The answer to how much do NHL players make depends on the contract, but the league minimum is $850,000 in 2026 to 27. The 2024 to 25 average was $3,817,293. The richest deal averages $20.4 million a year.
How much do NHL players make at the bottom of the pay scale?
The NHL and the players’ association set a minimum salary for each season in their agreement.
The minimum salary by season:
| Season | League minimum salary |
|---|---|
| 2025 to 26 | $775,000 |
| 2026 to 27 | $850,000 |
| 2027 to 28 | $900,000 |
| 2028 to 29 | $950,000 |
| 2029 to 30 | $1,000,000 |
The NHL lists each of these minimums in its summary of the new agreement, and the NHLPA lists the same figures. The minimum rises in steps and reaches $1,000,000 by 2029 to 30.
What do rookies make on entry level deals?
Young players drafted by a team sign entry level deals. These deals have their own pay ceiling for each season.
The NHL and the NHLPA set the ceiling as the greater of two numbers. One is the league minimum for that season plus $175,000. The other is a set figure for the draft year: $975,000 for the 2024 and 2025 drafts and $1,000,000 for 2026.
The entry level ceiling by season:
| Season | Entry level ceiling | League minimum plus $175,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 to 26 | $975,000 (2024 and 2025 draft years) | $950,000 |
| 2026 to 27 | $1,025,000 | $1,025,000 |
| 2027 to 28 | $1,075,000 | $1,075,000 |
| 2028 to 29 | $1,125,000 | $1,125,000 |
| 2029 to 30 | $1,175,000 | $1,175,000 |
A 2026 draft pick who signs for 2026 to 27 can earn up to $1,025,000. That is $25,000 more than the set figure for his draft year. The ceiling covers salary, signing bonus and games played bonuses.
What is the team payroll range for 2026 to 27?
The NHL and the players’ association set a payroll range for every one of the 32 NHL teams. For 2026 to 27, the range runs from $76.9 million to $104.0 million, with a midpoint of $90.4 million.
The NHL announced the range on May 6, 2026.
The upper limit is the most a team can carry in player salaries. Many news sites call it the salary cap. This guide uses the league’s own term, payroll range.
How much do top NHL players make?
Star contracts sit far above the minimum. They are often quoted as one total for several years.
Two of the biggest contracts, as listed on NHL.com:
| Player | Team | Contract | Average a year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cale Makar | Colorado Avalanche | Eight years, $163.2 million | $20.4 million |
| Leo Carlsson | Anaheim Ducks | Five years, 2026 to 27 through 2030 to 31 | $18 million |
NHL.com calls Makar’s contract the richest in NHL history. The Ducks matched an offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers to keep Carlsson.
Check two numbers before comparing any deal. Look at the total value and the number of years. A long deal and a short deal can have very different yearly pay.
Is there an average NHL salary?
Yes. The NHLPA lists the average league salary for 2024 to 25 as $3,817,293.
You may see an average near $3.5 million elsewhere. It comes from other seasons and methods, so check the date before you compare.
Find out if a salary is above the minimum
Pick a season and a deal type, then drag the salary slider. The bars and the payroll meter move as you drag.
Add it up against the 2026 to 27 payroll range
Figures come from the NHL.com summary of the agreement, the NHL and NHLPA memorandum and the NHL.com payroll range release. The tool compares your number with the figures in this guide. It does not check any real contract.
Pay questions
How much does an NHL player make in a season?
Pay depends on the contract. The floor is $850,000 for 2026 to 27, and the average was $3,817,293 in 2024 to 25. The payroll range tops out at $104.0 million for a whole team.
What is the lowest NHL salary?
The league minimum is $850,000 for 2026 to 27. Each contract sets its own pay above that level.
What is the average salary of an NHL player?
The NHLPA lists $3,817,293 as the average league salary for 2024 to 25.
Who has the richest contract in the NHL?
Cale Makar. His eight year deal with the Colorado Avalanche is worth $163.2 million and averages $20.4 million a year, according to NHL.com.
Do these figures include endorsements?
No. They cover contract pay and team payroll. Endorsement deals are separate.
What is the biggest number on the payroll range?
The upper limit for 2026 to 27 is $104.0 million. It applies to the whole team, not one player.
Where can I read more about the league?
Start with the NHL facts and records hub. The free agency guide explains when new contracts can be signed. The NHL trade deadline guide covers how kept salary works on a traded player.
Take your shot
What is the NHL minimum salary for 2026 to 27?
Sources: NHL.com summary of the new collective bargaining agreement (minimum salaries); NHLPA.com frequently asked questions (average league salary and minimum salaries); NHL and NHLPA memorandum of understanding (entry level figures); NHL.com payroll range announcement (May 6, 2026); NHL.com contract announcements for Cale Makar and Leo Carlsson. Checked November 2026.
