Who Makes More Than McDavid? Unpacking the Earnings of the NHL's Elite

Who Makes More Than McDavid? Unpacking the Earnings of the NHL's Elite

When you hear the name Connor McDavid, you're likely picturing the undisputed king of the National Hockey League. He's a generational talent, a scoring machine, and the captain of the Edmonton Oilers. Given his dominance on the ice, it's natural to wonder: does anyone in the NHL make more money than him? The answer, as with most things in professional sports, is a bit nuanced, but the short of it is, yes, a select few players can and do earn more than McDavid, at least in terms of their current base salary and potential for off-ice earnings.

Understanding NHL Player Contracts

NHL player contracts are complex. They typically include a base salary, but many also feature signing bonuses, performance bonuses, and, importantly for high-profile players, endorsement deals. When we talk about "making more," we need to consider both salary cap hits (which represent the amount of a player's contract that counts against a team's salary cap) and total earnings, which include money earned from endorsements and other business ventures.

The Pinnacle of NHL Salaries

Connor McDavid signed an 8-year, $106 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers, which began in the 2018-19 season and runs through the 2026-26 season. This contract carries an average annual value (AAV) of $13.25 million, making it one of the largest in NHL history. However, as contracts expire and new ones are signed, the landscape of highest earners can shift.

As of recent contract signings and during the current NHL season, a few players have secured deals with higher average annual values than McDavid's current contract. These players are often in a similar stratosphere of talent and marketability, commanding top dollar for their services.

Who's Currently Earning More?

While McDavid's $13.25 million AAV is incredibly high, players like:

• Nathan MacKinnon: MacKinnon, the dynamic forward for the Colorado Avalanche, signed an 8-year extension worth $100.8 million, with an AAV of $12.6 million. This contract is slightly lower in AAV than McDavid's, but the total value is substantial.
• David Pastrnak: The Boston Bruins' prolific scorer, David Pastrnak, inked an 8-year extension worth $90 million, with an AAV of $11.25 million.
• Auston Matthews: The Toronto Maple Leafs' star center, Auston Matthews, signed a 4-year extension worth $53 million, carrying an AAV of $13.25 million. This means his AAV is equivalent to McDavid's current contract.
• Erik Karlsson: While a defenseman, Erik Karlsson's 4-year, $29 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins, signed in 2026, carries an AAV of $11.5 million.
• Artemi Panarin: The New York Rangers' offensive powerhouse, Artemi Panarin, has a 7-year, $96 million contract, averaging $13.714 million per year. This puts him ahead of McDavid in terms of AAV.

It's important to note that these figures represent the average annual value of their contracts, which is a good benchmark for comparing salary. However, the actual take-home pay can vary due to signing bonuses versus base salary distribution within a year.

The Impact of Endorsements and Off-Ice Ventures

Beyond their playing contracts, the truly wealthiest athletes generate significant income through endorsements, sponsorships, and other business ventures. While McDavid has a strong portfolio of endorsements, players like Auston Matthews and Nathan MacKinnon, due to their massive popularity in their respective markets and on a national level, can also command lucrative deals with major brands.

However, it's widely acknowledged that Connor McDavid is likely the leader in terms of off-ice earnings due to his unparalleled marketability and global appeal. When you combine his current contract with his substantial endorsement income, he remains one of the highest-earning athletes in hockey and in all of sports.

For instance, players who have achieved iconic status and transcended the sport, like Sidney Crosby (though his current contract AAV is lower than McDavid's), have historically leveraged their fame for massive off-ice income. While McDavid is building that legacy, it takes time and consistent dominance to reach those stratospheric endorsement levels.

Looking Ahead: Future Contracts

As McDavid's current contract nears its end, it's highly probable that he will sign a new deal that will place him at the very top of NHL salary earners. Given his continued performance and importance to the league, any future contract he signs will almost certainly be the largest in NHL history, reflecting his status as the face of the game.

The NHL salary cap continues to rise, allowing teams to offer more lucrative deals. This trend, combined with McDavid's unparalleled talent, suggests that when his current deal expires, he will likely be the highest-paid player in the NHL, both in terms of contract value and potentially total earnings.

Conclusion

So, to directly answer the question: yes, a few players currently have contracts with a higher average annual value than Connor McDavid's current deal. However, when considering total earnings, including endorsements, McDavid remains in a very elite tier, and his future contracts are expected to solidify his position as the highest-earning hockey player for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How is NHL player salary determined?

NHL player salaries are determined through a combination of factors. This includes the player's skill level, performance history, marketability, the team's salary cap situation, and negotiations between the player's agent and the team's general manager. Collective bargaining agreements also play a significant role in setting salary parameters and rules.

Why do some NHL players have higher salaries than others?

Players with exceptional talent, proven track records of success, and high marketability tend to command higher salaries. Players who are considered franchise cornerstones, lead their teams to championships, or consistently put up elite offensive or defensive numbers are often rewarded with the most lucrative contracts.

What's the difference between salary cap hit and total earnings?

The salary cap hit is the amount of a player's contract that counts against a team's salary cap each season. Total earnings include the salary cap hit plus any money earned from endorsement deals, sponsorships, appearances, and other off-ice ventures. A player can have a lower salary cap hit but earn more in total if they have significant off-ice income.

How do signing bonuses affect a player's earnings?

Signing bonuses are a portion of a player's contract that is paid out at specific times, often upfront or in installments, and are typically not subject to the salary cap in the same way as base salary. They can influence a player's immediate take-home pay and are a significant component of many high-value contracts.