NHL's highest-paid players of 2025: Inside the record-breaking contracts and salaries

The NHL's financial growth has accelerated into 2025, with the league benefiting from lucrative broadcast agreements, sponsorship deals, and international expansion. This prosperity has enabled more players to secure record-breaking contracts, demonstrating the sport's rising popularity and financial strength across North America and beyond.

Despite historically being one of the weaker leagues financially, with their biggest markets being limited to the northeastern states, with recent brand deals and broadcasting contracts, the cap space has grown significantly. And with them the yearly salaries of players have also increased.

Take a look at the NHL's highest-paid players of 2025-26

Here are the top-earning NHL players in 2025-26, based on average annual salary.

1. Leon Draisaitl (Center, Edmonton Oilers)

Contract Details: Draisaitl secured an eight-year, $112 million extension that took effect this season, establishing him as the highest-paid player in NHL history at $14 million annually. The German center's dominance alongside Connor McDavid has propelled Edmonton to back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances.

2. Auston Matthews (Center, Toronto Maple Leafs)

Contract Details: Matthews signed a four-year, $53 million extension in 2023 that pays him $13.25 million per season through 2028. The Maple Leafs captain and elite goal scorer held the title of highest-paid player before Draisaitl's extension kicked in this season.

3. Nathan MacKinnon (Center, Colorado Avalanche)

Contract Details: MacKinnon's eight-year deal signed in 2022 includes an $85.3 million signing bonus and pays him $12.6 million annually. The Avalanche center remains one of the league's most dominant two-way players and was briefly the highest-paid player before being surpassed.

4. Connor McDavid (Center, Edmonton Oilers)

Contract Details: McDavid earns $12.5 million yearly on his eight-year, $100 million contract that is fully guaranteed. The generational talent signed a team-friendly two-year extension in October 2025 at the same $12.5 million cap hit, prioritizing team flexibility over maximum earnings.

5. Mitch Marner and Mikko Rantanen (Tie) (Winger, Vegas Golden Knights & Dallas Stars)

Contract Details: Both players signed identical eight-year, $96 million contracts in 2025, earning $12 million per season through 2032. Marner left Toronto for Vegas, while Rantanen departed Colorado for Dallas, with both teams betting heavily on their offensive production.

Salary trends across the NHL

The NHL's financial structure continues trending upward, with center salaries leading the way. Four of the top five earners play center, showcasing the premium placed on elite talent down the middle. The increase in average salaries for centers reflects their critical role in generating both on-ice success and off-ice revenue for their franchises.

Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins leads all defensemen at $11.5 million annually, tied with Toronto forward William Nylander and New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin. Shesterkin's eight-year, $92 million extension signed during the 2024-25 season set a new standard for goaltender contracts.

Record-breaking deal on the horizon

While Draisaitl currently holds the crown, his reign will be short-lived. Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov signed an eight-year, $136 million extension that kicks in during the 2026-27 season. The total amount and $17 million annual cap hit represent NHL records that could stand for years.

Endorsements boost player earnings

Beyond substantial salaries, top players benefit from endorsement deals that further enhance their earnings. McDavid has partnerships with major brands, including CCM and Rogers, while Matthews leverages his Toronto market with various high-profile sponsors. These endorsement deals complement their hockey incomes and highlight the growing marketability of elite NHL players.

Looking ahead

The record-breaking contracts and high player salaries in 2025-26 are a testament to the NHL's expanding financial influence. As new broadcasting agreements develop and the league continues its push into untapped markets, these salaries are expected to rise further.

The upcoming free agent class featuring players like Jack Eichel and Cale Makar could set the stage for even more historic contracts in the years ahead.

Also Read: What is Leon Draisaitl’s net worth in 2025? Details on the Edmonton Oilers star’s contract, salary, and earnings


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