The NHL free agency period began on July 1, and teams have been actively engaging in negotiations and securing deals with unrestricted free agents since then.
This year’s class of unrestricted free agents in the NHL is generally seen as one of the weakest in recent times. Numerous top players were already secured through extensions, trades, or re-signings before the free agency period even started.
Nonetheless, several contracts have caught attention due to the substantial money and terms involved.
5 overpaid signings from 2026 NHL free agency so far
Leo Carlsson (F), Anaheim Ducks/Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers secured Leo Carlsson with a significant five-year, $90 million contract ($18 million AAV) through an offer sheet to the Anaheim Ducks. This contract makes Carlsson the highest-paid player in the NHL.
Carlsson, at 21, had an impressive breakout season with 67 points, but committing franchise-level money after just one full NHL season is a bold move. While his elite skills and potential are undeniable, the substantial long-term cap hit places considerable pressure on him to quickly become a consistent superstar.
If his development slows or he faces consistency challenges, this contract could become a significant liability for the Flyers.
Bowen Byram (D), Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks signed defenseman Bowen Byram with a six-year, $75 million contract as part of their determined rebuilding efforts.
Byram has demonstrated potential as a top-pair defenseman and aligns well with the team’s rebuilding timeline. However, the substantial AAV and six-year term have attracted criticism. While he shows talent and promise, he is still working on consistency and has a history of injuries.
Committing such a large sum and lengthy term before he has proven to be a reliable top contributor every night is a speculative gamble. If his progress stalls or injuries resurface, the six-time Cup-winning team might regret the contract’s length and financial terms.
Rasmus Andersson (D), Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights have reaffirmed their commitment to Rasmus Andersson by re-signing him to a seven-year, $59.5 million contract during NHL free agency.
Andersson offers solid two-way play and substantial minutes on the ice, but committing to seven years at this AAV for a player entering his thirties seems costly. While dependable, Andersson might not be elite enough to warrant the full term.
Despite the Golden Knights’ ability to manage cap challenges, this deal carries long-term risks if performance or health issues arise. Many view it as an overpayment due to the long-term commitment to a solid, yet not elite, top-pair player.
Jacob Trouba (D), San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks added experienced defenseman Jacob Trouba by signing him to a four-year, $33 million contract in NHL free agency. Trouba is expected to bring much-needed physicality and experience to a young team led by Macklin Celebrini.
While this appears to be a solid addition to their defense, Trouba’s game has declined in recent years, and he is now more suited to a middle-pair role. Offering top-pair money and term for four years seems excessive for a player who is past his prime.
If his performance declines further, this contract could become difficult to offload. Ultimately, it’s a significant amount for a player whose best years are behind him. Although the Sharks have sufficient cap space now, this deal might quickly become burdensome.
Sergei Bobrovsky (G), Toronto Maple Leafs
In another costly move during this NHL free agency, the Toronto Maple Leafs signed Sergei Bobrovsky to a three-year, $21 million contract.
The Maple Leafs have brought in the two-time Stanley Cup winner and former Vezina Trophy winner to stabilize their goaltending and provide veteran leadership alongside their younger goalies.
While his pedigree and experience are attractive to a team aiming to contend, the reality is that Bobrovsky is past his prime and coming off a lackluster season with the Panthers.
As goalies tend to decline in their late 30s, Bobrovsky, now 37, faces a crucial test. If he doesn’t bounce back, this contract could become a significant cap issue during important years for the Leafs.
Share your thoughts on who you believe is the most overpriced signing in the 2026 NHL free agency so far.
Edited by Abhishek Dilta
