Five Long-Term NHL Contract Bets to Watch Under New CBA Rules

Sept. 15 was the final day NHL teams could give their own players eight-year contracts before new collective bargaining agreement limits took effect. The deadline added urgency to a summer already filled with long-term bets on young players.

Ville Koivunen, Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh signed Koivunen to an eight-year, $32 million contract in August after 47 NHL games. His $4 million annual cap hit limits the financial risk, but the Penguins are betting that two goals in that small sample will grow into consistent middle-six production.

Fraser Minten, Boston Bruins

Minten received a seven-year extension with a $7.2 million annual cap hit after recording 17 goals and 35 points in all 82 games last season. His defensive work and faceoff improvement give him a stable floor, while his scoring consistency will determine whether the contract becomes a bargain.

Zeev Buium, Vancouver Canucks

Buium's eight-year extension carries a $9.38 million annual cap hit after 76 NHL games and 26 points. Vancouver is paying for his projection as a top-pair defenseman and power-play quarterback after acquiring him in the Quinn Hughes trade.

Ryan Leonard and Justin Sourdif, Washington Capitals

Washington committed eight years and $84 million to Leonard, a $10.5 million annual cap hit, after he scored 20 goals in his first full season. The Capitals also signed Sourdif for eight years and $50.8 million, carrying a $6.35 million annual cap hit, after he produced 15 goals in limited minutes.

Koivunen and Sourdif carry lower cap hits, while Buium and Leonard have the largest expectations. Minten sits between those groups: his two-way role is established, but Boston will need more offense for the contract to deliver its best value.