As the NHL salary cap increases, front offices seem to think they can freely spend large sums on players without facing any repercussions. However, the salary cap still serves as a strict limit within the league, and several teams have handed out notably expensive contracts, raising concerns about long-term financial sustainability and competitive balance.MORE: Biggest winners and losers in NHL free agency day 1Jacob Trouba 4-Year $8.3M AAV | San Jose SharksJacob Trouba, signed by the San Jose Sharks, was seen as a massive overpayment. Getting a veteran in the room for a young Sharks team is beneficial. Paying Trouba over 8 million for the next four seasons is not. Trouba defensively wasnt strong enough to earn a raise.Alex Tuch 8-Year $10.5M AAV | Washington CapitalsApr 26, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch (89) gets set for a face-off during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn ImagesAlex Tuch should be a strong presence for the Capitals, but the term is where things get shaky with him already in his 30s. Washington is trying to build a strong team right now, and with Tuch locked in for eight seasons, how many of those eight will be worth the cost?Bowen Byram 6-Year $12.5M AAV | Chicago BlackhawksWhen the Blackhawks made the huge splash for Bowen Byram, the first thing on their mind was getting him extended. Byram has had injury concerns in his past, and this is a big gamble. He is now being paid to be the number one defenseman. Connor Bedard needs help, and if Byram can help Bedard set the Blackhawks up for a playoff run, this deal may not be the worst.Leo Carlsson 5-Year $18M AAV | Anaheim DucksMar 12, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN. Anaheim Ducks forward Leo Carlsson (91) skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn ImagesThe Flyers tried to go after Leo Carlsson, and they put the Anaheim Ducks in a predicament. Either you pay the big deal for the young superstar, or he heads to Philly. The Carlsson deal now makes it difficult for the Ducks to make other deals, such as Cutter Gauthier, who wants a big payday now, seeing that his teammate just got a big deal.Trent Fredric, 8-Year $3.85 AAV | Edmonton OilersTrent Fredric signed an 8-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers back in 2025, and giving out this long of a term isnt smart. Fredric is primarily a bottom-six forward, and while the money per season isnt bad, the term is. Fredric is projected to be a fourth-line winger, and the Oilers handed him an 8-year deal.NHL contracts are expected to rise in cost as the salary cap grows. This will complicate teams choices between committing to long-term deals or opting for shorter contracts for their star players. Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead