As far as pure value goes this season, Buffalo Sabres centre Tage Thompson leads the way.
Assessing the lowest cost per point this season (non-entry level contracts), Thompson is No. 1 in the league at $25,454.
“Don’t forget, he’s still on his old contract,” said Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek during Saturday’s 32 Thoughts segment on Hockey Night in Canada. “So, $1.4-million dollars [for the 2022-23 campaign]. His new deal kicks in next season.”
Thompson, who’s in his sixth NHL campaign, entered Saturday tied for third in NHL scoring with 55 points. His 30 goals were second to only Connor McDavid.
The 25-year-old was drafted in the first round (26th overall) by the St. Louis Blues in 2016. He was traded to Buffalo in the 2018 deal that sent Ryan O’Reilly to St. Louis and enjoyed a breakout last season, when he scored 38 goals and 68 points in 78 games while setting career highs in nearly every offensive category.
Courtesy of Steve Fellin, Sportsnet Stats, here’s a look at the top 10 players in the NHL this season, ranked by lowest cost per point (non-entry level contracts).
• Tage Thompson, BUF, $25,454
• Michael Bunting, TOR, $32,758
• Gabriel Vilardi, LAK, $33,000
• Erik Gustafsson, WASH, $33,333
• Daniel Sprong, SEA, $34,090
• David Krejci, BOS, $35,714
• Adam Ruzicka, CAL, $38,125
• Stefan Noesen, CAR, $38,125
• Sonny Milano, WASH, $39,473
• Zach Parise, NYI, $39,473