"McDavid and then Quinn Hughes" "Has to be Draisaitl": NHL fans left debating over the current best contract in hockey

Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers signed a new contract extension on Tuesday worth $112 million over eight years. This deal, starting in the 2025-26 season, will give him a $14 million annual cap hit. It surpasses Auston Matthews' four-year, $53 million contract, which carries a $13.25 million cap hit starting this season. Draisaitl will soon be the highest-paid player in the NHL.

NHL Network posted a question on X (formerly Twitter):

"There's been plenty of money handed out this offseason. But who currently has the best contract in hockey?"

Here are the players mentioned in the NHL post:

1. Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils) – Signed an eight-year, $64 million contract in 2021, averaging $8 million per season.
2. Gustav Forsling (Florida Panthers) – Has a $5.75 million cap hit through the 2031-32 season, which is considered great value for his performance.
3. Zach Hyman (Edmonton Oilers) – On a seven-year, $38.5 million contract with a $5.5 million cap hit. His base salary for 2024-25 will be $7.7 million.
4. Quinn Hughes (captain, Vancouver Canucks) – Signed a six-year, $47.1 million deal, with a $7.85 million cap hit.

Fans on X debated the contracts, discussing which offers the best balance between performance and salary.

"It’s McDavid and then Quinn Hughes," one fan said.

"Well currently it still has to be Draisaitl...," another fan commented.

"Forsling’s by a mile imo. That value and for that term is crazy," one X user said.

Take a look at some more reactions from NHL fans on X.

"Out of these four it’s Forsling. Even if he’s not good at 34 (or whenever that deal expires) he’s making $5.75 million. That’s second-pairing D money," a fan said.

"The Devils have the best bargain with jackhughes and it's not close," a fan commented.

"Money it’s clearly draisatl. If you’re talking value, hands down it Matthew Tkachuk, as Bedard is an entry level deal," another fan said.

Leon Draisaitl proud to stay with the Edmonton Oilers

Leon Draisaitl expressed his deep commitment to the Edmonton Oilers with his new eight-year, $112 million contract.

"I take great pride in being an Oiler and always obviously wear my heart on my sleeve, but I love nothing more than wearing that jersey and representing our city and our great fans, I'm really, really excited and happy to hopefully be an Oiler for life," Draisaitl said, viaNHL.com.

He is focused on winning the Stanley Cup after coming very close last season. where he had 106 points in the regular season and 31 points in the playoffs.