As the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs inch closer to their conclusion, fans and analysts alike are quickly redirecting their attention to the NHL offseason, which promises to be eventful. Following the dramatic conclusion of the playoffs, the NHL Draft is set to unfold in Buffalo on June 26-27, and the excitement will further mount with the start of free agency on July 1. In addition, teams will be exploring various avenues, including trades and buyouts, to reshape their rosters for the upcoming season.
Understanding the Buyout Process
Once the playoffs finish, NHL teams will have the opportunity to buy out players' contracts in two key periods. The first buyout window begins on June 15 or 48 hours following the Stanley Cup Final's conclusion and remains open until June 30 at 5 pm ET. Teams with players who file for arbitration and have their cases resolved may receive a second buyout window of 48 hours as well. Notably, these buyouts are only applicable to players whose contracts have an average annual value exceeding $4 million and who were active on the team's roster during the latest NHL trade deadline.
For players aged 26 and older, the buyouts entail a payment of two-thirds of the remaining base salary spread over double the length of the remaining contract term. Players younger than 26 see that figure reduced to one-third their remaining base salary. However, any signing bonuses are guaranteed and do not factor into the buyout calculus, while players on 35-plus contracts can also be bought out, though it yields no salary-cap relief for the team.
Potential Buyout Candidates
Despite teams often preferring to trade contracts to avoid financial constraints on the salary cap, several NHL players could face buyouts this summer if their franchises struggle to find suitable trade partners for their contracts. Let's take a closer look at five potential buyout candidates.
Darnell Nurse and Jonathan Huberdeau
Among notable candidates, Darnell Nurse of the Edmonton Oilers and Jonathan Huberdeau of the Calgary Flames stand out. Both players may seem viable for buyouts due to their contracts, but the reality is more complicated. Their current contract structures render a buyout less advantageous, as the salary cap savings for their respective teams would be minimal.
Max Compher: A Tough Decision for the Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings, currently holding the NHL's longest active postseason drought at ten seasons, are under increasing pressure to make roster adjustments. General manager Steve Yzerman has $29.1 million in projected salary-cap space but may still consider buyouts to not only free roster spots but also to make significant additions.
Max Compher, a 31-year-old center, was signed to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $5.1 million. However, his production has dipped sharply, from 48 points in the 2023-24 season to merely 28 points last year. Additionally, his declining output and a 10-team no-trade list complicate potential trades, making a buyout a more feasible option, potentially resulting in a $1.97 million annual cap hit for two seasons.
The Future of Brendan Gallagher with the Canadiens
Brendan Gallagher, the heart and soul of the Montréal Canadiens since joining in 2012-13, faces uncertainty as he’s become less effective due to injuries. The 34-year-old winger has accumulated 246 goals and has even contributed to the Canadiens' midfield. However, Gallagher has found himself a healthy scratch for much of the Habs' playoff journey this year, raising questions about his fit with the team.
Gallagher still has a contract worth $6.5 million for the upcoming season. With the Canadiens holding over $10.9 million in cap space, a buyout could help the team save around $2.7 million, though it may not be a popular decision among fans.
Ryan Graves: Underperforming in Pittsburgh
Ryan Graves, who joined the Pittsburgh Penguins as a free agent with expectations of enhancing their defense, has struggled significantly since arriving. After yielding disappointing play over the past three seasons, the 6’5”, 225-pound defenseman was even placed on waivers earlier this season.
Pittsburgh possesses $37.9 million in projected cap space, yet buying Graves out would net only $1.2 million savings per year for the next two seasons, necessitating a careful evaluation of his future with the team.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi and the Hurricanes’ Dilemma
The Carolina Hurricanes signed Jesperi Kotkaniemi to an eight-year contract after a successful, albeit tumultuous, stint with the Montréal Canadiens. Although he boasted a career-high 43 points in the 2022-23 season, his performance has since declined significantly, potentially prompting the Hurricanes to consider a buyout. A buyout would result in savings of over $3.9 million for a portion of the contract, providing future salary cap relief.
Assessing Morgan Rielly’s Position
In Toronto, the Maple Leafs face significant front-office changes after missing the postseason for the first time since 2016. Questions loom over the future of defenseman Morgan Rielly, who is tied to a lucrative contract carrying an average annual value of $7.5 million through 2029-30. Rielly's waning performance and hefty cap hit have made him a focal point of trade and buyout speculation amongst fans and media.
Though buying out Rielly carries a hefty initial cost against the cap, it might provide necessary flexibility for the team in pursuit of critical roster improvements.
As the offseason approaches, NHL teams will be keen to make strategic decisions regarding buyouts and trades that could redefine their future. The coming weeks promise high stakes for franchise general managers as they evaluate their current roster and set sights on a more competitive season ahead.
