short time.

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Why? Kesler was heading into his age-31 season, and everybody knows that two-way players wear down in much shorter time. But Murray was bent on keeping his core players together for a Stanley Cup run, and it almost worked with Kesler.

The Ducks won the Pacific Division title in 2016 and 2017, falling just two games shy of reaching the Stanley Cup Final in the latter year. Anaheim got into the postseason once again in 2018, but they were swept by the Pacific Division rival San Jose Sharks.

Kesler’s play has greatly regressed over the last two years, however, and the Ducks know they’re stuck with him.

He was limited to 44 games last season and tallied eight goals and 14 points. Hampered by a hip injury in 2018-19, Kesler missed 22 games and scored just five goals and three points.

Kesler carries a respectable career Corsi For percentage of 51.9, but it was a terrible 44.3 in 2018-19. He’s regressed in practically every aspect of the game, and the Ducks have no choice but to just pay him out.

The former Selke Trophy winner turns 35 in August, and he’s signed through 2021-22 at a cap hit of $6.875 million. Unless the Ducks want to swap him for one of the top three entries on this list, they’re stuck with Kesler. No question about it.

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