There are some players who are overpaid, and then there are those who, well, should probably be making a little more dough.

Perhaps you can blame it on the year they had before signing their contract, or at what the salary cap was like at the time of signing, but it’s pretty clear that there are some players right now who are not getting paid what they deserve. So, let’s take some time to acknowledge these gentlemen who have put their teams in a position to win due to their more than reasonable contracts.

10) BRENDAN GALLAGHER – DEAL: 6 years, $22.5 million. CAP HIT: $3.750 million

One of the NHL’s most skilled pests, Gallagher has been DYNAMITE for the Habs since signing back in 2014. Since putting pen to paper, the 28-year-old has notched two 30-goal campaigns and already has 12 through 31 games this season. He did sign a new deal but his current cap hit is wild.

9) JONATHAN HUBERDEAU – DEAL: 6 years, $35.4 million. CAP HIT: $5.9 million

Huby Dooby Doo might just be the most underrated player in the world. Perhaps it’s been a product of playing in Florida but the guy has been flying under the radar, given his relatively insane production. Did anyone even realize the 27-year-old posted 92 points in 82 games two seasons ago and 78 in 69 last year?

8) BRAD MARCHAND – DEAL: 8 years, $49 million. CAP HIT: $.6.125 million

Speaking of pests… Marchand is probably the league’s biggest one, and he’s undoubtedly the most skilled too. His past four seasons have gone as follows: 85 points, 85 points, 100 points, 87 points. Those are Hart Trophy numbers right there. It’s sad to say but he probably would be higher on the list if he played centre.

7) MARK SCHEIFELE – DEAL: 8 years, $49 million. CAP HIT: $6.125 million

Slowly but surely, Scheifele has developed into one of the NHL’s premiere centres, one of the NHL’s most coveted positions. We can’t leave out his ridiculous 14 GOALS in just 17 playoff games for the Jets back in 2018, the dude can score. He’s the best player on his team and is playing at a great price.

6) SIDNEY CROSBY – DEAL: 12 years, $104.4 million. CAP HIT: $8.7 million

He might not be what he used to be but who are we kidding… Sid is still pretty darn dominant. At $8.7 million this is one of the best deals in the league and should stay that way for the coming years. It’s Sid the freaking Kid we’re talking about here, he ain’t going anywhere any time soon.

5) ALEKSANDER BARKOV – DEAL: 6 years, $35.4 million. CAP HIT: $5.9 million

Barkov is in the running for the Hart Trophy this season and has the Cats in the Stanley Cup hunt. As good as he is offensively, the 25-year-old has been getting it done in the defensive zone as well and is the early favourite to capture his first Selke. Florida is as good as they are right now because of this contract.

4) DAVID PASTRNAK – DEAL: 6 years, $40 million. CAP HIT: $6,666,667

Pasta. Pasta, Pasta, Pasta. First of all, guy’s an absolute beauty. Second, it’s crazy to think he’s not even getting paid $7 million annually despite being one of the NHL’s best goal-scorers. Is 48 goals in 70 games good? Because that’s what the Czech native put up last season. He already has 14 through 21 this season and is signed through 2022-23. Boston did well with this one.

3) LEON DRAISAITL – DEAL: 8 years, $68 million. CAP HIT: $8.5 million

It’s crazy to think that this one’s not even in the top two. The reigning Hart Trophy winner is in the midst of another dominant campaign and at $8.5 million, the Oilers are HOWLING. Edmonton should feel pretty good knowing they have the German signed through the 2024-25 season. To give you a little perspective, Matt Duchene is making just $500,000 less a year.

2) NATHAN MACKINNON – DEAL: 7 years, $44.1 million. CAP HIT: $6.3 million

Wait, this one’s not number one? We’ll get to the top spot shortly. MacKinnon is not only the second player on the list, but viewed by many as the second best player in the league. $6.3 million is straight peanuts for a guy who’s put up 39,41 and 35 goals over the past three seasons. The Avs are ready to battle for a cup and MacKinnon is going to lead the way.

1 ) CONNOR MCDAVID – DEAL: 8 years, $100 million. CAP HIT: $12.5 million

Yes, he’s the NHL best player. He’s also making nearly twice as much as Nathan MacKinnon. But This is a hell of a deal when you consider both the term and number. McDavid probably could have signed a shorter deal and then another monstrous one, but he elected to commit to the city where the Great One did before him. With Connor in the driver’s seat at a VERY reasonable $12.5 million, the Oilers should be contenders for years to come.

 

So, what are your thoughts? Did we get it right?