Who Is the Highest-Paid Canadian Hockey Player in the NHL?

Breaking Down the Highest Paid Hockey Player in the NHL: Big Contracts, Canadian Roots, and Changing Paydays

The NHL Was Practically Built on Canadian Talent

When it comes to money in the NHL, Canadian players have always been right in the mix. The league was practically built on Canadian talent, and today those stars are cashing in with contracts that rival other major sports. 

But who actually holds the title of the highest-paid hockey player in the NHL right now? The answer reveals a great deal about how the game has evolved and how Canadian stars continue to dominate both on the ice and in their bank accounts.

Before we dive into names and numbers, it’s worth noting that salaries in hockey aren’t as jaw-dropping as those in the NFL or NBA. 

Still, when you look at the NHL’s highest-paid players, the top contracts reflect just how much teams are willing to invest in their franchise guys. 

And if you want to explore some of the legends who paved the way for these massive deals, check out this list of Hockey Players in Canada.

Who Holds the Top Spot Right Now?

The crown for the highest-paid hockey player in the NHL currently belongs to Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers. McDavid’s deal, worth $100 million over eight years, breaks down to $12.5 million per season. 

It’s a figure that cements his status not just as the best player in the game, but as the face of Canadian hockey in this era.

McDavid isn’t alone, though. Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs) recently signed a contract that pushes his annual salary just over $13 million, starting in 2024–25, making him technically the highest-paid player in the NHL. 

Still, the McDavid-Matthews rivalry isn’t just about who scores more—it’s about who sets the financial standard for everyone else.

How Do These Numbers Compare?

To put this into perspective, the average NHL salary hovers around $3 million a year. That’s great money, no doubt, but it’s nowhere near what the elite are banking. Only a handful of players hit the $10 million mark annually, and they’re almost always franchise cornerstones—guys who can carry a team deep into the playoffs and sell out arenas night after night.

So, when fans wonder, How many NHL players make $10 million a year?—The answer is fewer than you’d think. At last count, there were fewer than 10 players across the league. That rarity is part of what makes McDavid and Matthews’ contracts so historic.

A Canadian Tradition of Big Contracts

It’s not surprising that Canadian players often find themselves among the richest in the league. From Sidney Crosby’s long-time dominance in Pittsburgh to Carey Price’s monster deal in Montreal, Canadian NHL players have consistently commanded top dollar. They represent not just skill, but legacy, which is something owners are always willing to pay for.

Canadian NHL players are paid in U.S. dollars. That makes their contracts even more valuable back home, where exchange rates work in their favor.

A Look Back: Million-Dollar Milestones

If you’re wondering about history, the first to really break the bank was Bobby Orr in the early 1970s, when he approached the million-dollar mark (though not quite reaching it). 

The first actual $1 million contract came later, in 1971, when Bobby Hull jumped to the WHA. That move forced the NHL to start offering larger contracts to retain its stars.

Fast-forward to today, and players are signing contracts worth ten times that in a single season. It’s a sign of both inflation and the growing business side of hockey.

Why McDavid (and Matthews) Set the Standard

At the end of the day, the highest-paid hockey player in the NHL title is more than a trivia fact, but it’s a reflection of where the league values its stars. 

McDavid is a generational talent, the kind of player you build a franchise and even a whole marketing strategy around. Matthews brings the same draw, especially in Toronto, one of hockey’s biggest markets.

And for fans, something is fitting about seeing Canadian names at the top of the list. After all, this is their game. The NHL may be a global league now, but Canada still produces the most prominent stars and the largest paychecks.

Wrapping It Up

So, who’s really the highest-paid hockey player in the NHL? Depending on how you look at it—total contract vs. annual salary—it’s a toss-up between Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews. 

Either way, Canadian players sit at the top of the money mountain, just like they’ve sat at the top of the sport for decades.

For the everyday player, the average NHL salary will keep climbing, but it’s the superstars who set the pace. And if history tells us anything, the next record-breaking deal probably won’t be too far away.