The Richest Players In The NHL: Top 10 Wealthiest Players To Lace Up The Skates

The richest players in the NHL are some of the wealthiest athletes in sports due to lucrative contracts and endorsement deals.

The richest players in the NHL have impressive financial portfolios, unparalleled on-ice accomplishment and legacies they’ve built in hockey’s prestigious history.

We’ll take a look at the top 10 richest players in NHL history based on career earnings, as well as the top 10 richest players that are in the league today based on average annual value/salary cap hit.

Here are the richest players in the NHL:

The Richest players in NHL history

Based on NHL career earnings

Rank	Player	Career earnings	Years in league
1	Sidney Crosby	$141.34 million	2005-Present
2	Alexander Ovechkin	$138.22 million	2005-Present
3	Shea Weber	$129.03 million	2005-2021
4	Jaromir Jagr	$128.14 million	1990-2017
5	Evgeni Malkin	$126.72 million	2006-Present
6	Anze Kopitar	$120.45 million	2006-Present
7	Vincent Lecavalier	$116.27 million	1998-2016
8	Patrick Kane	$115.64 million	2007-Present
9	Jonathan Toews	$115.56 million	2007-2023
10	Chris Pronger	$111.38 million	1993-2012

1. Sidney Crosby | $141.34 million | 2005-Present

Sidney Crosby is the richest player in NHL history as he has earned $141.34 million in his illustrious career.

Crosby has been financially rewarded for his loyalty to the Pittsburgh Penguins since he was drafted by them in 2005. A three-time Stanley Cup champion, Crosby has earned two NHL MVPs and two Conn Smythe Trophies, solidifying his legacy as an all-time great.

2. Alexander Ovechkin | $138.22 million | 2005-Present

Alexander Ovechkin is not far behind Crosby on the list of richest players in NHL history.

The all-time leading goal scorer in NHL history, Ovechkin has spent his entire career with the Washington Capitals. He helped lead the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup in 2018 and he has won multiple Rocket Richard Trophies.

3. Shea Weber | $129.03 million | 2005-2021

Known for his powerful slap shot and physical play, Shea Weber is also one of the richest players in NHL history.

Weber enjoyed an impactful career primarily with the Nashville Predators and later with the Montreal Canadiens. He captained both teams and led the Canadiens to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final.

4. Jaromir Jagr | $128.14 million | 1990-2017

Jaromir Jagr had a lengthy and successful NHL career, which puts him on the list of richest players in NHL history.

Jagr played until he was almost 46 years old, also making him one of the oldest players in NHL history. A two-time Stanley Cup champion, he won five Art Ross Trophies and he ranks second all-time in career points.

5. Evgeni Malkin | $126.72 million | 2006-Present

Up next on our list of richest NHL players in history is Evgeni Malkin, who has played with Crosby and the Penguins for his entire career.

Malkin is a three-time Stanley Cup champion and a Conn Smythe, MVP and Art Ross Trophy winner. Malkin remains a key piece to the Penguins core.

6. Anze Kopitar | $120.45 million | 2006-Present

A dominant two-way center, Anze Kopitar has been a cornerstone of the Los Angeles Kings and he is one of the richest players in NHL history.

A two-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time Selke Trophy winner, Kopitar is renowned for his leadership, consistency and skill, cementing his legacy as a franchise legend.

7. Vincent Lecavalier | $116.27 million | 1998-2016

The first overall pick in the 1998 NHL Draft, Vincent Lecavalier lived up to the hype and became one of the richest players in NHL history.

A dynamic center and 2004 Stanley Cup champion, Lecavalier was a cornerstone of the Tampa Bay Lightning for 14 seasons.

8. Patrick Kane | $115.64 million | 2007-Present

Another first overall pick makes the list as Patrick Kane is one of the richest players in NHL history.

“Showtime” is a dynamic winger known for his exceptional skill and scoring ability. A three-time Stanley Cup champion and Conn Smythe winner, Kane has been one of the most exciting players in the league.

9. Jonathan Toews | $115.56 million | 2007-2023

Longtime captain of the Chicago Blackhawks Jonathan Toews earned $115.56 million in his NHL career, which lands him on the list of richest players in NHL history.

Known for his leadership and two-way play, Toews led the Blackhawks to three Stanley Cups and earned the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010.

10. Chris Pronger | $111.38 million | 1993-2012

St. Louis Blues legend Chris Pronger rounds out our list of richest players in NHL history as he made $111.38 million in his career.

Pronger won the MVP and Norris Trophy in 2000 and took home the Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007, solidifying his place in hockey history.

The Richest players in the NHL today

Based on current NHL salary cap hit

Rank	Player	Average Annual Value	Years in league
1	Leon Draisaitl	$14.00 million	2014-Present
2	Auston Matthews	$13.25 million	2016-Present
3	Nathan MacKinnon	$12.60 million	2013-Present
4	Connor McDavid	$12.50 million	2015-Present
5	Mikko Rantanen	$12.00 million	2015-Present
6	Artemi Panarin	$11.64 million	2015-Present
7	Elias Pettersson	$11.60 million	2018-Present
8	Erik Karlsson	$11.50 million	2009-Present
9	William Nylander	$11.50 million	2016-Present
10	Igor Shesterkin	$11.50 million	2020-Present

1. Leon Draisaitl | $14.00 million | 2014-Present

Leon Draisaitl has emerged as one of NHL’s premier players and he has been rewarded by becoming the richest player in the NHL today with his $14 million cap hit.

