Hockey is not just an exciting sport; it’s also a profession for many players. In leagues like the NHL, AHL, and other pro leagues, players earn salaries that vary widely. Let’s explore how much these athletes make.
What’s the Average Salary of an NHL Player?
The average NHL salary is $3.5 million USD per year.
Individual salaries can vary greatly depending on a player’s experience, skill, and the team’s budget regarding the salary cap. Star players can earn much more, while newcomers might earn closer to the league’s minimum but have the chance to show their skills to increase their future salaries.
What’s the Largest Salary Ever in the NHL?
Here I will mention the largest NHL yearly salary ever, and the largest NHL contract ever made.
An NHL salary is the annual payment a player receives for playing, while an NHL contract is the overall agreement between a player and a team, detailing salary, duration, terms, and conditions.
- Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche has the highest NHL yearly salary of $12.6 million in 2023-24.
- Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals holds the largest NHL contract of $124,000,000 over 13 years (2008-2020) with an AAV of $9,538,462
- Sidney Crosby is the highest-paid NHL player ever, with an accumulated pay of approx $152,800,000 over 19 seasons.
What is the Minimum Salary an NHL Player Can Make?
The NHL minimum salary for players in 2023 is $750,000 USD.
A minimum NHL player salary was introduced in 1958-59 season and was $7,000. The NHL has a minimum salary to ensure players are fairly compensated.
Here is the history of the last 10 years of the minimum NHL salary:
- 2023-24: $775,000
- 2022-23: $750,000
- 2021-22: $750,000
- 2020-21: $700,000
- 2019-20: $700,000
- 2018-19: $650,000
- 2017-18: $650,000
- 2016-17: $575,000
- 2015-16: $575,000
- 2014-15: $525,000
Read our related post on how much NHL referees make here.
Do Retired NHL Players Make Money?
Retired NHL players often continue to earn money through a pension plan. The NHL pension provides regular payments to players who have retired, with the amount based on their years of service in the league. Long-serving players can receive a substantial pension.
Do NHL Players Earn Extra Income from Endorsements and Sponsorships?
Many NHL players boost their income through endorsements and sponsorships. Players like Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin have made millions by endorsing products and brands, sometimes earning more from these deals than their actual salaries. Connor Bedard recently joined the NHL and has already signed his deal with Sherwood hockey.
What is the Average Salary of an AHL Player?
In the AHL, the developmental league for the NHL, players earn considerably less. The average salary is around $70,000 per year, with some variation based on experience and skill level. The AHL serves as a stepping stone for players aiming for the NHL.
There are 2-way contracts as some players will play in the NHL and the AHL.
What is the Minimum Salary an AHL Player Can Make?
The minimum salary in the AHL is about $52,725 per year. This lower salary reflects the league’s role as a developmental platform rather than a top-tier professional league.
Here are the last 5 year minimum AHL salaries in:
- 2023-24: $52,725
- 2022-23: $52,500
- 2021-22: $52,000
- 2020-21: $51,000
- 2019-20: $50,000
Table of Professional Hockey League Salaries
| League | Low Salary (USD) | High Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| National Hockey League | 750,000 | 13,000,000 |
| American Hockey League AHL | 52,750 | 200,000 |
| East Coast Hockey League ECHL | $520 per week | Team cap at $14,870-14,350 per week |
| Czech Extraliga | 30,000 | 200,000 |
| Russia KHL | 50,000 | 1,500,000 |
| Finland Liiga | 40,000 | 170,000 |
| Japan, South Korea And China – Asia Hockey | 35,000 | 200,000 |
| Switzerland NLA | 107,000 | 500,000 |
| Sweden SHL | 87,000 | 320,000 |
| Germany DEL 1 | 40,000 | 310,000 |
Do KHL Hockey Players Get Paid?
Yes, players in the KHL, which is one of the leading leagues in Europe and Asia, do get paid. Teams are located in Russia, China, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. Salaries can be quite competitive, with top players earning upwards of a million dollars USD per season, making it an attractive option for many players.
The KHL introduced the salary cap in 2019, starting in the 2020-21 season.
- The 2023-24 KHL salary cap is 900,000,000 RUP (Approx. $10,126,000 USD)
- Bonus pay is not considered part of the cap.
How Much Do Hockey Players Get Paid in Europe? (SHL, Finnish Liiga, etc)
European leagues like Sweden’s SHL and Finland’s Liiga offer decent salaries, typically ranging from $75,000 to $300,000 per year. These leagues are competitive and provide players with an opportunity to play professionally outside of North America.
Do ECHL Hockey Players Get Paid?
Yes, there is a weekly salary cap for ECHL teams. The minimum amount a team must be paying per week is $10,900. The maximum pay per week is $14,870 during the first 30 days of the season and $14,350 per week for the balance of the season.
Do CHL Major Junior Hockey Players Get Paid?
Players in the CHL, a major junior league in Canada, receive a modest stipend for their participation. This stipend, usually around $50 per week, helps cover living expenses as they develop their skills and pursue a career in professional hockey. They also will receive free room and board at billets home, where they are fed and provided all of their living requirements.
They also do not have to pay for any gear, which is a huge plus. Many offer school payment and with other helpful costs.
Jamie is the founder of Hockey Response and he is the chief writer/ lead editor. Jamie has been playing hockey for over 20 years. He was the defenseman of the year in NL and has played Jr A level hockey. Jamie has coached several kids hockey camps and he was the assistant coach of the Western Kings.