Top 5 highest paid NHL players: Leon Draisaitl, Auston Matthews and more

NHL has been more than just a game—it's a billion-dollar marquee that stands at a nexus of talent and business acumen. The richest NHL players in 2025 are, of course, the ones at or near the peak of their playing careers and have amassed wealth through contracts, endorsements, and investments. Targets, forwards, and wingers alike have transformed their player trade into long-term financial empires. Let's pirouette closer towards the top five NHL stars leading the wealth rankings this year.
1. Leon Draisaitl on top: Edmonton Oilers ’ highest-paid star

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Leon Draisaitl is at the very top, being the richest NHL player in 2025 and earning an annual income of $14 million. Drafted third overall in 2014, he has matured into one of the strongest centers in the league with the Hart Trophy and multiple All-Star selections to his credit. His career earnings are $70.78 million, per Celebrity Net Worth and Spotrac. Further enriching himself through endorsements with PUMA and a newly built $3.7 million home in Edmonton, he should be considered amongst the money-making few. He is a terrific on-ice partner to Connor McDavid, and off the ice, the duo's global presence and brand deals make for a very powerful financial force.
2. Auston Matthews : leading Toronto Maple Leafs ’ millionaire circle

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With a net worth of more than $40 million (as per Celebrity Net Worth), Toronto's superstar, Auston Matthews, makes over $775,000 in base salary and $14.425 million in signing bonuses during the 2025–26 season, according to Spotrac. Besides hockey, Matthews' endorsements have included Nike, Gatorade, and CCM Hockey, bringing in further income. Matthews is known for his scoring, leadership, and record-setting debut and also has various luxury properties located in Toronto and Arizona, alongside private jets, fine cars, and travel. Balancing the glitz with a low-key image, Matthews also gives back to society through different charitable endeavors, including the Movember campaign.
3. Nathan MacKinnon: Colorado’s speedster with a $30 million fortuneNathan MacKinnon, worth $30 million (Celebrity Net Worth), is a mixture of speed and skills, and cash. An 8-year, $100.8 million contract paying $12.6 million a year (Spotrac) and endorsement deals with Adidas, CCM, and Pepsi supplement his income. MacKinnon owns multiple luxury homes in Colorado and has a fancy car collection. Now, as champion of the Stanley Cup and bearer of the Calder Trophy, MacKinnon is still the number one contender among competitors on the ice as he grows his wealth off of it in a strategic manner.
4. Connor McDavid: Edmonton Oilers’ golden captain

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Connor McDavid, Oilers captain, commands a $30 million net worth (Celebrity Net Worth / Forbes) with an annual salary of $12.5 million (Spotrac). Eight years and $100 million were put into a huge contract for McDavid, which, together with his endorsement deals with Alo Yoga, Bodyarmor, Rogers, and BetMGM, places him in an immense financial bracket. McDavid enjoys life in his very own custom Edmonton home created by his wife, Lauren, along with luxury travel and unique experiences. Full of speed and quick playmaking, McDavid has won multiple MVP awards and still stays firmly atop the global hockey icon status.
5. Mitchell Marner : Vegas Golden Knights’ marketing mavenMitchell Marner, with a net worth of $20 million (Celebrity Net Worth), earned a 6-year, $65 million contract with Toronto before moving to Vegas (Spotrac). His endorsement deals with Nike, Red Bull, and Oakley, together with real estate and esports investments, give a big boost to his portfolio. Marner is a skilled two-way player who cares for his community, as shown by his establishment of the Marner Assist Foundation, which supports children in areas of health, education, and social care.

The top five richest NHL players by 2025 act as evidence: so much success on ice means so much financial know-how off it. While Draisaitl heads this list, Matthews, MacKinnon, McDavid, and Marner show how talent, endorsements, and savvy investments build today's richest hockey stars.
All-Time NHL Income Barrons

• Wayne Gretzky: Approx. Net Worth: $250 million
• Mario Lemieux: Approx. Net Worth: $200 million
• Alex Ovechkin: Approx. Net Worth: $80 million
• Sidney Crosby: Approx. Net Worth: $75 million

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