Breaking down the best and worst captain contracts in the Western Conference

There are five key factors that go into a good NHL contract: cap efficiency, length and structure, player age and risk, team fit, and market context. With 30 of the 32 NHL teams currently having a captain, here are all the Western Conference captains and their current contracts.

Pacific Division

Anaheim Ducks - Radko Gudas

Radko Gudas was named the ninth captain of the Anaheim Ducks on Sept. 19, 2024. The 35-year-old from Prague, CZE, signed a three-year, $12,000,000 AAV contract with a cap hit of $4,000,000 per season in 2023. His deal runs until the end of 2025-2026, when he will be an unrestricted free agent. 

$4,000,000 per season is a good price for a player with a strong defensive mindset and leadership qualities. As a veteran of the sport, three years is a perfect length as it's long enough for some stability but short enough that it minimises risk for the team. 

He was 33 at the time of signing and has continued to age well; however, signing a player of his age and physicality brings a moderate level of risk. With a young core, Gudas fills the veteran leadership spot that Anaheim was missing, bringing grit and experience to the defence where it may have been lacking. 

When compared to similar contracts, he is paid slightly higher than some defenders his age; however, his output and leadership skills may justify the price tag. 

Overall, his contract gets a ⅘. He might be slightly overpaid, but he has a strong on-ice defensive impact, brings veteran leadership, and fits well in Anaheim's structure and cap space. 

Calgary Flames - Mikael Backlund

At 36 years old, Mikael Backlund has played all of his NHL career with the Calgary Flames. The Swede signed a two-year $3.25 million AAV contract extension with the Flames on Sept. 17, 2025, which will take him through the 2027–28 season. This season, however, he remains on the last year of his previous 2-year $4.5 million AAV deal. 

This new contract, coming into effect next season, is slightly better than his current contract as the decrease in AAV matches his age and potential decline. The length, much like his current contract, works well with an older player, as there is the possibility of extension, but it remains flexible. 

Backlund brings more than just goal-scoring ability; as a career-long Flame, he possesses the veteran presence that aligns with the team's culture. He has made it clear that he wants to stay in Calgary and does not want to leave the city and team he has played with for over 1000 games. 

His original two-year, $4.5 million AAV deal is a ⅘, but this new 2-year, $3.25 million AAV contract extension, which will take effect next season, is a 4.5/5.

Edmonton Oilers - Connor McDavid

Connor McDavid is in the last year of his eight-year, $100,000,000 contract with an AAV of $12,500,000 per season. The failure to announce a contract extension this summer has caused Oilers fans to speculate whether the 28-year-old Canadian will be staying with the Oilers following this season. 

McDavid is a generational talent who is in his prime and was throughout the duration of this contract. The structure of his contract had McDavid earning $15 million for the first two seasons of the deal. The last two seasons had him earning a total salary of $10 million. This matches the potential decline and injury risk that players face as they age. 

The Edmonton Oilers have built their team around McDavid, and his contract reflects this. While the deal may have been more favourable in McDavid’s younger years, an AAV of $12.5M is relatively modest when compared to other superstars. 

As the salary cap rises, it's expected that McDavid’s next contract, either with the Oilers or another team, could have an AAV between $15 and $19 million. 

Overall, considering the generational talent that McDavid is, his contract is a 5/5. 

Los Angeles Kings - Anze Kopitar

Anze Kopitar has announced that this will be his last NHL season, as he is in the final year of his two-year, $14 million total ($7 million AAV) contract extension. The 38-year-old Slovakian has played the entirety of his NHL career and was named captain of the Kings in June 2016.

Kopitar is a veteran who is still playing at a high level. A $7 million AAV contract may be considered high by some due to the potential for decline; however, he maintains good production, face-off ability, and scoring.  

The two-year deal is smart, as Kopitar is in his late 30s and approaching retirement. The short-term deal helps minimise risk while he is still producing at a high level. His presence as captain goes beyond on-ice production; in addition to being one of the main scoring possibilities, he is essential to culture and leadership. $7 million AAV is a fair price as the team retains a superstar without overpaying. 

Overall, his contract is a ⅘ in his last season before retirement. 

San Jose Sharks - Vacant

Seattle Kraken - Jordan Eberle

Jordan Eberle replaced Mark Giordano as the second captain of the Seattle Kraken in October 2024. Eberle signed a two-year $9.5 million ($4.75 million AAV) contract on March 8, 2024. 

