Protecting themselves.

Most of us might not have noticed, but the recent wave of contract signed in the NHL has hide something from us.

Like Frank Seravili of tsn.ca reports, some NHL superstars are protecting themselves from another lock-out. The next CBA only ends in 2020, but some contract extensions have already reached the 2020 season and players do not want to lose money again. In 2013, Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin were the most impacted players, losing respectably $4.5M and $5.5M.

In order to guarantee themselves part of the money their team will eventually owe them, players have structured their contract differently. Derek Stepan for example, will make $5M in 2020, but $3M of his salary will be paid before the start of the season, about 60% of his salary. In the event of a lock-out, Stepan would be penalized only on the $2M remaining.

Players have also agreed to contracts where they make less money in the 2020 season. For example Vladimir Tarasenko will earn $9.5M in 2019 and $5.5M in 2020 but his salary will go back up in 2021 at $9.5M.

Since the latest lock-out in 2012-2013, 43 players have signed contracts that bring them to or further 2020-2021. 16 of these 43 players have taken precautions in order to lose less money than they did in 2012.

Notables are:

Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks

Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks

Patrice Bergeron,Boston Bruins

Ryan O’Reilly, Buffalo Sabres

Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks

Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

Click here for complete list.

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Image courtesy of Keystone Press