Highest-Paid Hockey Players in 2025

Below are the Top Earning Hockey Players 2025, showcasing the Most Valuable Hockey Players 2025 in terms of salary plus endorsements. This countdown from 20 to 1 highlights Highest Salary Hockey Players 2025 in the NHL, also shedding light on Record-Breaking Hockey Salaries 2025 and Leading Hockey Player Salaries 2025. While many rely heavily on front-loaded, bonus-heavy contracts, a few superstars top up with notable off-ice deals. Let’s see which High Income Hockey Athletes 2025 define the Top Hockey Contracts 2025 in the league today.

20. Matthew Tkachuk – $11.3 Million

Left Wing – Florida Panthers. Tkachuk, 25, has exploded in popularity after leading Florida on a deep playoff run in 2023. Known for his gritty style and clutch scoring, he signed an eight-year deal worth $76 million upon arrival in Florida. While he’s not yet raking in big endorsements, the Panthers rewarded his offensive talent and feisty playoff performances, structuring his contract to pay around $11 million in year three. He’s becoming one of the league’s top personalities, pushing him onto this Highest Paid Hockey Players 2025 list.

• On-Ice Salary (2024–25): ~$11.0 M
• Off-Ice Earnings: ~$0.5–1.0 M (equipment deals, local Florida sponsors)

19. Zach Werenski – $11.5 Million

Defense – Columbus Blue Jackets. A 26-year-old offensive defenseman drafted 8th overall in 2015, Werenski quickly became Columbus’s franchise blue-liner. In 2021, he inked a six-year, $57.5 million deal. Despite injuries, his front-loaded contract pays him around $11.5 million this season—demonstrating the Jackets’ commitment to keep him as a foundational piece. Though not heavily endorsed, that big salary alone slots him among 2025’s top earners.

• On-Ice Salary (2024–25): ~$11.5 M
• Off-Ice Earnings: Minimal (local Columbus endorsements)

18. Charlie McAvoy – $11.5 Million

Defense – Boston Bruins. McAvoy, 25, is the Bruins’ number-one defenseman, already a Norris candidate. After showing elite two-way skill early in his career, Boston signed him to an eight-year, $76 million deal heavily front-loaded. He’s not known for major endorsement deals, but the Bruins’ faith in him is evident in the $11–12 million he earns during these early contract years. His leadership on defense and rising star factor propelled him into the Top Earning Hockey Players 2025 club.

• On-Ice Salary (2024–25): ~$11.5 M
• Off-Ice Earnings: <$0.5 M

17. Sebastian Aho – $12.0 Million

Center – Carolina Hurricanes. At 27, Aho is a perennial 30-goal scorer and the Canes’ offensive engine. Originally offer-sheeted by Montreal in 2019, Carolina matched and then re-signed him again in 2023 to an eight-year extension. That new deal front-loads a large signing bonus, giving him around $12 million total for 2024–25. A quiet star, Aho’s off-ice presence is modest, but his crucial role in Carolina’s success cements him among the Best Paid Hockey Stars 2025.

• On-Ice Salary (2024–25): ~$12.0 M
• Off-Ice Earnings: <$1 M

16. Darnell Nurse – $12.0 Million

Defense – Edmonton Oilers. Nurse, 28, logs big minutes on a team led by McDavid and Draisaitl. Edmonton signed him to an eight-year, $74 million contract in 2021, making him one of the highest-paid defensemen in the NHL. This season’s guaranteed $12 million base salary ranks him among the Highest Salary Hockey Players 2025. While critics questioned the price tag, his physical style and heavy workload underline his value in Edmonton’s Cup aspirations.

• On-Ice Salary (2024–25): $12.0 M
• Off-Ice Earnings: ~$0.5 M

15. Brayden Point – $12.0 Million

Center – Tampa Bay Lightning. A 27-year-old clutch scorer pivotal to Tampa’s Cup victories in 2020 and 2021, Point inked an eight-year, $76 million contract (cap hit $9.5 M). The deal’s big signing bonuses yield about $12 million in 2024–25. Though quiet off the ice, his track record of playoff heroics and consistent 40+ goals a year ensure Tampa invests heavily to keep him. That front-loaded payout secures him top 15 among Leading Hockey Player Salaries 2025.

