The Edmonton Oilers recently made headlines by signing Leon Draisaitl to the most expensive contract in the NHL. While the Chicago Blackhawks don’t have the highest-paid player, they do have several players with significant contracts. Let’s take a look at the top three highest-paid players on the Blackhawks and who might be next in line for a big payday.
When discussing expensive contracts, it’s essential to consider the salary cap. The cap hit is a crucial factor, as it affects the team’s overall salary cap space. The Blackhawks’ most expensive contract belongs to Seth Jones, who signed an eight-year, $76 million deal with a $9.5 million cap hit. Jones is entering the fourth year of his contract, and fans hope he’ll be part of a playoff team in Chicago before his deal expires.
Taylor Hall has the next highest cap hit on the Blackhawks, with a $6 million cap hit on his four-year, $24 million contract. He signed this deal with the Boston Bruins in July 2021 and is now in the final year of his contract.
Comparing the Blackhawks’ salary cap to the Oilers’ reveals some interesting differences. Even when combining Hall’s and Bertuzzi’s cap hits, it’s still less than Draisaitl’s new contract. The Oilers’ top three cap hits currently belong to Connor McDavid ($12.5 million), Darnell Nurse ($9.25 million), and Draisaitl ($8.5 million). However, this will change in the 2025-26 season when Draisaitl’s new deal kicks in, and McDavid might sign an even more massive contract.
Looking ahead, the Blackhawks’ next significant contract to worry about belongs to Connor Bedard. He still has two seasons left on his entry-level contract, but after a impressive rookie season, expectations are high. Bedard’s performance has been outstanding, and fans hope he’ll continue to excel.
In summary, while the Blackhawks don’t have the highest-paid player, they do have several players with substantial contracts. Seth Jones and Taylor Hall currently top the list, but Connor Bedard’s future contract could be significant. As the salary cap continues to play a crucial role in shaping NHL teams, it’s essential to keep an eye on these contracts and their impact on the team’s overall performance.
