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Best Bargain Contracts in the NHL in 2022-23

Griffin Crest / NHL / January 19, 2023

(Photo by Andy Cross/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

Looking toward the future with NHL’s best young gun contracts in 2022-23

Following the Minnesota Wild’s signing of future star Matt Boldy, I am breaking down the three best young gun contracts in the NHL right now.

(This is list in no particular order)

Igor Shesterkin

Shesterkin has been the backbone of the New York Rangers for the past few years while winning the 2021-22 Vezina Trophy. His contract accumulates around $23 million over the course of four years, with an annual salary of approximately $6 million. Shesterkin’s contract expires before the 2025-26 season, leading to getting a massive payday for the Russian Brick Wall in New York.

Shesterkin has averaged a 2.34 GAA, a .926 save percentage, and nine shutouts in his small four year-long career. For right now, Igor has the one of the best contracts in the whole world of hockey.

2. Cale Makar

If you don’t know who Cale Makar is, you have been living under a rock for the past four years. This 24-year-old, smooth skating defenseman has been torching blue lines and goaltenders ever since he stepped on the pro hockey ice in 2019.

In his short career, Makar has definitely made his impression on fans of Colorado and the NHL, winning the Calder Memorial Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy, James Norris Memorial Trophy and a Stanley Cup.

It’s safe to say Makar is in good hands. Makar’s contract details come in at nine million dollars a year until at the end of the 2026-27 season when he will be only 28! Makar is going to get a bag when that contract ends, so Colorado fans, you’re going to need to buckle up for that signing day because you will be in cap hell.

3. Jason Robertson

Man, has this kid taken the NHL by storm.

At one point, no one wanted to try to trade for this young star, which is disappointing as a Wild and Devils fan. Robertson was offered a four-year deal worth only $31 million — that is practically stealing from the Dallas Stars. No one traded for him, no one wanted him at the time. Now, guess what? He has scored 60 points in 45 games this year. Talk about jaw-dropping for the 23-year-old California native.

In his career, Robertson has totaled 185 points in essentially three seasons, as he only played three games in 2019-20. If he keeps this on track, we will gladly see any team cash in on Robertson in a trade when his contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 season.

What a steal Dallas Stars, what a steal.