• Loading stock data...
Friday, October 24, 2025

NHL’s Top 10 Earners to Make $117M This Season

  • Forbes unveiled its rankings of the NHL’s highest-paid players.
  • The league’s top 10 earners will make a combined $117 million this season.
connor_mcdavid_skating
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid is back on top after Forbes unveiled its rankings of the NHL’s highest-paid players.

Ranked No. 1 in 2018 and 2019, the four-time All-Star will earn $16.4 million in the 2021-22 season between his $12.4 million salary and $4 million from off-ice ventures.

The next three highest-paid players:

  • Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews ($12.2 million)
  • San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson ($12.1 million)
  • Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price ($11.8 million)

The NHL’s top players have seen their annual earnings drop by 27% since 2019. The league’s top 10 earners this season will pocket a combined $117 million.

The other major U.S. leagues by comparison:

  • MLB’s 10 highest-paid players made a combined $357 million this year.
  • The NFL’s top 10 earners will pocket $418 million in 2021.
  • The NBA’s 10 highest-paid players are set to make a collective $714 million this season.

Disney’s ABC/ESPN is paying $400 million annually to serve as the NHL’s lead TV partner, while Turner Sports is paying $255 million per year for the “B” package.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the league expects to generate more than $5 billion in revenue during the 2021-2022 season.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Brian Windhorst

Brian Windhorst Details Emergency Landing on Omaha–L.A. Flight

The pilots and flight attendants had a communication issue.

Raptors, Leafs Shift Games to Make Way for Blue Jays’ World Series..

The Maple Leafs and Raptors adjust game times during the World Series.

As the NFL, NBA, and NHL Go Global, The Masters Is Looking..

The tournament’s chairman touted new qualification measures.
ESPN

‘Inside the NBA’ Keeps Irreverence Intact in ESPN Debut

The foursome were back together ahead of Wednesday’s doubleheader.

Featured Today

Christie's

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
Malik Beasley

After NBA Gambling Arrests, Where Does Malik Beasley Stand?

Beasley was in line to receive a three-year deal from the Pistons.
Malonga
October 21, 2025

Turkish Dispute Could Cloud French Star’s Return to WNBA 

Fenerbahçe needs to give Dominique Malonga a “letter of clearance.”
October 22, 2025

Michelle Wie West: LPGA Earnings vs Endorsements ‘Leveling Out’

Wie West is now retired and focused on investing.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

Fans can now follow their favorite golfers and experience every marquee moment at the Ryder Cup — thanks to innovation from T-Mobile.
Keegan Murray
October 21, 2025

$20 Million Per Year Becoming New Baseline for NBA Role Players

Christian Braun signed a five-year deal worth $125 million.
Jamier Brown
October 21, 2025

Judge Temporarily Allows Ohio High Schoolers to Make NIL Deals

Most states do not restrict high school NIL deals.
October 21, 2025

Nicklaus Wins $50M Defamation Lawsuit Over False LIV Golf Claims

The legendary golfer sued his former company.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

Fans can now follow their favorite golfers and experience every marquee moment at the Ryder Cup — thanks to innovation from T-Mobile.