New York Rangers President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Chris Drury used his skills on the phone to swing a big trade for Pavel Dorofeyev from the Vegas Golden Knights. He then signed an seven-year contract worth $11 million AAV, and at first glance, it was the right move to replace the loss of Artemi Panarin.
As the summer has gone on and the 2026-27 season is just a few short weeks away, that signing has come under scrutiny and highlighted as one that might become a bit of a problem in the future. Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report has gone as far to have labeled it as one of five potential "nightmare contracts" that could become an issue by 2030.
It is completely true, for a couple of reasons.
Lack of sample size
With only two real seasons of stellar play, there is very little sample size to project Dorofeyev as a sustainable top-line winger. It is evident that he has the skills to earn a contract of that caliber, but can he translate that game to the Rangers?
Vegas has a top-notch offensive unit, with Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner as elite playmakers. Those two can make anyone a great goal-scorer, and that is exactly what they did with Dorofeyev.
Unfortunately, the Rangers do not have an Eichel or a Marner, but they do have Mika Zibanejad, who is coming off a great year in 2025-26. The opportunity for Dorofeyev is to continue his hot goal-scoring with the Blueshirts, but if it does not, then we all know why.
Big chunk of change
This $11 million AAV contract over the next seven years could run into a bit of a problem. This roster now has two members who are making more than $11 million a season, with Dorofeyev joining Igor Shesterkin. Obviously, it worked out with Panarin in the mix over the last few seasons, and with a rising salary cap, but eventually, money will run out.
And, so will star players that want their cut next.
This includes Adam Fox, who will be up for a new deal in 2028-29. Not an immediate need, but his $9.5 million AAV is going to skyrocket if he continues to be a top-20 NHL defenseman.
Dorofeyev's contract could potentially get in the way of retaining some of the youth as well. If Gabe Perreault turns out to be as advertised, as well as Liam Greentree, who came over in the Panarin trade as the big addition, then those two are going to need monster deals as RFAs.
If Dorofeyev can turn into a 40-goal scorer, then this contract is worth it. Anything short of that, and it is a complete nightmare to hold onto.
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