Flames' Jonathan Huberdeau Named Worst NHL Contract

Somebody has to have the worst contract in the NHL, and heading into next season, Calgary Flames forward Jonathan Huberdeau has been named.

The 33-year-old winger has fallen from grace since being included in the Matthew Tkachuk trade with the Florida Panthers, and hasn't been able to consistently produce as a Flame. Huberdeau's owed $10.5 million AAV for five more seasons, and owns a full no-movement clause. Last season in 50 games, Huberdeau posted just 25 points. The year prior, he recorded 62 points in 81 games. Again, for $10.5 million. 

The Athletic's Dom Luszczyszyn recently named Huberdeau top dog for the wrong reason, and had this to say about what's gone on in Calgary. 

For the third straight season, Jonathan Huberdeau tops our list of the worst contracts in hockey. No shock here, but even in a rising cap world it’s difficult to justify $10.5 million for a 33-year-old forward who scored at just a 41-point clip last season. Huberdeau’s production just keeps sliding in Calgary and it feels impossible to imagine him coming anywhere close to living up to the money at any time during the deal. There will be a point where $10.5 million will be low-end top-line money, but that likely comes when Huberdeau is 36 or 37. And he’s already not that now to begin with.

I do wonder if a change of scenery with some retained salary could serve Huberdeau well. But as long as he’s a Flame, he’s got the worst deal in hockey.

The list also included Seattle Kraken's Chandler Stephenson, Vegas Golden Knights' Adin Hill, Anaheim Ducks' Leo Carlsson, San Jose Sharks' Jacob Trouba, Edmonton Oilers' Trent Frederic and Jake Walman, Colorado Avalanche's Brett Kulak, Washington Capitals' Alex Tuch, and Vancouver Canucks' Elias Pettersson.