Often referred to as a “puck book,” The Hockey News has listed the NHL’s most underpaid players. From the perspective of the teams, these can also be considered the best contracts in the league.

At the top of the list is Brandon Hagel of the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 27-year-old winger scored 74 points in 71 games last season. In his best season, Hagel finished with 91 points. The numbers are impressive, especially considering Hagel’s modest annual salary of $6.5 million. His current contract doesn’t expire until the summer of 2032.

The second highlighted contract is Sidney Crosby’s deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The player who has been at the top of the hockey world for years earns only $8.7 million a year.

Also receiving recognition is Connor McDavid’s short contract with the Edmonton Oilers. Many consider the world’s best player to earn only $12.5 million a season, while many young forwards earn more. The current trend in the NHL is to pay young forwards $15 million a season, even if their point totals are only half of McDavid’s.

Also in the same category is Quinn Hughes. The Minnesota Wild defenseman is one of the best puck-moving defensemen in the NHL and the best power play quarterback, yet his salary is $7.8 million. Hughes’ contract expires after next season, after which the American defenseman’s annual salary will likely nearly double.

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