Highest Paid Hockey Player In Nhl
Hockey is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports in North America, and the National Hockey League (NHL) is by far the most prestigious and competitive professional league in the world. The league has some of the most talented and accomplished athletes from across the globe, and these athletes are highly valued by their respective teams, as well as the league as a whole. In this article, we will take a close look at the highest-paid hockey player in the NHL, who that player is, and why they are so highly valued.
Who is the highest paid NHL player?
The highest-paid NHL player is currently Connor McDavid. A center for the Edmonton Oilers, McDavid has been regarded as one of the best players in the world since he was drafted in 2015. In his first season in the NHL, McDavid won both the Calder Memorial Trophy and the Art Ross Trophy, making him the youngest player to ever win the latter award. Since then, he has continued to rack up impressive stats and accolades, including leading the league in points for two consecutive seasons (2017-2018 and 2018-2019).
In October 2017, McDavid signed an eight-year, $100 million contract extension with the Oilers that will keep him in Edmonton through the 2025-2026 season. This works out to an average annual salary of $12.5 million, which makes McDavid the highest-paid player in the NHL by a significant margin.
How does McDavid's salary compare to other top NHL players?
While McDavid is the highest-paid player in the league, he is not the only player who commands a hefty salary. Other top players in the NHL who earn high salaries include Sidney Crosby, who has won three Stanley Cup championships with the Pittsburgh Penguins and has an annual salary of $10.9 million, and Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who has a five-year, $58.17 million contract extension and an annual salary of $11,634,000.
However, despite these high salaries, many NHL players do not earn as much as their counterparts in other major sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and MLB. This is largely due to the fact that hockey is not as popular or lucrative as these other sports, and therefore does not generate as much revenue.
Why is McDavid worth so much?
So why is Connor McDavid worth such a high salary? In short, it's because he is an exceptional player who brings a lot of value to his team and the league as a whole. McDavid's speed, skill, and vision on the ice make him a formidable opponent, and his ability to put up points consistently has made him a key player for the Oilers. He also has a strong presence off the ice, and is known for his leadership and work ethic.
But McDavid's value extends beyond his individual abilities. As one of the top players in the league, he is a draw for fans and generates a lot of interest and revenue for the NHL. By paying a high salary to a player like McDavid, teams and the league can capitalize on this interest and drive revenue, which in turn supports the growth and development of the sport overall.
Conclusion
Connor McDavid is currently the highest-paid hockey player in the NHL, with an annual salary of $12.5 million. While other top players in the league also command high salaries, hockey players overall do not earn as much as their counterparts in other major sports leagues. Nevertheless, McDavid's salary reflects his exceptional talent, value to his team, and importance to the league as a whole. As hockey continues to grow and evolve, we can expect to see more players like McDavid emerge and command high salaries, as the sport becomes more popular and lucrative.