As the 2026 NHL offseason comes to a close, many teams are left wondering if their big splashes in free agency will pay off. A closer look at the past few weeks of signings reveals some major missteps, with several teams overpaying for talent that may not live up to expectations. In a new analysis, The Hockey Writers identifies the 8 worst contracts signed in NHL free agency 2026, featuring a mix of high-profile flops and surprising disappointments. From overpriced defensemen to underperforming forwards, these contracts are already looking like albatrosses for their respective teams. Are your favorite team's big signings among the worst of the year?
8 Worst Contracts Signed in NHL Free Agency 2026 The Hockey Writers
![[Dreger] The Blues front office is changing with Kevin Maxwell and Peter Chiarelli leaving the club to pursue other opportunities. Chiarelli is a candidate in NSH interview process and Maxwell is expected to return to NYR in a management role.](https://preview.redd.it/8hs9m3tumlrg1.jpeg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=ce4550e1caea7b79f0c63dd506935cd41dc4d243)