• On-Ice Salary (2024–25): ~$12.0 M
• Off-Ice Earnings: Minimal

14. Aleksander Barkov – $12.0 Million

Center – Florida Panthers. Barkov, 28, is a Selke-winning, two-way center who captains the Panthers. His eight-year, $80 million extension pays around $10–11 million plus bonuses, hitting $12 million in actual cash this season. A calm leader, he’s overshadowed in endorsements, but Florida recognized his elite all-around game—making him one of the Highest Paid Hockey Players 2025. Barkov’s strong defensive skills and 30+ goal offense anchor the Panthers’ lineup.

• On-Ice Salary (2024–25): ~$11–$12 M
• Off-Ice Earnings: <$1 M

13. Adam Fox – $12.0 Million

Defense – New York Rangers. Fox, 25, won the Norris Trophy early in his career, becoming the Rangers’ top defenseman and power-play QB. His seven-year, $66.5 million extension is heavily bonus-based in the first few years, pushing 2024–25 earnings near $12 million. Off-ice, his endorsements in the NYC market are growing but modest. His combination of skill (Norris winner), youth, and the high-profile Rangers franchise boosts him into the top ranks of Record-Breaking Hockey Salaries 2025.

• On-Ice Salary (2024–25): ~$11–$12 M
• Off-Ice Earnings: ~$1 M

12. Alex Pietrangelo – $12.5 Million

Defense – Vegas Golden Knights. At 33, Pietrangelo is a two-time Stanley Cup champion (2019, 2023), once in St. Louis (as captain) and again in Vegas. His seven-year, $61.6 million UFA deal is structured with large signing bonuses. This season, he’s collecting $12–$13 million total. A calm and reliable leader, he’s not big on endorsements, but his playoff success and status as a top-pair star justify his Top Hockey Contracts 2025 payday.

• On-Ice Salary (2024–25): ~$12.5 M
• Off-Ice Earnings: <$1 M

11. Dougie Hamilton – $12.6 Million

Defense – New Jersey Devils. Hamilton, 31, signed a seven-year, $63 million contract in 2021. Known for offensive production, he’s been integral to the Devils’ resurgence. Thanks to signing bonuses and possible leftover payouts, he earns roughly $12.6 million in 2025. Though not heavily endorsed, his consistent point totals from the blue line made him a high-profile free agent signing at the time, landing him here among High Income Hockey Athletes 2025.

• On-Ice Salary (2024–25): ~$10.6 M plus some bonus
• Off-Ice Earnings: ~$2 M (Warrior, local endorsements)

10. Seth Jones – $12.8 Million

Defense – Chicago Blackhawks. Jones, 30, was one of the NHL’s top UFA signings in 2021, securing an eight-year, $76 million extension upon arrival in Chicago. Known for logging heavy minutes, he’s considered the Hawks’ franchise blueliner. His contract’s steep early bonuses maintain his high annual pay into 2025. Minimal endorsement presence, but the on-ice compensation alone cements him in the top 10.

• On-Ice Salary (2024–25): ~$12.0 M plus small bonus
• Off-Ice Earnings: ~$0.5 M

9. Rasmus Dahlin – $13.1 Million

Defense – Buffalo Sabres. A 24-year-old #1 overall pick (2018), Dahlin is blossoming into a Norris contender. Buffalo gave him an eight-year, $88 million extension in 2023. The first season pays around $13 million, mostly via bonus. While off-ice deals remain limited, his youth and dynamic style mark him as the Sabres’ cornerstone, making him one of the league’s Top Hockey Contracts 2025.

• On-Ice Salary (2024–25): $13.0 M
• Off-Ice Earnings: Minimal

8. Jake Guentzel – $13.5 Million

Left Wing – Tampa Bay Lightning. Guentzel, 30, earned fame with two Stanley Cups in Pittsburgh and consistent 30–40 goal seasons. Hitting free agency in 2024, he signed a 7-year, $63 million deal with Tampa that’s front-loaded (over $12 million in a signing bonus). While not a huge name in endorsements, this contract alone vaults him to $13.5 million total. His playoff pedigree and sniper’s touch justified the big payday from a Cup contender.

• On-Ice Salary (2024–25): $13.26 M
• Off-Ice Earnings: Minimal

7. William Nylander – $13.8 Million

Right Wing – Toronto Maple Leafs. Nylander, 28, is a steady 30+ goal scorer in the league’s largest market. After career-best production, he’s reportedly securing a $92+ million contract extension that pays around $11.5 million in salary plus some bonus for 2025. Low off-ice endorsements, but playing in Toronto broadens local brand deals. He leaps into the top earners thanks to the Leafs’ willingness to keep their star core intact.

• On-Ice Salary (2024–25): ~$11.5 M (pending final contract details)
• Off-Ice Earnings: <$2 M

6. David Pastrnak – $14.5 Million

Right Wing – Boston Bruins. “Pasta,” 28, signed an eight-year, $90 million extension. Known for 60+ goal capability and a charismatic persona, he’s a Boston fan-favorite. His contract pays $8.5 million base plus $4.5 million bonus this season. Advertisements with Dunkin’ and other brands yield around $1.5 million off the ice. That perfect mix of scoring star power and big-market presence lands him at $14.5 million total.

• On-Ice Salary (2024–25): $13.0 M
• Off-Ice Earnings: $1.5 M

5. Elias Pettersson – $14.8 Million

Center – Vancouver Canucks. The 26-year-old Swedish playmaker posted multiple 80+ point campaigns, prompting an eight-year, $92.8 million extension. The front-loaded structure sets him at $14.5 million in 2025. Off the ice, he’s a quieter figure, so endorsements are small (<$1M). Vancouver views him as their franchise center, making him one of the Best Paid Hockey Stars 2025.

• On-Ice Salary (2024–25): $14.5 M
• Off-Ice Earnings: <$1 M

4. Alex Ovechkin – $16 Million

Left Wing – Washington Capitals. Ovechkin, 39, is still chasing Gretzky’s all-time goals record and remains a marketing icon in the U.S. and Russia. His 5-year, $47.5 million deal pays $11 million this season. Off-ice, Ovi leads the league with $5 million from Nike, Gatorade, CCM, Hublot, and more. His continued goal scoring, Cup ring, and lovable persona solidify him among Most Valuable Hockey Players 2025.

• On-Ice Salary (2024–25): $11.0 M
• Off-Ice Earnings: $5.0 M

3. Connor McDavid – $16 Million

Center – Edmonton Oilers. Regarded as the best player on Earth, McDavid, 28, is a multi-time Hart Trophy winner, artfully dominating the NHL’s scoring. He’s on the back end of an 8-year, $100 million contract, netting $10 million in 2024–25. Off the ice, $5–6 million from brands like BioSteel, Rogers, BetMGM, and CCM put him at $16 million. Performance plus Canadian stardom keeps him near the top of Highest Paid Hockey Players 2025.

• On-Ice Salary (2024–25): $10.0 M
• Off-Ice Earnings: $5–6 M

2. Nathan MacKinnon – $19.5 Million

Center – Colorado Avalanche. A 29-year-old Stanley Cup champion (2022) and perennial Hart Trophy finalist, MacKinnon owns blazing speed and elite scoring. His 8-year, $100.8 million deal pays $16.5 million in 2025 thanks to huge signing bonuses. Around $3 million from endorsements (including Tim Hortons ads) bump his total to $19.5 million. Consistently topping 100 points, he’s a prime example of a Cup-winning superstar reaping a big extension.

• On-Ice Salary (2024–25): $16.5 M
• Off-Ice Earnings: $3.0 M

1. Auston Matthews – $21.7 Million

Center – Toronto Maple Leafs. Matthews, 27, is a 2× Rocket Richard Trophy winner and 2022 Hart Trophy recipient, anchoring the NHL’s most scrutinized market. He signed a 4-year extension that pays $775K base + $15.93 million bonus in 2024–25. Add roughly $5 million off the ice—Nike, CCM/Upper Deck, RBC—and he surpasses $20 million, the first NHLer to do so in two decades. His lethal goal-scoring and mainstream appeal place him firmly at #1 among Highest Paid Hockey Players 2025.

• On-Ice Salary (2024–25): $16.7 M
• Off-Ice Earnings: $5.0 M

These NHL Highest Paid Players 2025 illustrate how front-loaded signing bonuses, a rising salary cap, and a handful of marketable superstars are propelling Record-Breaking Hockey Salaries 2025. While Top Earning Hockey Players 2025 like Matthews and MacKinnon combine massive pay with decent endorsement income, most rely primarily on hefty contracts to reach the top. Star forwards remain prominent, yet top defensemen also claim high-paying deals. Although marketing dollars lag behind other sports, the climb in Leading Hockey Player Salaries 2025—with multiple athletes earning $10M+—reflects the NHL’s financial upswing. As new deals emerge and the cap grows, expect more record contracts to reshape the Most Valuable Hockey Players 2025 landscape.

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