5 overpaid players who have to produce
There's simply no room for error in the salary cap era.
If an offensive talent isn't carrying his cap hit's worth in goals and points, his team is less likely to succeed in the long run.
Here, then, are five players who must produce this season in order to render their cap hits more tenable.
P.K. Subban
2017-18 cap hit: $9M
2016-17 stats: 66 GP, 10 G, 30 A
Simply put, P.K. Subban is the highest-paid defenseman in the NHL, and his numbers must more closely reflect that fact.
He did miss a chunk of games due to injury during his first season with the Nashville Predators, and he played some very fine hockey when healthy, especially in the playoffs.
But when your cap hit is set to be $1 million more than reigning Norris Trophy winner Brent Burns, you need to rank higher than 13th in points per game, or at least be the most productive defenseman on your own team.
Corey Perry
2017-18 cap hit: $8.625M
2016-17 stats: 82 GP, 19 goals, 34 assists
"Scorey" Corey Perry he was not last season, as the Anaheim Ducks winger recorded his lowest goal total since his sophomore year.
In fairness, his shooting percentage was way down, 8.8 percent in comparison to his career mark of 13.2. But still, Perry is counted on to score, and the Ducks can't see him routinely hunted down by the opposition once again.
Leon Draisaitl
2017-18 cap hit: $8.5M
2016-17 stats: 82 GP, 29 G, 48 A
For one season, Leon Draisaitl will be the highest-paid player on the Edmonton Oilers.
Draisaitl earned his hefty raise on the strength of a breakout year - his second full season - in which he finished eighth on the NHL's points list. He also helped the club clinch a playoff spot, and lead the Oilers in postseason scoring with six goals and 10 assists in 13 games.
For the Oilers to remain on an upward trajectory, Draisaitl must at least maintain that level of success, especially after his cap hit is eclipsed by $4 million by Connor McDavid beginning in 2018-19.
Related: How banking on a self-reliant Draisaitl affects McDavid, Oilers' Cup chances
Rick Nash
2017-18 cap hit: $7.8M
2016-17 stats: 67 GP, 23 goals, 15 assists
Rick Nash remains on the New York Rangers' books for one more season, serving as the team's second-highest paid player next to Henrik Lundqvist.
He did reach 42 goals in 2014-15, but has struggled to remain healthy and hit the back of the net on a consistent basis since.
A modest resurgence, however, would greatly help the Rangers' chances in what will be a very competitive Metropolitan Division.
Zach Parise
2017-18 cap hit: $7,538,462
2016-17 stats: 69 GP, 19 goals, 23 assists
By his own admission, last season last season stunk for Zach Parise.
The Minnesota Wild winger was limited by nagging injuries and illnesses, and finished with his lowest full-season totals since his rookie year with the New Jersey Devils.
Parise is entering the sixth year of a monster 13-year, $98-million contract signed in 2012, and the Wild need him to come back refreshed and ready to help bring a Cup to his hometown.
- Salary information courtesy: Cap Friendly