Who is the highest paid NHL player?

Written by Editorial Team | Last Updated: August 2026

The highest-paid player in the National Hockey League by annual average salary is Swedish center Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks, who commands an impressive $18 million per year following a landmark contract extension. Right behind him on the lucrative salary scales are elite superstars like Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild, Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks, and Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers, all of whom pull in annual figures ranging between $14 million and $17 million. These massive blockbuster contracts reflect the soaring salary caps, increasing television revenues, and fierce competition among franchises eager to lock down generational talents who can drive team success both on the ice and at the ticket gates.

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