Every NHL front office maintains a running list of contracts that will have an impact down the road. With the salary cap rising and several teams balancing aging cores against long-term planning, players who are still under contract can influence decisions well before free agency arrives. These 10 names fall into that category, where future commitments are already shaping present strategy.
Artemi Panarin
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The Rangers enter the next two seasons with a veteran-heavy core and limited cap flexibility, which puts extra weight on every long-term decision. Artemi Panarin remains their most reliable offensive driver, but his contract timeline overlaps with difficult choices about how long this version of the roster can stay intact.
Alex Tuch
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Buffalo's front office is approaching a point where patience has to turn into progress. As the Sabres decide whether their current group is ready to contend, Alex Tuch's place in that plan becomes harder to ignore, especially given how his role and age line up with the team's competitive window.
Nick Schmaltz
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Secondary scoring often becomes expensive after teams realize how much they rely on it. Utah has benefited from Nick Schmaltz's steady production, especially alongside its top forwards. If that output continues, his next contract naturally becomes harder to manage. Planning ahead is crucial here because replacing consistency often costs more than expected.
Rasmus Andersson
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Right-shot defensemen who handle difficult minutes rarely fade from long-term planning discussions. In Calgary, Rasmus Andersson's value is tied closely to how quickly the rebuild takes shape. His current role still matters, but future leverage grows as teams look ahead. The overlap keeps his contract timeline relevant well before expiration.
Patrick Kane
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Late-career contracts tend to reflect role clarity more than raw production. Patrick Kane's offensive instincts still show, particularly in controlled situations, but expectations have narrowed. As Detroit and others plan ahead, fit and usage outweigh term length. His future hinges on how teams picture his role evolving.
Evgeni Malkin
Credit: Instagram
Pittsburgh's long partnership with Evgeni Malkin makes long-term planning more complicated than a typical contract decision. His ice time has shifted, and health questions have arisen, but moments of high-end play still surface. As the Penguins look past their core years, emotional ties and roster reality will increasingly shape how his next chapter is handled.
Jacob Trouba
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Physical defenders still matter when playoff games tighten and space disappears. After a role reset in Anaheim, Trouba regained value by playing heavier minutes and leaning into his edge. Any future interest will depend on whether contenders are willing to trade cap efficiency for toughness.
Sergei Bobrovsky
Credit: Instagram
A few seasons ago, Bobrovsky's contract symbolized risk, but recent playoff runs changed that perception entirely. Goaltending success reshapes narratives quickly, and Florida now faces a different calculation than expected. Keeping stability in the net has value, but so does flexibility. Around the league, teams rarely pass on proven postseason performance at this position.
John Carlson
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Washington's roster no longer resembles the one John Carlson helped lead to a championship. His power-play role still delivers results, but the organization is shifting priorities. Leadership matters during transitions, but so does timing. Carlson's situation reflects the tension between honoring a long tenure and adjusting to a roster that is slowly turning over.
Mats Zuccarello
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Minnesota continues to rely on experience in key moments, especially on the power play. Even as he approaches 39, Mats Zuccarello continues to drive results through his vision and timing. His $4.125 million cap hit reflects that trust. A short extension makes sense, though teams hunting playmaking depth will keep an eye on his status.
