Just like in a majority of other well-followed sports, becoming a professional player can come with some serious financial perks. NHL players are amongst the highest-paid athletes in the world, with many earning millions each year for their participation in games.
In this article, we look at some of the highest paid current NHL players, while also considering those who have retired!
Who is the highest-paid NHL player today?
Currently, Auston Matthews, representing the Toronto Maple Leafs, is the highest paid NHL player, earning $13.25 million per year. He extended his contract with the Maple Leafs in the summer of 2024, pledging his allegiance to the club until 2028.
Next up is Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche, as the centre weighs in with a yearly salary of $12.6 million. He signed an eight-year contract in 2022 and also benefited from a $85.34 million bonus in exchange for his signature.
Connor McDavid takes the third spot with $12.5 million per year for his contribution to the Edmonton Oilers. His contract with the Oilers will expire in the 2025-26 NHL season, at which point McDavid will be 29 years of age.
Here’s a look at the top 10 highest-paid NHL players in current times, alongside the team they represent:
| Player | Salary | Team |
| Auston Matthews | $13.25 million | Toronto Maple Leafs |
| Nathan MacKinnon | $12.6 million | Colorado Avalanche |
| Connor McDavid | $12.5 million | Edmonton Oilers |
| Artemi Panarin | $11.64 million | New York Rangers |
| Elias Pettersson | $11.6 million | Vancouver Canucks |
| Erik Karlsson | $11.5 million | Pittsburgh Penguins |
| William Nylander | $11.5 million | Toronto Maple Leafs |
| David Pastrnak | $11.25 million | Boston Bruins |
| Drew Doughty | $11 million | Los Angeles Kings |
| John Tavares | $11 million | Toronto Maple Leafs |
It’s also worth mentioning that Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres earns $11 million per year, too.
Who is the highest-paid NHL player ever?
When it comes to the NHL players who have received the most total compensation for their services on the ice, Sidney Crosby, who has spent his entire NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, tops the charts with combined career earnings of $141,340,243.
Next up is Alexander Ovechkin, who has earned $138,220,892 throughout his time in the NHL so far, all of which has been spent with the Washington Capitals. Shea Weber, who was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2024, is third with total earnings of $129,030,338.
The top 10 highest-paid NHL players of all time can be seen in the list below, many of whom are still active today:
| Player | Total Earnings | Active? |
| Sidney Crosby | $141,340,243 | Yes (Pittsburgh Penguins) |
| Alexander Ovechkin | $138,220,892 | Yes (Washington Capitals) |
| Shea Weber | $129,030,338 | No |
| Jaromir Jagr | $128,139,753 | No |
| Evgeni Malkin | $126,720,892 | Yes (Pittsburgh Penguins) |
| Anze Kopitar | $120,454,878 | Yes (Los Angeles Kings) |
| Vincent Lecavalier | $116,266,608 | No |
| Patrick Kane | $115,637,195 | Yes (Detroit Red Wings) |
| Jonathan Toews | $115,562,195 | No |
| Chris Pronger | $111,379,268 | No |
What is the highest salary for an NHL player?
The highest possible salary for an NHL player is constantly changed per season. However, the current capacity is $17.6 million. Each team also has a maximum cap that can be spent on player salaries, which is $88 million for the 2024-25 season. This is done to preserve the integrity of the National Hockey League, ensuring a competitive environment for everyone involved.
Who is the richest NHL player ever?
Although Wayne Gretzky only made $76 million throughout his time as a professional athlete, he is considered to be the richest NHL player ever in terms of net worth, with his sitting at an incredible $250 million.
Wayne is synonymous with ice hockey and has used his influence to start various business ventures, while covering NHL matches as an analyst for Turner Sports, too. Gretzky is also a part owner of the Phoenix Coyotes, further adding to his net worth, which is likely to grow even more over the coming years.
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