Signing bonuses will become a hot-button issue around which the NHL coalesces leading into the 2020-21 Owners’ Lockout IV, because some contracts — such as the ones Steven Stamkos signed to remain in Tampa Bay, Andrew Ladd accepted to move to Brooklyn/Long Island and, to a lesser degree, Kyle Okposo took to go to Buffalo — essentially are buyout proof and give an advantage to ownerships willing to embrace/exploit that opening in the CBA.
Stamkos’ eight year, $68 million deal includes $60M in bonus payments due each July 1. Ladd’s seven-year, $38.5M contract includes $31.5M in annual bonuses due July 1.