David Pastrnak
This list is in no particular order, but let’s clarify that this is definitely the best bargain among Boston athletes. Pastrnak is in the third year of a six-year deal that averages $6.66 million a year. Consider that his production is right up there with Leon Draisaitl — whose $8.5 million cap hit is a steal — and he’s doing it for almost $2 million less. No joke: Pastrnak’s contract is the best in the NHL.
Jamie Collins
The only bad thing about Collins’ contract is that it’s only a one-year deal. Still, $2 million ($3 million cap hit; just 1.5 percent of the cap) for one of the best players on the NFL’s defense in terms of points allowed? Splendid.
Brad Marchand
Marchand is in Year 3 of an eight-year, $49 million contract with a $6.12 million AAV. The deal looked good at the time it was signed and has looked unbelievable since. As of Wednesday, six players had 15 or more goals. The four non-Bruins (Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, Alex Ovechkin, Auston Matthews) average a $10.55 million cap hit, while the two Bruins come in at under $7 million apiece.
Tacko Fall
Breaking the “no first contracts” rule to note that Tacko Fall is worth more than whatever he’s making. That’s not because of what he’s bringing to the Celtics competitively, but what he means to the Red Claws and organization overall. People are going nuts for the Red Claws. Their tickets are being resold for a markup on sites like StubHub. I don’t necessarily think he’s going to be bring much to the NBA, but he’s a fan favorite. That sells tickets.
Bill Belichick
No clue what he makes. Chris Mortensen said a couple years ago that Belichick makes over $10 million a year, which led to Pro Football Talk saying that the “word on the street” was that it was $12.5 million. At any rate, it’s an underpayment no matter what. You could tell me Belichick made $60 million a year and it would make sense to me.