A single poorly negotiated contract can derail even the most promising NHL team, turning strong draft picks into costly liabilities. The league’s high-stakes financial decisions often hinge on long-term deals that sometimes backfire spectacularly. Experts warn that one misjudged signing can disrupt years of careful planning and talent development. The consequences of such moves extend beyond the ice, reshaping team dynamics and fan expectations overnight.

It’s hard to build a winning team in the NHL. Even if you draft well, it can all be undone by one bad contract. When one of those contracts happens…