Navigating the salary cap is a constant challenge for NHL general managers, and the Edmonton Oilers are no exception. As they look towards the 2025-26 season, some contracts on the books appear less favorable than others. Here's a look at what could be considered the Oilers' three worst contracts for the 2025-26 season, considering factors such as cap hit, performance, and term.
1. Darnell Nurse ($9.25 Million AAV)
Darnell Nurse's eight-year, $74 million contract, signed in 2021, has been a frequent subject of debate. While Nurse is a top-pairing defenseman and plays significant minutes, his $9.25 million annual average value (AAV) places him among the highest-paid defensemen in the league. The question is whether his performance consistently matches that elite compensation. Nurse is a solid player, but the Oilers need more from him to justify the cost. This contract has a full no-movement clause for the first four years, a 10-team no-movement clause in years 5 and 6, and a 20-team no-movement clause in the final two years.
2. Trent Frederic ($3.85 Million AAV)
Trent Frederic recently signed a contract with a $3.95M AAV and an 8-year term, that will see him through to the 2032-33 NHL season. Several NHL Insiders claim that its term brings an element of risk to the team. With the cap increasing in 2025-26 to $95.5M, it was expected that there would be a general raise in the AAV of new signings. For a 27-year old bottom-6 player, this can, in fact, be problematic, if Frederic's performance does not at the very least remain consistent - he would be 31 at the end of year 4.
3. Mattias Ekholm ($6 Million AAV)
Mattias Ekholm is a steady, reliable defenseman, but his $6 million cap hit is significant. While he provides a veteran presence and defensive stability, his offensive output isn't high enough to make this contract one of the best value deals on the team. At $6 million, the Oilers need Ekholm to be a shutdown defender who can also contribute more offensively.
These contracts don't necessarily define these players as "bad" players. However, in the context of a salary-cap league, where every dollar counts, these deals could be seen as potentially hindering the Oilers' ability to build the deepest and most competitive roster possible.
