Four Atlantic Division Contracts Worth Watching in 2026-27

Four Atlantic Division contracts illustrate how quickly the NHL's salary market has changed and how teams are balancing short-term decisions against long-term value.

Boston Bruins: Pavel Zacha

Zacha scored a career-high 30 goals and 65 points in 2025-26, making his $4.75 million cap hit a bargain for a center in that role. Only one season remains on the deal, however, leaving Boston to decide what he is worth before he can reach unrestricted free agency in 2027.

Buffalo Sabres: Rasmus Dahlin

Dahlin, 26, produced 74 points in the regular season and added 14 in 13 playoff games. His eight-year contract carries an $11 million annual cap hit through 2031-32. That number has become more favorable as the market for top defensemen has climbed.

Detroit Red Wings: Moritz Seider

Seider set career highs offensively in 2025-26, averaged 25:40 of ice time and finished fifth in Norris Trophy voting. His seven-year contract has an $8.55 million annual cap hit and runs through 2030-31, giving Detroit cost certainty through his prime years.

Florida Panthers: Anton Lundell

Lundell came close to 20 goals and 50 points despite playing 64 games last season. The two-time Stanley Cup champion carries a $5 million annual cap hit through 2029-30 and continues to handle penalty-killing and third-line responsibilities for Florida.

Zacha's pending free agency creates the most immediate decision. Dahlin, Seider and Lundell offer a different question: how much more valuable can fixed long-term cap hits become as salaries rise?