Top 10 Richest Hockey Players In The World 2026: Who's Earning the Most?

The financial landscape of professional sports continues to expand, with hockey players securing contracts that reflect their exceptional talent and market value. As the 2025-26 season approaches, we examine the Richest Hockey Players In The World 2026, focusing on their average annual value (AAV) as the primary metric for current earning power. This analysis provides insight into the athletes who command the highest salaries in the National Hockey League (NHL), highlighting the significant investments teams make in their star players.

Our Selection Process

Our ranking of the wealthiest hockey players for the 2025-26 season is based predominantly on their Average Annual Value (AAV) derived from their current NHL contracts. This metric offers a precise measure of a player's yearly earnings from their team, reflecting their perceived value and on-ice impact. We have also considered total contract value and, where applicable, reported endorsement earnings to provide a holistic view of financial standing. Data points for this assessment were drawn from established sports finance and news publications as of late 2024 and early 2025.

The Top 10 Richest Hockey Players In The World 2026:

1. Kirill Kaprizov

Kirill Kaprizov, the dynamic left wing for the Minnesota Wild, is projected to be the top earner by AAV for the 2026-27 season. His landmark eight-year contract, valued at $136 million, establishes an NHL record for total contract value. This agreement, which takes effect in the 2026-27 season, assigns him an average annual value of $17 million, positioning him at the pinnacle of the league's salary structure according to frontofficesports.com and ca.sports.yahoo.com. Kaprizov's exceptional offensive skill and consistent production have made him a cornerstone for the Wild, justifying this substantial financial commitment.

2. Leon Draisaitl

Leon Draisaitl, a formidable center for the Edmonton Oilers, secures the highest average annual pay for the 2025-26 season. His eight-year, $112 million contract extension, finalized in 2024, translates to an impressive $14 million AAV. This significant deal set a new benchmark within the salary-cap era, acknowledging Draisaitl's consistent elite performance as both a scorer and a playmaker. His integral role alongside Connor McDavid has been central to the Oilers' offensive strategy, as reported by frontofficesports.com and www.usatoday.com.

3. Jack Eichel

Jack Eichel, the impactful center for the Vegas Golden Knights, commands a $13.5 million AAV through his eight-year, $108 million contract. As a former second overall draft pick, Eichel has consistently demonstrated exceptional playmaking abilities, achieving a career-high 94 points with the Golden Knights. This substantial contract highlights his importance as a franchise cornerstone and a key offensive threat for the team, according to frontofficesports.com and ca.sports.yahoo.com. His contributions have been vital to the Golden Knights' competitive success.

4. Auston Matthews

Auston Matthews, the prolific center for the Toronto Maple Leafs, holds an AAV of $13.25 million for the 2025-26 season. Forbes reported in 2025 that Matthews was the highest-paid NHL player overall, earning an estimated $20.2 million. This total included $15.2 million from his on-ice salary and an additional $5 million from various endorsements. Matthews is widely recognized for his remarkable goal-scoring prowess and consistent offensive output, making him one of the league's most valuable assets, as detailed by frontofficesports.com, www.usatoday.com, and www.forbes.com.

5. Nathan MacKinnon

Nathan MacKinnon, the explosive center for the Colorado Avalanche, commands an AAV of $12.6 million. A recipient of the Hart Trophy and a Stanley Cup champion, MacKinnon is considered fundamental to the Avalanche's consistent pursuit of championships. His game is defined by remarkable speed, elite skill, and strong leadership on the ice. Notably, he surpassed Connor McDavid in average salary during the 2023-24 season, underscoring his market value, as cited by frontofficesports.com, www.usatoday.com, and ca.sports.yahoo.com.

6. Connor McDavid

Connor McDavid, widely regarded as the premier player in the NHL and captain of the Edmonton Oilers, earns an AAV of $12.5 million. Despite his unparalleled elite status, McDavid signed a team-friendly two-year extension in October to provide the Oilers with greater financial flexibility, allowing the organization to enhance its roster. A three-time Hart Trophy winner, he consistently leads the league in scoring, cementing his legacy as one of hockey's all-time greats, a fact acknowledged by frontofficesports.com, www.usatoday.com, and ca.sports.yahoo.com.

7. Kyle Connor

Kyle Connor, a dynamic left winger for the Winnipeg Jets, commands an AAV of $12 million. His eight-year, $96 million contract represents the most lucrative deal in the team's history. This agreement reflects his consistent offensive output and his vital role within the Jets' lineup. Connor is a key component of Winnipeg's scoring attack, celebrated for his reliable goal-scoring ability and overall offensive contributions, as reported by frontofficesports.com and ca.sports.yahoo.com.

8. Mitch Marner

Mitch Marner, listed as a right winger for the Vegas Golden Knights for the 2025-26 season by Front Office Sports, also holds an AAV of $12 million. Marner is distinguished by his exceptional vision, precise passing, and superior puck-handling skills. He is a prolific playmaker and a constant offensive threat. His value as an elite forward contributes significantly to his high earnings, reflecting his capacity to impact games with his creative offensive play.

9. Mikko Rantanen

Mikko Rantanen, listed as a right winger for the Dallas Stars for the 2025-26 season by Front Office Sports, similarly earns an AAV of $12 million. Rantanen is recognized as a powerful and highly skilled forward, consistently ranking among the league's top point producers. He forms a critical part of a dangerous offensive line, making him one of the most impactful players in the league. His consistent performance underscores his value to any team, according to frontofficesports.com and www.espn.com.

10. Artemi Panarin

Artemi Panarin, the creative left winger for the New York Rangers, has an AAV of $11.64 million for the 2025-26 season. Panarin is celebrated for his elite offensive capabilities, which include exceptional vision, precise passing, and a potent scoring touch from the wing. He consistently ranks among the NHL's top point producers and serves as a cornerstone of the Rangers' offensive strategy, as detailed by frontofficesports.com. His ability to generate offense makes him a vital asset for his team.

The financial stature of the Richest Hockey Players In The World 2026 underscores the escalating value placed on elite talent within the National Hockey League. Our analysis, primarily based on Average Annual Value, reveals a competitive landscape where top performers command significant contracts that reflect their on-ice contributions and market appeal. These athletes not only drive their teams' success but also represent substantial investments in the future of the sport.