Ranking of the World's Higiest-Earning NHL Players in 2025
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Top 10 Highest-Paid NHL Players in 2025
Welcome to our rundown of the highest-paid National Hockey League (NHL) players in the 2025 season. This list takes into account both their on-ice earnings and endorsement deals, showcasing the financial rewards available to the best talent in the league.
Note: The estimated earnings below are primarily based on contract values and salary cap hits, while sponsorship income is not exhaustively detailed.
1. Mitch Marner
One of the most sought-after free agents, Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, is expected to negotiate a deal worth over $13.5 million AAV (average annual value). Ranked as the most coveted pending UFA (unrestricted free agent) of 2025, this talented right-winger is generating significant interest from multiple teams.
2. Auston Matthews
Centering for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Auston Matthews boasts a hefty salary cap hit of approximately $13.25 million, making him one of the top earners in the league. Given his leading role as a standout center, Matthews holds a high-value contract.
3. Mikko Rantanen
With an impressive 8-year, $96 million extension, Mikko Rantanen of the Dallas Stars earns around $12 million AAV, putting him among the top-earning wingers in the NHL.
4. Leon Draisaitl
Although details are limited, reports on social media sources suggest that Leon Draisaitl makes around $8.5 million annually. As one of the top centers in the league, Draisaitl's high salary is hardly surprising.
5. Sam Bennett
Currently commanding a cap hit of $4.425 million, Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers is primed for a significant salary increase due to his playoff value and aggressive on-ice style.
6. Nathan MacKinnon
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7. Brayden Point
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8. Carey Price
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9. Dougie Hamilton
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10. David Pastrnak
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Sponsorship Deals
While not included in this list, it’s important to note that top NHL players often supplement their on-ice earnings with endorsements from brand partners. Details on individual player sponsorship income for the 2025 season are not widely available in the general search results.
Enrichment Data: Based on information about salary cap hits, contract values, and notable players, this list represents a summary of the highest-paid players primarily based on their NHL contracts (on-ice earnings). Sponsorship deals are generally not publicly detailed in these sources. (Source: Various sports finance and business outlets, accessed on March 20, 2025.)
Stay tuned for our upcoming coverage of the Top 10 Fastest NHL Players in 2025, and keep your eyes on these star players dominating the league!
The Toronto Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews are two NHL stars with impressive earnings, each earning over $13 million annually, thanks to their on-ice performance and endorsement deals. Beyond the top 10, hockey legends like Nathan MacKinnon and Brayden Point are also known for their endorsement deals that supplement their NHL earnings.
