Inside the NHL’s Biggest Contract Surprises of 2025: Who’s Winning and Losing Big Bucks?
17. Columbus Blue Jackets
Last season: 32nd
After finishing last in these rankings last summer, the Blue Jackets took a major step forward after a surprisingly strong season. Zach Werenski deserves a ton of credit for being the team’s engine from the back end and turning into a Norris-worthy defender. He’s become a steal at $9.6 million for the next three seasons.
Also worthy of credit is the team’s blossoming young stars. Kirill Marchenko, Kent Johnson, Dmitri Voronkov and Yegor Chinakhov all took major steps as legitimate top-six talents and the Blue Jackets have all of them at a great price. Add a career-best season from Sean Monahan and a savvy waiver pickup (and subsequent extension) in Dante Fabbro, and things suddenly look promising in Columbus.
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