The NHL will have a new highest-paid player for two seasons in a row.
Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon takes the title with a $12.6 million cap hit this season. He signed an eight-year extension last year and the deal takes effect in 2023-24, pushing him past Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid ($12.5 million).
But MacKinnon's title will last only one season. Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews signed a four-year, $53 million extension on Aug. 23. When it takes effect next season, the 2022 Hart Trophy winner will average a league-high $13.25 million.
The NHL's highest-paid players (via Cap Friendly):
Who are the highest-paid NHL players for the 2023-24 season?
Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche: $12.6 million cap hit, eight-year, $100,800,000 contract
Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers: $12.5 million, eight-year, $100 million contract
Artemi Panarin, New York Rangers: $11,642,857, seven-year, $81.5 million contract
Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs: $11,640,250, five-year, $58,195,000 contract
Erik Karlsson, Pittsburgh Penguins, $11.5 million, eight-year, $92 million contract
David Pastrňák, Boston Bruins, $11.25 million, eight-year, $90 million contract
Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings, $11 million, eight-year, $88 million contract
John Tavares, Toronto Maple Leafs, $11 million, seven-year, $77 million contract
Mitch Marner, Toronto Maple Leafs, $10,903,000, six-year, $65,408,000 contract
Jonathan Huberdeau, Calgary Flames, $10.5 million, eight-year, $84 million contract
Note: Montreal's Carey Price also averages $10.5 million but is injured
Which NHL players have the highest salaries in 2023-24?
(Figures include signing bonuses)
Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche, $16.5 million
David Pastrňák, Boston Bruins, $13 million
Dougie Hamilton, New Jersey Devils, $12.6 million
Seth Jones, Chicago Blackhawks, $12.5 million
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals, $12.5 million
Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota Wild, $12.5 million
Alex Pietrangelo, Vegas Golden Knights, $12.3 million
Timo Meier, New Jersey Devils, $12 million
Adam Fox, New York Rangers, $12 million
Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets, $12 million
Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers, $12 million
Who could pass Auston Matthews?
The salary cap will go up, starting next season, after being suppressed since the pandemic. That leads to the possibility of higher salaries for stars.
Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl, who currently averages $8.5 million, will be due a big raise when his contract expires in 2026. It's possible, though, that the Oilers would keep his cap hit below McDavid. That would change if he chooses free agency.
Marner's contract also expires that year. Same with Colorado Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen.
A player to watch: Rookie Connor Bedard's entry-level contract expires in 2026, though he'll be a restricted free agent. But he's a generational prospect and McDavid got his big contract extension after his second season.
McDavid's contract expires in 2027 and the three-time MVP likely will return to the top salary at that time.