NHL salaries can range from as low as $525,000 per year for an unproven rookie to more than $12 million a year for the NHL’s best players. The average salary in the NHL is approximately $2.58 million (according to figures released by the NHLPA). However, keep in mind that those numbers represent an average – – large contracts made by a few superstar players skew the number way up. The majority of NHL players make several times that average, and there are even some who will be paid $5 million or more this season.
average nhl salary
Average NHL Salary: $2.58 million per year (based on figures released by the NHLPA
High End: $12 million for superstar players at top of pay scale
Low End: $525,000 rookie contract for unproven talent
NHL rookies usually begin their careers at far lower salaries than veterans, and while some are paid in the $500,000 to $700,000 range, others may receive even less money. For example, it is not unheard of for young players to sign contracts that pay just $90,000 or so during their first year, with a stipulation that as each year goes by the salary increases. These entry-level contracts usually expire after 3 or 4 years, at which point players are negotiating their second contract – – and starting to make real money in the NHL.
How much money do NHL players make on average each season?
NHL salaries varied widely depending on a player’s position and level of experience, but the average NHL salary in 2006-07 was $1.8 million for forwards and $2 million for defensemen. Goalies made an average of about $2.5 million. It is difficult to get an exact amount because there are so many variables, including the timing of contracts. The highest paid players were a small handful of superstars who make an average of more than $10 million a year, but even at the lowest end, rookies typically made about $500,000 during their first season in the league.
What are some of the highest-paid players in the NHL today?
As of early 2007, NHL superstars like Sidney Crosby and Vincent Lecavalier are some of the highest paid players in the league. Both men make on average $11 million per season, not including bonuses or endorsements. The best hockey players in the world generally make between $4-10 million every year (and up to $15+ million for the top players), but many of them play in the U.S. and Canada, where hockey is less popular than football, baseball or basketball.
Are there any restrictions or rules governing how much teams can pay their players?
There are restrictions on how much teams can pay their players, and those regulations are part of what collectively bargained agreements signed by the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association the union that represents all NHL players almost 9 million nhl players world wide.
How does player compensation compare to other professional sports leagues around the world?
Like other American sports, players in the NHL make far more money than those who play professional sports leagues around the world. The average salary for baseball players is $3.2 million, and basketball stars earn an average of just under $5 million per year. Soccer stars earned an average of $1.7 million as of 2007 and football players make even less, with the average NFL salary below $1.6 million per year.
What factors affect how much money a player makes?
A number of factors can have an impact on how much money a hockey player makes. For example, players that are signed to multi-year contracts will see bigger paychecks than those who sign one-year deals every year. Players with more experience in the league tend to make more money than rookies, and superstars like Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin will make at least $10 million a year. Players who negotiate endorsement deals can add significant additional income to their salaries.