The 35-year-old is still producing offensively, and while he may not be at the elite superstar level he once was, his skill level and veteran experience are worth the cap hit. 

Like other captains' contracts, his two-year extension is logical for his age and potential risk of decline or injury. His contract also includes a full no-trade clause giving Eberle control. 

Eberle is valuable because of his leadership qualities, scoring prowess, and stability as a seasoned forward. He fits into the team's dynamic as a leader and veteran. 

He is going to be a UFA following this season, and with an AAV of $4.75 million, the contract is at market average for a player of his age and recent production level. His contract gets a 3.5/5. 

Vancouver Canucks - Quinn Hughes

At 25 years old, Quinn Hughes is one of the younger captains on this list. Hughes signed a six-year $47.1 million ($7.85 million AAV) contract in 2021. 

Hughes is an elite defenseman, and when compared to his $7.85 million AAV contract, he is producing above expectations, becoming a Norris Trophy winner in 2024. 

By signing a long contract while still young, he committed to Vancouver while in his prime, while limiting the risk of deterioration that comes as players age. He is a great fit within the Vancouver organisation, he is central to the team's identity and contributes in all aspects of gameplay.

When compared to other elite defencemen, Hughes’ contract is on the lower end. With the upcoming cap inflation, there is a good chance that his next contract may be much higher. Hughes’ contract ranks at a 4.5/5.

Vegas Golden Knights - Mark Stone

33-year-old Mark Stone became the first captain of the Vegas Golden Knights on Jan. 13, 2021. In March 2019, he signed an eight-year $76 million contract extension with an AAV of $9.5 million per season. 

As one of the top two-way forwards in the league, Stone has delivered value to the Golden Knights above what the $9.5 million AAV may suggest. Due to the length of the contract, Vegas gained control over a talented player through his prime years. 

However, Stone has faced injuries, including back problems that resulted in two surgeries, and many missed games.

Vegas has built its team around Stone and his leadership. Beyond just numbers, his leadership, experience, and work ethic provide value. Getting a player of Stone’s calibre in 2019 for an AAV of $9.5 million is a very good deal. Overall, this is a good contract for both Stone and the Golden Knights, and it gets a ⅘.  

Central Division

Chicago Blackhawks - Nick Foligno

Former Columbus Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno was announced as the captain of the Chicago Blackhawks on Sept. 18, 2024. This announcement came after he signed a two-year, $9 million ($4.5 million AAV) contract with the Blackhawks on Jan. 12, 2024. 

At 37 years old, he is at the age where production could be declining; however, he is still producing above the expected level for a player of his age. Foligno brings more to the team than just skill. He brings leadership and mentorship to young players in an organisation that is going through a rebuild. 

A two-year deal for a player of his age is a safe bet that also leaves room for extension following its conclusion. Given his age, past performance, and Chicago's need for veteran leadership, an AAV of $4.5 million is a reasonable price. This contract gets a 3.5/5. 

Colorado Avalanche - Gabriel Landeskog

Gabriel Landeskog signed an eight-year $56 million (AAV of $7 million) contract in July 2021. At the time, this was a very reasonable deal as he was a part of the Avalanche’s core with MacKinnon and Rantanen. His offensive production was high, and an eight-year contract ensured that he would stay with Colorado through his prime. 

Landeskog was 28 at the time of signing; however, since this contract started, he has suffered injuries, most notably his knee injury that caused him to miss several seasons and receive a cartilage transplant. He did make his return for the 2025 playoffs. Returning from a knee cartilage transplant is rare, and therefore, his risk level is high. 

The Avs built their core around Landeskog, after such a long time with the organisation, he is more than just a captain and leader.

At the time of signing the contract, $56 million (AAV of $7 million) was comparable to what players of his calibre were receiving. Landeskog's knee injury could not have been predicted, and therefore, his contract is a ⅘. 

Dallas Stars - Jamie Benn

While Jamie Benn will not be out for at least four weeks due to a collapsed lung, he signed a one-year contract extension for this season. 

The base pay is $1 million with performance bonuses that could bring his total to $4 million. This is lower than what some may have expected, but because much of the pay is bonus-based, it limits risk for the team. 

Short contracts are ideal for players late in their careers, and at 36 years old, this is an ideal length for both team and player.  

Benn brings more than just scoring to the team. He brings leadership and experience, especially when playoff time comes. Benn likely did not have much leverage in contract negotiations, and this contract reflects that, while also rewarding performance. This contract gets a 3.5/5. 

