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NHL's Highest-Paid Players for 2026-27 Revealed
Confirmed
In Short: Cale Makar becomes the NHL's first $20 million player with his new contract.
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar has become the NHL's first player to earn an annual salary of $20 million, signing an eight-year extension that will average $20.4 million per season starting in 2027-28.
Makar's contract marks a significant milestone in the league, reflecting the growing financial power of top players. The previous record was held by San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, who will earn an average of $18.8 million per season.
Washington Capitals forward Ryan Leonard also received an eight-year, $92 million extension after just one full season, highlighting the lucrative deals being offered to young talent.
USA Today reported that in the past, teams could control the salaries of players coming out of their entry-level deals due to a lack of arbitration rights, but the current market has shifted dramatically.
The NHL's financial landscape is evolving, with salaries creeping up to levels seen in other major sports. USA Today quoted an unnamed source as saying, 'It's fun to see the market and it's nice to see the NHL is slowly creeping up on some other sports.
This shift is also impacting fantasy hockey, with FantraxHQ providing detailed breakdowns of the biggest free agency signings and trades that are shaking up the fantasy landscape.
What this adds
The financial growth in the NHL is also influencing college football, with USA Today noting the disparity between the number of Black players and head coaches in major college football.
What's confirmed
- Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar has become the NHL's first player to earn an annual salary of $20 million, signing an eight-year extension that will average $20.4 million per season starting in 2027-28.
- Makar's contract marks a significant milestone in the league, reflecting the growing financial power of top players. The previous record was held by San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, who will earn an average of $18.8 million per season.
- Washington Capitals forward Ryan Leonard also received an eight-year, $92 million extension after just one full season, highlighting the lucrative deals being offered to young talent.
- USA Today reported that in the past, teams could control the salaries of players coming out of their entry-level deals due to a lack of arbitration rights, but the current market has shifted dramatically.
- The NHL's financial landscape is evolving, with salaries creeping up to levels seen in other major sports. USA Today quoted an unnamed source as saying, 'It's fun to see the market and it's nice to see the NHL is slowly creeping up on some other sports.
- This shift is also impacting fantasy hockey, with FantraxHQ providing detailed breakdowns of the biggest free agency signings and trades that are shaking up the fantasy landscape.
What's still developing
- Click through the links to get his full slate breakdown.
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