Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in North America, and it’s no secret that the players on the ice make a lot of money. From the NHL’s highest-paid superstars to the lesser-known players in other leagues, there’s no shortage of money in the world of hockey.
The NHL is by far the most lucrative league for ice hockey players, with the league’s top earners making tens of millions of dollars every year. In the 2020-2021 season, the highest-paid player in the NHL was Edmonton Oilers’ captain Connor McDavid, who earned a staggering $15.1 million. McDavid is widely regarded as one of the best players in the league, and his salary reflects that.
Coming in at a close second was Toronto Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews, who earned $14.6 million. Matthews is another up-and-coming superstar in the NHL, and his impressive performance on the ice has earned him a hefty salary.
Other NHL players who earned big salaries in the 2020-2021 season include Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane ($14 million), Colorado Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon ($13 million), and Toronto Maple Leafs’ John Tavares ($11.6 million).
But the NHL isn’t the only league where ice hockey players can earn big salaries. The KHL, Russia’s top professional league, boasts some impressive salaries as well. According to reports, KHL players can earn anywhere from $150,000 to $5 million per year, with the highest-paid players being able to earn even more.
One of the highest-paid players in the KHL is Pavel Datsyuk, who currently plays for Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. Datsyuk, who previously played for the Detroit Red Wings in the NHL, reportedly earns around $4 million per year in the KHL.
Another popular league for ice hockey players is the Swedish Hockey League, where players can earn salaries ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 per year. The highest-paid player in the league is reportedly Linus Johansson, who plays for Skellefteå AIK and earns around $280,000 per year.
Overall, it’s clear that ice hockey players can earn some serious money if they’re willing to put in the time and effort. From the NHL’s top earners to the lesser-known players in other leagues, there’s plenty of money to be had in the world of hockey. Whether you’re a fan of the sport or simply looking for a way to make a living, ice hockey is definitely worth considering.
