The HockeyZonePlus NHL salary history database provides information -- including salaries, yearly pay increases / decreases, rankings, accumulated fortunes, and values in today's dollars -- for over 4,500 NHLers who played since 1989, when salaries started to be disclosed publicly. A growing number of prehistoric (pre-1989) NHL salaries are also included. Type a player's last name to search the HockeyZonePlus salary history database:
Top 25 NHL Fortunes
Jagr still leads the Top 25 NHL fortunes accumulated since 1989, with nearly $US118M but will finally be passed by Crosby in 2019-20. Did you expect Shea Weber to be 6th and, more importantly, how is your 401k/RSSP doing?
Prehistoric Salaries
The HockeyZonePlus salary history database has information for some players who played before 1989, when NHL salaries became public. This list is growing so come back often or follow-us on social media for announcements of additions.
Henri Richard's Rookie Contract on Calendar Page
Henri Richard's rookie contract with the Canadiens, for the 1955-56 and 1956-57 seasons, was handwritten on a nearly 2-year old calendar page and signed by both Richard and General Manager Frank Selke.
1977-1978 - Top 25 Salaries
Montreal won the Stanley Cup while Guy Lafleur had the most goals and points with Bryan Trottier following in total points and Mike Bossy as the second goal-scorer with 53. Bobby Orr missed the whole season with an injury.
1989-1990 - Top 25 Salaries
Mario Lemieux had the highest NHL base salary but Wayne Gretzky led the NHL with 142 points and, by far, had more lucrative endorsement deals. They were the only 2 NHLers making over a million a year in base salary.
1990-1991 - Top 25 Salaries
Mario Lemieux, who missed most of the season, won his first Stanley Cup while falling behind Wayne Gretzky as the best-paid NHLer. 7 players were now making more than a million per season, up from 2 the previous year.
1991-1992 - Top 25 Salaries
Wayne Gretzky is still the best-paid NHLer but his LA Kings are eliminated in the first round while Mario Lemieux wins a second Stanley Cup in a row. There are now 16 NHLers making more than $1M per season.
1992-1993 - Top 25 Salaries
Rookie Eric Lindros is the best-paid NHLer while Teemu Selanne wins the Calder Trophy and breaks the rookie scoring record with 76 goals.For the first time, everybody in the Top 25 NHL salaries is making over $1M.
1993-1994 - Top 25 Salaries
For the second year in a row, and the last Eric Lindros is the best-paid NHLer. Wayne Gretzky and Pavel Bure respectively lead the league with points and goals, and the Rangers win the Stanley Cup. 12 NHLers now earn over $2M.
1994-1995 - Top 25 Salaries
In this lockout year, a 48-game season ends up being played and New Jersey wins the Cup. Jagr and Lindros have the most points, with 70, while top-paid Gretzky gets only 48. Rookie Paul Kariya is the 13th best-paid NHLer.
1995-1996 - Top 25 Salaries
This is the first season that some NHLers were paid over $4M/year, with 8 players in that category, although some would have in 1994-95 without a lockout. Colorado, with Patrick Roy as goalie, won the Stanley Cup. Mario Lemieux led the NHL in goals and points.
1996-1997 - Top 25 Salaries
Detroit won the Stanley Cup in a final series against the Flyers. Mario Lemieux got the most point while Anaheim's Selanne and Kariya finished second and third in points while not in the Top 25 best paid NHLers.