NHL franchises are paying more and more to keep its superstars. Centres are usually at the forefront of such lucrative deals because of their collective importance to a team, bridging the gap between the offense and defense. Such was the case with Leon Draisaitl, who recently inked an eight-year, $112 million contract to stay with the Edmonton Oilers. Despite the hefty deal, Draisaitl won't be the near the highest-paid players just yet since the first year won't kick in until 2025-26. So, who are the league's best-paid athletes? Here's a ranking of annual contract values and more for 2024-25, per Spotrac:

NHL's Highest Annual Salaries in 2024-25

1. Auston Matthews, C, Toronto Maple Leafs: $13,250,000
2. Nathan MacKinnon, C, Colorado Avalanche: $12,600,000
3. Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers: $12,500,000
4. Artemi Panarin, LW, New York Rangers: $11,642,857
5. Elias Pettersson, C, Vancouver Canucks: $11,600,000 T-6. Erik Karlsson, D, Pittsburgh Penguins: $11,500,000 T-6. William Nylander, C, Toronto Maple Leafs: $11,500,000
6. David Pastrnak, RW, Boston Bruins: $11,250,000 T-9. Drew Doughty, D, Los Angeles Kings: $11,000,000 T-9. John Tavares, C, Toronto Maple Leafs: $11,000,000 T-9. Rasmus Dahlin, D, Buffalo Sabres: $11,000,000

Highest Total Contract Value in NHL

While these figures reflect the top earners on an annual basis, the overall contract value provides a broader perspective on the players' long-term financial commitment to their respective teams. Here are the top 10 players with the highest total contract value in the NHL:

1. Shea Weber, D, Utah Hockey Club: $110,000,000
2. Sidney Crosby, C, Pittsburgh Penguins: $104,400,000
3. Nathan MacKinnon, C, Colorado Avalanche: $100,800,000
4. Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers: $100,000,000
5. Elias Pettersson, C, Vancouver Canucks: $92,800,000 T-6. Erik Karlsson, D, Pittsburgh Penguins: $92,000,000 T-6. William Nylander, C, Toronto Maple Leafs: $92,000,000
6. David Pastrnak, RW, Boston Bruins: $90,000,000 T-9. Drew Doughty, D, Los Angeles Kings: 88,000,000 T-9. Rasmus Dahlin, D, Buffalo Sabres: $88,000,000

The Factors Driving Astronomical Salaries

Several factors contribute to the inflated salaries in the NHL. The league's popularity and global reach have significantly increased, attracting more fans and sponsors. This, in turn, has boosted team revenues, allowing franchises to allocate more funds towards player salaries. Moreover, the NHL's salary cap, while a mechanism to ensure financial fairness, has also indirectly contributed to the rising salaries. Teams are willing to go above and beyond to secure the services of elite players, often exceeding the cap to create a competitive advantage.

Impact of Salary Caps

The NHL's salary cap has significantly impacted the league's landscape. Teams have to balance the need to keep their star players with the limitations of the cap. This can lead to difficult decisions, such as trading away valuable players to free up cap space, or even opting for a rebuild to acquire young, affordable talent. The impact of the salary cap is evident in the recent moves by teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and the Arizona Coyotes, who have undergone significant roster overhauls, shedding high-priced veterans to rebuild their rosters.

The Rise of Superstars

The rise of superstars has also played a pivotal role in driving up salaries. Players like McDavid, Matthews, and MacKinnon have captivated audiences with their exceptional skills and on-ice performances. These players are considered game-changers, capable of single-handedly influencing the outcome of matches. Their exceptional abilities command a premium in the market, leading to astronomical salaries and lucrative contracts.

Importance of Position

It's worth noting that certain positions command higher salaries than others. Centres, often considered the heart and soul of a team, are highly sought after. They are responsible for both offensive and defensive responsibilities, making them a crucial asset. The demand for skilled centres translates into lucrative salaries, as evidenced by the top three spots on the list being occupied by centremen.

Long-Term Deals

The NHL's long-term deals further amplify the impact of high salaries. Teams are willing to commit significant financial resources to secure the services of their key players for extended periods. These long-term deals offer teams stability and predictability, but they also come with risks. Player performance can fluctuate over time, and teams may find themselves locked into expensive contracts for players who are no longer at their peak.

Conclusion: The Future of NHL Salaries

The NHL's salary structure is constantly evolving, and it is likely that the trend of rising salaries will continue in the foreseeable future. The league's popularity, the increasing number of global fans, and the pursuit of competitive advantage will continue to drive up player salaries. Teams will need to navigate the complexities of the salary cap and the competition for top talent to build successful rosters. The future of NHL salaries is likely to be characterized by a blend of financial commitment, strategic planning, and the relentless pursuit of on-ice success.