Known for his scoring touch and playmaking ability, Draisaitl won the MVP and Art Ross Trophy in 2020 for the Edmonton Oilers and he continues to be a key force for them.

2. Auston Matthews | $13.25 million | 2016-Present

Auston Matthews, drafted first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2016, quickly became one of the NHL’s elite goal scorers and one of the richest players in the NHL today.

Matthews won the Calder Trophy as the top rookie and he has won the Rocket Richard Trophy twice. He is renowned for his accuracy and skill and is a perennial scoring leader in the NHL.

3. Nathan MacKinnon | $12.60 million | 2013-Present

Nathan MacKinnon, another former number one overall pick, has become a superstar for the Colorado Avalanche and one of the richest players in the NHL today.

An MVP and Art Ross winner in 2024, he set Avalanche franchise records with 51 goals, 89 assists and 140 points. He surpassed 1,000 NHL points in March 2025.

4. Connor McDavid | $12.50 million | 2015-Present

Continuing with the theme of former number one overall picks, Connor McDavid is next up on the list of richest players in the NHL today.

McDavid has redefined modern hockey. He consistently leads the league in points and assists as he boasts eight 100-point seasons. The Oilers captain is a three-time MVP and five-time Art Ross Trophy recipient.

5. Mikko Rantanen | $12.00 million | 2015-Present

Since his debut in 2015, Mikko Rantanen has developed into a powerful force in the NHL, which has resulted in him becoming one of the richest players in the NHL today.

A Stanley Cup champion with the Avalanche in 2022, he posted back-to-back 100-point seasons. Rantanen is now with the Dallas Stars on an eight-year deal worth $96 million.

6. Artemi Panarin | $11.64 million | 2015-Present

The 2015 Calder Trophy winner, Artemi Panarin is one of the richest players in the NHL today with his $11.64 million cap hit for the New York Rangers.

Panarin is a consistent 90-point player and team leader. He was a star in the Rangers outstanding 2023-24 season that resulted in them winning the Presidents’ Trophy.

7. Elias Pettersson | $11.60 million | 2018-Present

Elias Pettersson signed an eight-year contract extension in March 2024, making him one of the richest players in the NHL today.

The Vancouver Canucks’ dynamic center won the Calder Trophy in 2019. Pettersson recorded career highs in goals, assists and points in the 2022-23 season, propelling him on to this list.

8. Erik Karlsson | $11.50 million | 2009-Present

Erik Karlsson quickly emerged as an elite offensive defenseman, which has earned him a place on the list of richest players in the NHL today.

A three-time Norris Trophy winner, Karlsson has played in well over 1,000 games and he had a historic 101-point season in 2022-23.

9. William Nylander | $11.50 million | 2016-Present

One of the top offensive threats for the Maple Leafs, William Nylander is next up on the list of richest players in the NHL today.

A two-time All-Star, Nylander has recorded 98 points and 84 points in the last two seasons. Since his debut, he has blossomed into a top tier right winger in the league.

10. Igor Shesterkin | $11.50 million | 2020-Present

Elite goaltender for the Rangers Igor Shesterkin rounds out the list of richest players in the NHL today.

Shesterkin rapidly became a standout in the NHL. He won the Vezina Trophy in 2022 after posting an incredible .935 save percentage. Shesterkin has anchored the Rangers’ defense and is a top tier netminder.

The Richest players in the NHL FAQs

Who is the richest player in the NHL right now?

Leon Draisaitl is the richest player in the NHL right now. The Edmonton Oilers superstar won the MVP and Art Ross Trophy in 2020 and he is coming off a 52-goal season. Known for his scoring touch and playmaking ability, Draisaitl is the richest player in the NHL today with his $14 million cap hit.

What is the average salary of NHL players?

The average salary of NHL players is approximately $3.5 million to $4 million per year. The median salary is closer to the $1 million mark because many players earn closer to the league minimum, which is $775k, and that deflates the median.

How has the average salary of NHL players changed over the years?

The average salary of NHL players has steadily increased over the years. The average salary in the late 1970s was only approximately $100,000. The average salary exceeded $1 million by the late 1990s and it has steadily grown to where it is today, which is approximately $3.5 million to $4 million.

How rich is Connor McDavid?

Connor McDavid has $95.625 million of career earnings throughout his time in the NHL. While he isn’t on the list of richest players in NHL history, if he plays a few more seasons, he will be on that list. McDavid’s average annual value on his current contract is $12.5 million.

How rich is Wayne Gretzky?

Wayne Gretzky, regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time, earned approximately $46 million in career earnings over his 20 years in the NHL. “The Great One” does have a net worth of about $250 million because of his savvy off-ice investments, endorsements and other business ventures.

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If you’re looking for more expert insight into the NHL odds and getting an edge on the rest of the market. Check out more of our articles:

• Stanley Cup Odds
• NHL MVP Odds
• Norris Trophy Odds
• NHL Calder Trophy Odds
• Selke Trophy Odds
• Vezina Trophy Odds
• Rocket Richard Trophy Odds
• Jack Adams Award Odds