• Loading stock data...
Saturday, October 11, 2025
One week until Asset Class at the NYSE Request to Attend

The Highest-Paid NHL General Managers

  • Only four NHL general managers are earning at least $3 million a year.
  • Julien BriseBois leads the way earning $3.5 million.
Tampa Bay Lightning

The NHL saw record growth during the 2023-24 season in attendance, revenue, and viewership. Despite battling for attention with the NBA during its playoffs, the NHL has drawn bigger interest than ever.

Behind the scenes, NHL general managers are in charge of player transactions, team finances, and media. With that responsibility and pressure in mind, the highest-paid NHL GMs are earning salaries much higher than the $775K minimum salary of players.

Lightning GM Julien BriseBois is the highest-paid NHL GM with an estimated $3.5 million salary.

BriseBois manages a team with the third-highest total cap allocations at $88.1 million. Tampa Bay has used their salary cap wisely, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. 

Second is Jim Nill of the Stars, who earns a projected $3.2 million annually managing player contracts and other GM duties.

Nill has been in his role with Dallas since 2013 and was awarded the General Manager of the Year award for the second straight year in 2024.

Two GMs are tied for third. Lou Lamoriello of the Islanders and Doug Armstrong of the Blues each earn an estimated $3 million annually.

Lamoriello has been the GM of the Devils and Maple Leafs before his current tenure with New York. He was named to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009 in the builder’s category for his skills as a GM.

Armstrong started his GM career with the Stars in 1990-1991 before they relocated to Dallas. He was named General Manager of the Year in 2013 and was part of the 1999 Stars staff that won the Stanley Cup.

Rounding out the top five is Don Sweeney earning an estimated $2.9 million per year. He’s been with the Bruins since 2015 and played most of his career with them as well.

Ranking The Highest-Paid General Managers in the NHL

Here is the entire list of the highest-paid NHL GMs, along with the cap allocations they are overseeing. The list was compiled with data from NBC Sports and Spotrac.

  • Updated: December 5, 2024
RankNameTeam ManagedTotal CompensationTotal Cap Allocations
1Julien BriseBoisTampa Bay Lightning$3.5 million$88.1 million
2Jim NillDallas Stars$3.2 million$83.9 million
T-3Lou LamorielloNew York Islanders$3.0 million$92.5 million
T-3Doug ArmstrongSt. Louis Blues$3.0 million$89.1 million
5Don SweeneyBoston Bruins$2.9 million$88.4 million
6Kyle DubasPittsburgh Penguins$2.8 million$86 million
7Don WaddellColumbus Blue Jackets$2.7 million$66.9 million
8Kelly McCrimmonVegas Golden Knights$2.4 million$86.8 million
9Rob BlakeLos Angeles Kings$2.3 million$87.1 million
10Bill GuerinMinnesota Wild$2.2 million$87.3 million
11Bill ZitoFlorida Panthers$2.1 million$87.8 million
12Danny BrierePhiladelphia Flyers$2.0 million$86.3 million
13Tom FitzgeraldNew Jersey Devils$1.9 million$85.5 million
14Steve YzermanDetroit Red Wings$1.8 million$84.5 million
15Barry TrotzNashville Predators$1.7 million$84.9 million

Related lists:

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Nov 28, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils center Michael McLeod (20) celebrates his goal against the New York Islanders during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit:

Hockey Canada Trial’s Michael McLeod Signs Outside NHL

Fans in Carolina protested the team’s interest in the Hockey Canada 5.
Mar 15, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) reacts after scoring a goal during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center.

How Connor McDavid’s Extension Set Off a Wave of Big-Money Deals

Several notable contracts are completed in the wake of the superstar’s deal.

NHL Skates Into Season With Record Revenue, Rising Cap, and Labor Peace

The new season begins after a productive and historic summer.

Connor McDavid Signs Short-Term Deal, Eyeing Oilers’ Cup Window

The three-time Most Valuable Player signs for below his market value.

Featured Today

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Cheryl Reeve
October 10, 2025

WNBA Officiating Task Force Still Taking Shape After Outcry

How refs are trained and instructed was a major issue this year.
Athlos
October 10, 2025

Track Start-Up Athlos Makes ‘Millions’ but No Profit Yet

Alexis Ohanian called being profitable by the 2028 Olympics a “great goal.”
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Aug 3, 2024; Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France; NBA commissioner Adam Silver talks to International Basketball Federation board member Mark Tatum in the fourth quarter between the United States and Puerto Rico during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
October 9, 2025

NBA Aims for Drama-Free Return to China After 6-Year Hiatus

The league looks to rebuild its presence in the populous country.
Bad Bunny performs on stage for his “Most Wanted Tour” at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, May 11, 2024.
October 9, 2025

Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA to Run Alternate Super Bowl Halftime Show

Group announces “The All-American Halftime Show” on Feb. 8.
Alexis Ohanian
October 8, 2025

Alexis Ohanian Tweaks Track Rivals With Promise of Instant Payments

Athletes will be paid minutes after finishing their races at Athlos.
exclusive
October 8, 2025

Bud Selig: ‘Remarkable’ Brewers Run Can’t Mask MLB’s Money Divide

The former commissioner lauds his hometown team while raising economic concerns.