A Closer Look at Martin Pospisil’s New Deal
In today’s NHL, performance bonuses are increasingly popular. Smart teams use them to align ambition with cap flexibility. Bonuses for hitting 20 goals, 40 points, or 82 games played aren't handouts—they’re motivators. And when used well, they can be valuable tools in player development and cap planning.
CALGARY — Martin Pospisil just signed a three-year, $7.5 million extension with the Calgary Flames. The deal comes with a $2.5M average annual value—no bonuses, no performance escalators, and no playoff incentives.
It’s a clean, simple structure. And to be fair, it reflects what Pospisil delivered last season. He put up a career-high 25 points, played with physical edge, and proved he belonged in the lineup. No one’s questioning whether he earned a raise.
But it’s also worth stepping back and asking: could this deal have been structured to create more upside?
In today’s NHL, performance bonuses aren’t just for entry-level contracts. Smart teams use them to align ambition with cap flexibility. Bonuses for hitting 20 goals, 40 points, or 82 games played aren't handouts—they’re motivators. And when used well, they can be valuable tools in player development and cap planning.
The Flames are clearly in a reset—not a teardown. They’re trying to build around a younger core. That means betting on growth. Betting on breakout seasons. And often, that also means designing contracts that reward players for exceeding expectations.
There’s no telling how Pospisil’s next three years will unfold. Maybe he continues his upward trajectory either way. But if he does, Calgary won’t owe him a dollar more than the base deal. That’s the opportunity they might’ve left on the table.
It’s not a criticism—just a question of whether there was a missed chance to add value for both the player and the team.
What do you think?
Should more NHL teams use performance incentives to structure deals like this?