Jonathan Huberdeau's $10.5 M Deal Topped as NHL's Worst Contract

Calgary Flames forward Jonathan Huberdeau, a 33‑year‑old winger acquired in the Matthew Tkachuk trade, is on his third consecutive season leading The Athletic's list of the NHL’s worst contracts. His five‑year, $10.5 million average‑annual value contract includes a full no‑movement clause, but his recent production has slumped to 41 points in 50 games, far below expectations.

The ranking highlights the contract’s burden on the Flames as they rebuild, noting that while the deal helps meet the league’s salary‑cap floor, it offers little flexibility for a veteran whose performance has declined. The list also cites other high‑salary players such as Chandler Stephenson and Adin Hill, but Huberdeau remains the top example of an over‑valued deal in the league’s rising cap environment.