23rd Aug, 2024 @ 07:36 am
Highest Paid Players in the NHL
American sports are viewed somewhat strangely by the rest of the world. Rather than jumping on the football - or soccer if you're in the Land of the Free - bandwagon, they instead prefer their version of football, basketball, and ice hockey. But one thing that isn't strange is the sheer volume of Benjamins pumped into the top-tier leagues Stateside.
The NFL is currently the most lucrative league on the planet in terms of TV deals. Their most recent agreement, penned back in 2021, was worth a mighty $110 billion over 11 years, ahead of the Indian Premier League (cricket) and English Premier League (football). But the gridiron doesn't stand alone when it comes to buying power.
Both the NBA and the NHL have money siphoned into them at a rapid rate. And it's the latter of that dup that we're going to be focusing on today. Here are the four players on the ice rink who have managed to take advantage of their league's spending power by signing the biggest contracts in the league.
Auston Matthews
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is currently the highest-paid player in the NHL, bringing home a mighty $16.7m per year. The iconic center had an extraordinary campaign last time out, showcasing why he demands such impressive spoils for his work. With 69 goals and 38 assists in 81 games, the Californian was an offensive powerhouse, with his ability to consistently find the back of the net playing a crucial role in the Maple Leafs’ playoff run.
Despite being still just 26 years of age, Matthews shows wise beyond his years and his leadership is almost as important as his ability to stick the puck between the pipes. His performances were crucial as Toronto secured third place in the Atlantic Division, behind the eventual champion Florida Panthers and heavyweight Boston Bruins. But unfortunately, that was as good as it would get as the aforementioned Bruins knocked out their divisional rivals in the first round of the playoffs after a seven-game thriller, ensuring that the Maple Leafs' gut-wrenching 57-year wait for the Stanley Cup goes on.
Nathan MacKinnon
Nathan MacKinnon’s performance in the 2023/24 season was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in him winning his first Hart Trophy - awarded to the season's consensus MVP. When you consider that the likes of Connor McDavid and top points scorer Nikita Kucherov were both firing on all cylinders as always, his achievement cannot be understated. As such, his $16.5m annual salary is unsurprising.
The Canadian sensation registered 51 goals and 89 assists in 82 games last term, a figure which not only set a personal career high but also secured him the second spot in the league in terms of points. MacKinnon’s dynamic playmaking and scoring ability were pivotal in the Avalanche's successful season, positioning them as serious contenders for the Stanley Cup once again. His leadership both on and off the ice was instrumental in guiding a young Colorado team deep into the playoffs, but unfortunately, like the Maple Leafs before them, they would end the campaign empty-handed.
The Avalanche made it through the first round of the postseason with a resounding 4-1 victory against the Winnipeg Jets, but then they were dumped out by the Dallas Stars in six in the second round. Despite coming up empty-handed, the bookies certainly fancy their chances next season. The latest NHL odds currently make the Denver-based side a +675 third favorite for the Stanley Cup next term, behind the +400 favorite Edmonton Oilers and +500 second favorite Dallas Stars. Whether they can live up to the billing remains to be seen.
Elias Pettersson
Elias Pettersson continued to impress with his skillful play for the Vancouver Canucks, scoring 34 goals and adding 55 assists last season, justifying his $14.5m salary. His consistent performance helped the West Coast Canadian outfit navigate a competitive Conference, despite suffering several issues throughout the campaign.
The Swedish star's vision and creativity on the ice allowed him to be a key playmaker in British Columbia, often being the catalyst for the team’s offensive strategies. Despite the challenges faced by the Canucks, Pettersson’s talent remains indispensable as the team looks to build around his abilities for future success. Last term, they won the Pacific Division but ultimately came unstuck in the conference semifinals, throwing away a 3-2 series lead against McDavid and his Oilers to ultimately lose 4-3.
William Nylander
William Nylander had a career year alongside Matthews in Toronto, notching 40 goals and 58 assists throughout a stellar year. His ability to deliver clutch performances during critical stretches of the season made him a fan favorite and a reliable asset for the Maple Leafs. As such, his $13.9m salary doesn't look out of place.
The 28-year-old Canadian's exceptional offensive output provided depth to the Maple Leafs lineup, complementing the efforts of his sensational captain. The synergy between him and the rest of the squad was evident as Toronto made significant strides during the regular season, but they still remain somewhat short of ending their near-six-decade drought.
