5 NHL stars undeserving of contract extensions with their current teams ft. Aaron Ekblad

The 2025 NHL free agent class features some notable names like John Tavares and Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs or Linus Ullmark of the Ottawa Senators. While some would-be free agents may never make it to market, others will generate significant attention from teams across the NHL.

However, some players figure to hit the market, not because they want to test free agency, but because their teams are unlikely to offer them a contract.

With that in mind, here is a look at five NHL stars who would seem unlikely to get a contract extension from their current teams.

5 NHL stars undeserving of contract extensions with their current teams

#5: Ryan Johansen

Johansen was once a highly talented center. He scored 33 goals for the Columbus Blue Jackets back in 2013-14 while notching a career-high 71 points the following season. Since then, his production has been in a gradual decline.

Last season, he played 63 games for the Colorado Avalanche, scoring 13 goals and 23 points. Johansen will be playing the final year of his current deal with the Philadelphia Flyers, carrying an $8 million cap hit, per Sportrac.

Unless Johansen is willing to take a significant pay cut to stay in Philly, his production and injury history, plus his history with coach John Tortorella, make it highly unlikely he will return.

#4: Jason Zucker

At 32-years-old, Zucker has played in nearly 700 NHL games. However, he hasn’t been close to matching his career-high 33 goals and 64 points from 2017-18.

Last season, Zucker played just 18 games with the Nashville Predators, registering seven points. This season, Zucker will be playing in Buffalo, carrying a $5 million cap hit, per Sportrac. Zucker is most likely done after this season unless he can stay healthy and produce in a depth role.

#3: Kaapo Kakko

The second-overall pick from 2019 has failed to live up to expectations. In 61 games last season, Kakko registered 19 points. The disappointing totals make him a target to walk this upcoming offseason. While Kakko will be a restricted free agent, chances are the New York Rangers may not extend him a qualifying offer.

Kakko may need to agree to a deal closer league minimum with the Rangers, or any other club, just to show that he still belongs in the NHL.

#2: Jakob Chychrun

The Washington Capitals made a splash this offseason by acquiring Chychrun from the Ottawa Senators. Chychrun had a solid season last year, playing in all 82 games, while registering 41 points. He seemed to be back to the form that gained him significant attention while in Arizona.

Unless Chychrun can replicate last season’s resurgent campaign, the Capitals may do well to re-sign him to a much lower deal. Sportract reports Chychrun has a $4.6 million cap hit this season. That price may be too high if Chychrun’s production declines or if he fails to stay healthy.

#1: Aaron Ekblad

Ekblad was once a cornerstone of the Florida Panthers’ defense. However, his last full season was 2018-19. Since then, injuries have kept him from playing a full season. Last year, Ekblad played in 51 games, putting up 18 points.

While Ekblad was great in the playoffs, he may be on the decline. Despite still being 28-years-old, it seems like Ekblad’s best days are behind him. At $7.5 million this season, the cap-strapped Panthers may look to move on from Ekblad unless he’s willing to take a significant pay cut to help the team address other key areas.