NHL general managers need to maximize the $88 million available to them to build a Stanley Cup-winning team. Players like Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid will have a large cap hit because they are elite players who lead their clubs. But what about the rest of a roster? A balanced forward and defensive group is needed to win, and having players who can kill penalties, help on the power play, and play defence can be expensive. Still, some players have extremely reasonable contracts considering what they bring to the ice. Here are the five best contracts heading into the 2024-25 NHL season.
This list does not include goaltenders or rookies on their entry-level contracts. The following players are considered a “steal” at less than $2 million against the cap this season.
5. Logan O’Connor: $1.1 Million — Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche’s Logan O’Connor was on pace for a career season in 2023-24 before it was cut short due to a hip injury, which caused him to have season-ending surgery in March. In 57 games, he scored 13 goals and 25 points, including three short-handed goals and was just one point behind his career-high of 26 points set in 2022-23 when he played all 82 games. O’Connor was aggressive last season, seeing an increase in shots and shooting percentage.
He should be reunited with his old linemates, Ross Colton and Miles Wood. They played 281 minutes together last season with an expected goals percentage (xGoals%) of 56.2 – higher than the Valeri Nichushkin, Nathan MacKinnon, and Mikko Rantanen line that played 382 minutes together. He should also see time on the top penalty-kill unit. He ranked third in ice time on the penalty kill at 2:17, just behind Cale Makar and Devon Toews.
4. Daniel Sprong: $975,000 — Vancouver Canucks
Daniel Sprong is a strong offensive forward who can fill any role in the lineup as needed. While his defensive game needs work, he will give the Vancouver Canucks more flexibility with their forward lines. Sprong recorded 43 points in 76 games with the Detroit Red Wings last season. He played a versatile role, and despite being used mostly as a depth player, he had a great offensive season. With elite forwards like Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller, and Brock Boeser leading the offensive charge, the team will now look to its depth players to consistently contribute offense.
Sprong is an efficient…
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