The 2021 NHL offseason has marked the summer of defencemen getting straight PAID.

On Thursday, Zack Werenski became one of the richest defenders in the league after signing a six-year, $57,499,998 contract. The new deal will kick in following this upcoming season and will expire just before the Michigan native turns 31.

 

Whoa. That’s a lottttt of cash, and currently gives him the third highest cap hit among all blue-liner. But what about the others? After a hectic free agency period, let’s take a look at the top 10 highest paid defencemen in the NHL.

10) Oliver Ekman-Larsson - $8,250,000

The list kicks off with a BANG. OEL flat-out not good in Arizona last year, but maybe a change of scenery is exactly what the Swede needs in order to revitalize his career? Regardless, $8.250 is a lot of money to take on especially when you consider he’s signed through 2027. We’ll have to wait and see how this moves pans out.

9) Miro Heiskanen - $8,450,000

Eight years at that price for one of the NHL’s best young defenders in his prime? Yeah, the Dallas will take that all day. Great contract for the Stars.

8) Alex Pietrangelo - $8,800,000

A steady defender who knows how to elevate his game in the playoffs. Pietro is still productive but that might not be the case as his contract progresses. He’ll be 37 when he becomes a free agent again in 2027

T-6th) Cale Makar, Dougie Hamilton - $9,000,000

There’s an argument to be made that Cale Makar should be the highest paid defender in the league. He’s 22 and arguably the best defenceman in the NHL, and you’ve got to think he left money on the table so Avs captain Gabriel Landeskog could re-sign for $7 million per year. Hamilton on the other hand is older (28) and likely cashed in on his last big NHL contract. Makar could be in for a raise when his contract is up in 2027.

5) Roman Josi - $9,059,000

Josi has been one of the best defenceman in the league for some time now. This contract is a good one for the Preds.

4) Seth Jones - $9,500,000

Jones was sent packing to Chicago and got straight PAID. A massive minutes cruncher, he’ll be expected to carry the load on the back end for a team that is pretty average at the position.

3) Zach Warienski - $9,583,333

And just when you thought Columbus wouldn’t dish out that kind of money… it’s a hefty price, but Werenski is one of the best offensive weapons the NHL has to offer on defence. Don’t be surprised if he’s named the team’s next captain in the fall.

2) Drew Doughty - $11,000,000

Doughty will be 37 when his contract expires in 2027 (every contract is expiring that year !) but regardless of the term, no one can say he didn’t earn it. He’ll forever be a legend in Los Angeles.

1 ) Erik Karlsson - $11,500,000

Yeah, this one has not looked good for the Sharks so far. Karlsson is a shell of his old self, though he has still contributed offensively for his new squad. He’s signed through 2027 (surprise, surprise) and the Sharks are hoping he can find his old game before then.

So, which of these contracts do you like and dislike most? Let us know @BarDown.