Minnesota Wild - Jared Spurgeon

In 2019, Jared Spurgeon signed a seven-year contract extension. The $53.025 million contract has an AAV of $7.575 million per season and runs until the end of 2026-27. 

In January 2021, Spurgeon was named captain of the Wild. Despite his small stature, standing at 5 feet 9 inches, he has a high hockey IQ and is a solid top-four defenseman. 

With what he brings to the table, an AAV of $7.575 million is reasonable, and when looking at his output in the early years of the contract, it looks very good. Like many long-term contracts, seven years gives Minnesota stability and a player to build their team around. 

At 35 years old, there is an increased risk of injury; however, when healthy, Spurgeon brings more than skill, he brings leadership and mentorship to younger players. $7.575 million AAV is comparable to what other top-four defenseman are making. Spurgeon's contract is very solid and gets a ⅘. 

Nashville Predators - Roman Josi

In October 2019, Roman Josi signed an eight-year, $72.472 million contract extension with an AAV of $9.059 million per season. 

When Josi was named captain of the Predators in 2017, he became just the second-ever Swiss captain in NHL history after Mark Streit, who was captain of the New York Islanders. 

As one of the best offensive defensemen in the league, Josi racks up lots of ice time, being able to play even strength, but also on the power play and penalty kill. While an AAV of $9.059 million may seem high, it reflects Josi’s elite status. 

An eight-year extension has Josi signed through his prime, especially with Josi having a full no-move clause ensuring he stays with the Predators. 

At the time of signing, Josi was entering his late 20s. Now, at 35, his injury risk factor has increased. Last season, Josi only played 53 regular-season games before suffering a concussion. This concussion led to a diagnosis of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which can cause dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, and even fainting. 

Despite his health issues, Josi is an excellent fit on the Predators. He has been the captain for years and provides valuable leadership. 

When the deal was signed, Josi was one of the highest-paid defensemen in the league and rightfully so. Nashville locked him down long-term to ensure that their captain's tenure with the team would continue. 

Despite his health issues, which no one could have predicted, Josi’s contract is very good and gets a ⅘. 

St. Louis Blues - Brayden Schenn

St. Louis captain Brayden Schenn is signed to an eight-year contract extension that runs until the end of the 2027-2028 season. The $52 million contract has an AAV of $6.5 million per season. 

The 34-year-old had 50 points in 82 games last season. While not a superstar, Schenn provides solid production and experience, justifying the AAV of $6.5 million. Eight years ensures that Schenn stays with the team and allows them to build around him. 

Schenn’s durability and consistency have aged well, while his production has stayed solid. St. Louis has benefited from Schenn’s leadership and experience. This experience helps the Blues in both the regular season and the playoffs. 

When this contract was signed, it was a very decent contract for a player coming off a Stanley Cup run. Schenn's AAV is comparable to other players of his calibre. This contract gets a ⅘. 

Utah Mammoth - Clayton Keller

The newest team in the NHL announced Clayton Keller as their first captain in team history in October 2024. Keller, who signed an eight-year contract extension with the Arizona Coyotes before their relocation to Utah, has a contract with a total value of $57.2 million and an AAV of $7.15 million. 

An eight-year term has Keller locked in for the majority of his prime. A long contract for young players has many upsides, as his injury risk factor is relatively low and he is still producing at a high level. 

Keller is one of the primary offensive players for Utah, leading the team to build around him. While an AAV of $7.15 million was substantial for a young player, it has aged very well, as he has continued to perform well and produce good numbers. 

This was a very good deal for Arizona/Utah and gets a 4.5/5. 

Winnipeg Jets - Adam Lowry

Adam Lowry was announced as the captain of the Winnipeg Jets prior to the 2023 season. 

In 2021, he signed a five-year $16.25 million contract extension. With an AAV of $3.25 million, the Jets are paying for a solid depth player with leadership experience. His 34 points last season was solid and showed that his contract is worthwhile. 

The five-year length of the contract is long enough for stability for both team and player, allowing the team to be built around Lowry’s leadership. 

While not old, at 32 years old, many may consider Lowry as past his peak, despite his ability to score 30+ points per season. Lowry will be starting this season on the injury reserve as he finishes recovering from offseason hip surgery. 

Lowry is a core depth player on the Jets who has overcome injuries previously in his career.  At $3.25 million AAV, this contract was considered a good deal for the Jets at the start of the season; however, he is recovering from hip surgery, and this could impact his play this season. 

When healthy, this contract gets a ⅘, but for right now, while he is recovering from surgery, it gets a 3.5/5.