13 hours ago
NHL trade rumor: Three NHL contracts likely headed for a buyout as teams reconsider costly misfires this summer
Justin Holl #3 of the Detroit Red Wings (Credit: Getty Images)
Justin Holl's deal with the Detroit Red Wings raised eyebrows from the start. Signed to a three-year contract with a $3.4 million cap hit, Holl has not lived up to expectations. In two seasons, the defenseman has managed just two goals and eleven assists while remaining a defensive liability more often than not.
Despite a better finish to last season, it appears not enough to justify his spot or his salary.
2025 NHL Buyout Candidates - TOP 10 Players Facing Contract Buyouts
Matt Dumba falling out of favor in Dallas Stars lineup
Matt Dumba's situation with the Dallas Stars is just as uncertain. Brought in on a two-year deal worth $3.75 million annually, Dumba has failed to deliver the spark the Stars hoped for. His production was modest at best, with one goal and nine assists across 63 regular season games. More telling, however, was his complete absence from the lineup during the team's playoff run.
The Stars advanced to the Western Conference Final but benched Dumba throughout, clearly signaling their lack of trust. A buyout would reduce his cap hit to $1.41 million, freeing up over $2 million in space next season and softening the blow the following year with just a $1.16 million penalty. For a cap-tight team trying to stay competitive in the West, moving on from Dumba makes both hockey and financial sense.
Philipp Grubauer's struggles put the Kraken in a tough spot
Philipp Grubauer's time with the Seattle Kraken has been a turbulent ride. Signed as a top-tier goaltender, his performance has dipped consistently, reaching a low point last season with a 3.49 goals against average and a .875 save percentage over 26 games. At a $5.9 million cap hit for two more years, his contract is one of the most burdensome in the league.
With the June 30 deadline looming, general managers across the league are running out of time. For Holl, Dumba, and Grubauer, the writing may already be on the wall.
Also Read:
NHL trade rumors: NHL free agency 2025 set for wild ride with $10M deals, surprise offer sheets, and Aaron Ekblad buzz
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match here
.
Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
