Ranking the 10 NHL Players Most Likely to Be Bought Out This Summer

The NHL's contract buyout period runs every year from June 16-30. Unlike the last two seasons, there are no longer compliance buyout options that won't count against a team's salary cap. For the remainder of the current collective bargaining agreement, all buyouts count against the cap.

Buyouts are calculated at two-thirds of the remaining value over twice the remaining contract term for players 26 and older. For those under 26, the calculation is one-third of the remaining value over twice the remaining term. Players still sidelined by injuries during the buyout period are ineligible.

The following slideshow ranks the 10 NHL players most likely to be bought out this summer. Remaining contract term, buyout cap hit and player performance factored into the compilation of this ranking.

10. Alexander Semin, Carolina Hurricanes

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Remaining contract term: Three years, $21 million, $7 million annual cap hit.

Buyout cap hit: If the Carolina Hurricanes buy out Alexander Semin, the cap hit will be $2.33 million annually from 2015-16 to 2020-21.

Analysis: Semin hasn't put up the type of numbers expected of a $7 million player. On Jan. 28, the News & Observer (h/t NBC Sports' Mike Halford) reported Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis said Semin wouldn't be bought out this summer. However, it's difficult to justify keeping an overpaid underachiever on a rebuilding roster next season. 

9. Ondrej Pavelec, Winnipeg Jets

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Remaining contract term: Two years, $9 million, $3.9 million annual cap hit.

Buyout cap hit: If the Winnipeg Jets buy out Ondrej Pavelec, the cap hit will be $1.15 million in 2015-16, $650,000 in 2016-17 and $1.5 million in 2017-18 and 2018-19.

Analysis: Despite his recent improvement, Pavelec's inconsistency is an ongoing issue. Promising backup Michael Hutchinson threatens to unseat him as starting goaltender. On March 11, the Winnipeg Sun's Paul Friesen speculated about Pavelec's future in Winnipeg. Management's patience could run out if he stumbles again. 

8. Vincent Lecavalier, Philadelphia Flyers

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Remaining contract term: Three years, $10.5 million, $4.5 million annual cap hit.

Buyout cap hit: If the Philadelphia Flyers buy out Vincent Lecavalier, the cap hit will be $2.889 million annually for 2015-16 and 2016-17, $2.389 million for 2017-18 and $889,000 annually from 2018-19 to 2020-21.

Analysis: The 34-year-old Lecavalier has had a disappointing tenure with the Flyers. His production has been declining for some time, and he's often relegated to fourth-line duty. The Flyers could try trading Lecavalier, but it's unlikely they'll find many takers. A buyout could be their only option, though the cap hit is hefty.

7. Stephen Weiss, Detroit Red Wings

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Remaining contract term: Three years, $16 million, $4.9 million annual cap hit.

Buyout cap hit: If the Detroit Red Wings buy out Stephen Weiss, the cap hit will be $1.067 million annually for 2015-16 and 2016-17, $2.567 million in 2017-18 and $1.667 million annually for 2018-19 to 2020-21.

Analysis: Weiss' tenure with the Red Wings has been disappointing thus far. The 31-year-old is now jockeying for position with younger, more affordable players. The Wings could try to trade Weiss, but his declining production and cap hit are tough to move. He could become a buyout candidate in June, though the cap hit will cost them. 

6. R.J. Umberger, Philadelphia Flyers

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Remaining contract term: Two years, $9 million, $4.6 million annual cap hit.

Buyout cap hit: If the Philadelphia Flyers buy out R.J. Umberger, the cap hit will be $1.6 million annually for 2015-16 and 2016-17, followed by $1.5 million annually for 2017-18 and 2018-19.

Analysis: Umberger's had a disappointing return with the Flyers. He's on pace for the worst stats of his NHL career this season. The Flyers have limited salary-cap space. If they cannot find a trade partner for Umberger in June, they could buy him out to free up payroll for more-affordable talent.

5. Viktor Stalberg, Nashville Predators

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Remaining contract term: Two years, $7 million, $2.226 million annual cap hit.

Buyout cap hit: If the Nashville Predators buy out Viktor Stalberg, the cap hit will be $667,000 annually for 2015-16 and 2016-17, followed by $1.167 million annually for 2017-18 and 2018-19.

Analysis: The 29-year-old Stalberg hasn't panned out as a scoring forward for the Predators. He managed only 18 points in 70 games last season. After a knee injury this season, he was a frequent healthy scratch. The Predators are a budget-conscious team and could decide they cannot continue to carry Stalberg's full salary.

4. Colin Greening, Ottawa Senators

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Remaining contract term: Two years, $5.95 million, $2.294 million annual cap hit.

Buyout cap hit: If the Ottawa Senators buy out Colin Greening, the cap hit will be $892,000 for 2015-16, $442,000 in 2016-17, followed by $992,000 annually for 2017-18 and 2018-19.

Analysis: Greening was a frequent healthy scratch this season and spent some time in the minors. On March 3, The Canadian Press' Stephen Whyno (via the Brandon Sun) reported the Senators tried unsuccessfully to trade the 29-year-old winger. The Senators are a budget team and could go the buyout route with Greening if they cannot move him via trade in June.

3. Niklas Backstrom, Minnesota Wild

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Remaining contract term: One year, $4 million, $3.417 million annual cap hit.

Buyout cap hit: If the Minnesota Wild buy out Niklas Backstrom, the cap hit will be $750,000 in 2015-16 and $1.333 million in 2016-17.

Analysis: For the first time in years, the 37-year-old Backstrom is healthy. Unfortunately, his performance has declined to the point where he's now the Wild's third goalie. Darcy Kuemper is under contract next season, and they're likely to re-sign season-saving goalie Devan Dubnyk. That makes Backstrom the odd man out and a likely buyout candidate.

2. Cody Hodgson, Buffalo Sabres

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Remaining contract term: Four years, $19 million, $4.25 million annual cap hit.

Buyout cap hit: If the Buffalo Sabres buy out Cody Hodgson, the cap hit will be $1.042 million for 2015-16, $542,000 in 2016-17 and $42,000 in 2017-18. They'll get a cap savings of $458,000 in 2018-19, followed by an annual cap hit of $792,000 from 2019-20 to 2022-23.

Analysis: Cody Hodgson's had a disappointing performance this season. On Feb. 11, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman (h/t Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey) reported there was a very real possibility the Buffalo Sabres could buy out the 25-year-old in June if unable to trade him. Doing so will be at one-third of the remaining value over twice the remaining term.

1. Mike Richards, Los Angeles Kings

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Remaining contract term: Five years, $22 million, $5.75 million annual cap hit.

Buyout cap hit: If the Los Angeles Kings buy out Mike Richards, the cap hit will be $1.217 million for 2015-16, $1.717 million for 2016-17, $2.717 million for 2017-18, $4.217 million annually for 2018-19 and 2019-20 and $1.467 million annually from 2020-21 to 2024-25.

Analysis: Richards' production has been in steady decline in recent years. Demotion to the minors only frees up $925,000 in cap space. The Kings have limited cap space this summer and several key players to re-sign. If they cannot move Richards by trade before June 30, they could be forced to buy him out.

All player stats via NHL.com. Salary information via NHLNumbers.com. Buyout calculations via war-on-ice.com.