Highest Paid Hockey Player in the NHL
Who is the highest paid hockey player in the NHL right now—and how much are they actually making?
If you follow the league, you’ve probably seen different names at the top depending on the source. That’s because NHL salaries aren’t just about one number. There’s the average annual value (AAV), real cash earnings, bonuses, and long-term contract value. All of these shape who truly sits at the top.
In this guide, we’ll break it down clearly and simply. You’ll learn:
– Who leads the NHL highest salary players list
– How contracts actually work
– Why some stars earn more than others
– And where NHL salaries are heading next
We’ll also go beyond basic lists and explain the logic behind contracts, cap hits, and negotiations—so you understand the why, not just the numbers.
Who Is the Highest Paid Hockey Player in the NHL?
Right now, the answer depends on how you measure “highest paid.”
Based on Average Annual Value (AAV)
– Nathan MacKinnon – $12.6M
– Connor McDavid – $12.5M
MacKinnon slightly edges McDavid in cap hit, which is why he’s often listed as the current leader.
Based on Newer Market Deals
– Leon Draisaitl – around $14M AAV
– Auston Matthews – $13.25M
These newer contracts reflect rising salaries in the league.
Based on Total Earnings (Including Bonuses)
Players like Matthews and MacKinnon can earn over $15M+ in a single season when bonuses are included.
So, the title of highest paid hockey player in the NHL isn’t fixed—it changes depending on how you measure it.
Top 10 Highest Paid NHL Players (2026)
Here’s a simplified version of current NHL player salary rankings based on AAV:
Current Leaders
– Leon Draisaitl – $14M
– Auston Matthews – $13.25M
– Nathan MacKinnon – $12.6M
– Connor McDavid – $12.5M
– Mitch Marner – ~$12M
– Mikko Rantanen – ~$12M
– Artemi Panarin – ~$11.6M
– Elias Pettersson – ~$11.6M
– Erik Karlsson – ~$11.5M
– Jack Eichel – ~$10M
What This List Shows
– Elite forwards dominate the top
– Salaries above $10M are now common
– The market is clearly rising year by year
Unique Insight
The highest paid NHL players 2026 list is shifting toward shorter, higher-value deals. Players prefer flexibility instead of being locked into long contracts.
How NHL Contracts Actually Work
Understanding the NHL contract breakdown is key.
Key Components
– AAV (Average Annual Value)
This is what counts against the salary cap
– Base Salary
Paid during the season
– Signing Bonuses
Paid upfront and often guaranteed
Example
Connor McDavid:
– $12.5M cap hit
– But part of that comes from bonuses, not just salary
Why This Matters
This is where NHL player contracts explained becomes important:
– Teams care about cap hit
– Players care about real money
– Agents balance both
Unique Insight
Modern NHL deals are bonus-heavy to protect players financially, especially during uncertain seasons.
Salary Cap Impact on Player Earnings
To understand salaries, you need the NHL salary cap explained.
Current Cap Situation
– Around $95.5M for 2025–26 season
Why It Matters
– Limits team spending
– Forces roster balance
– Prevents “super teams”
Example
A $12M player:
– Takes up ~12–15% of the team cap
Unique Insight
Because of the cap:
– Teams rely heavily on young players on cheap contracts
– Big contracts come with real trade-offs
Why Some Players Earn More Than Others
Not every superstar earns the same.
Main Factors
– Performance (points, impact)
– Position (centers earn more)
– Market timing
– Age and upside
Real Example
Draisaitl’s newer deal is higher than McDavid’s older contract—not because he’s better, but because:
– The market increased
Unique Insight
Timing is everything. Signing a deal even one year later can mean millions more.
Highest Paid NHL Players by Position
Forwards
– MacKinnon
– McDavid
– Matthews
Defensemen
– Erik Karlsson (~$11.5M cap hit)
He is often considered the highest paid defenseman NHL
Goalies
– Igor Shesterkin (~$11.5M range)
Unique Insight
Defensemen salaries are rising fast, closing the gap with forwards.
Endorsements and Off-Ice Earnings
When looking at richest hockey players NHL, you also need off-ice income.
Top Earners
– Auston Matthews
– Connor McDavid
Income Sources
– Sponsorships
– Brand deals
– Media appearances
Some players earn $5M+ off the ice annually .
Unique Insight
Unlike the NBA, endorsements are smaller—but growing steadily.
Biggest NHL Contracts Ever
Notable Deals
– Nathan MacKinnon – $100.8M
– Connor McDavid – $100M
– Leon Draisaitl – $112M+
What’s Changing
– Contracts are getting shorter
– AAV is increasing
Unique Insight
Teams are avoiding long-term risk and focusing on peak performance years.
How NHL Salaries Compare to Other Sports
Salary Comparison
– NHL: ~$12–14M top AAV
– NBA: $50M+
– NFL: $40M+ (QBs)
Why NHL Salaries Are Lower
– Smaller revenue pool
– Hard salary cap
– Less global media money
Unique Insight
Even with lower salaries, NHL contracts are fully guaranteed, which adds security.
Future of NHL Salaries
What’s Coming
– Salary cap expected to hit $113.5M by 2027–28
Impact
– Players could soon earn $15M+ AAV regularly
– New contracts may reset the market
Unique Insight
These NHL salary trends show a league that’s quietly growing financially.
Conclusion
So, who is the highest paid hockey player in the NHL?
The answer keeps evolving. Right now, players like Nathan MacKinnon, Leon Draisaitl, and Auston Matthews sit at the top depending on how you measure salary—AAV, total value, or real earnings.
What’s more interesting is how the system works. The NHL isn’t just about big contracts—it’s about balance. The salary cap forces teams to think carefully, and that creates a unique financial ecosystem compared to other sports.
Looking ahead, salaries are clearly rising. With the cap expected to grow, the next generation of stars could push contracts to new levels.
If you’re following the league, keep an eye on upcoming deals. The next big contract might completely reset the market again.
Who is the highest paid hockey player in the NHL right now?
It depends, but Nathan MacKinnon and Leon Draisaitl are among the top earners.
What is the NHL player earnings vs cap hit difference?
Cap hit is what counts against the team limit, while real earnings include bonuses and actual salary.
What is the NHL salary structure?
It includes base salary, signing bonuses, and AAV used for cap calculations.
Are NHL players underpaid compared to other sports?
Compared to NBA and NFL players, yes—but NHL contracts are fully guaranteed.
How do NHL player bonuses work?
Bonuses are upfront payments that increase real earnings beyond base salary.
What do you think—should NHL players be earning more compared to NBA stars?