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NHL Salaries Skyrocket: Young Stars Dominate Cap Hit List
25 Sep
Summary
- Three top 2023 draft picks now lead NHL cap hits.
- Offer sheets significantly altered player contract negotiations.
- Cale Makar is the NHL's first player exceeding $20 million average.
The NHL's salary cap and the strategic use of offer sheets have dramatically altered the league's highest-paid player list, favoring younger talent. As of September 25, 2026, three of the top five cap hits belong to the top three selections from the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
Adam Fantilli, for example, recently signed a six-year contract averaging $13.75 million. This trend emerged as offer sheets, like the one for Leo Carlsson, bypassed previous limitations on entry-level contracts, granting players more negotiation power. Connor Bedard and Cutter Gauthier also benefited significantly.
Looking ahead, Macklin Celebrini is set to have an $18.8 million average starting in the 2027-28 season, surpassing Carlsson's deal. In a landmark move, veteran defenseman Cale Makar became the league's first player to average over $20 million annually with an eight-year extension. Ryan Leonard also secured an eight-year, $92 million deal after a strong first full season.
