Many current and former NHL stars have obtained huge sums of money for themselves, earning the type of money many rappers and pop stars would love to make. In a sport that certainly pays well, these high-earning professionals are widely regarded as the biggest players in their sport after entertaining onlookers for years and standing out in the biggest of moments.
These stars have adoring fans around the world, they’re featured on billboards and in magazines, and they’re consummate professionals. For fans watching the biggest rivalries and choosing any potential winners when it comes to Stanley Cup betting, these players and the teams they represent have always been popular picks given their undoubted quality. Simply put, they’ve justified the big money they’re on.
With the NHL season entering its final stages, below we highlight some of the sport’s richest players. Some stars are playing today, while others are former heroes who will never be forgotten.
Jarome Iginla ($60 million)
According to various reports, Jarome Iginla has a net worth of $60 million after shining for a number of NHL franchises, including the Calgary Flames, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Boston Bruins, plus more. Iginla had star power when he was playing, making over 1500 appearances for his various teams and leading them to some special triumphs along the way. After retiring in 2017, Jarome Iginla gained even more recognition, given the undeniable impact he made on the sport.
Joe Sakic ($60 million)
A true legend of the NHL, Joe Sakic certainly deserves the $60 million he reportedly has in the bank and tied up in assets. A legend behind the rise of the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche franchise, he played for both incarnations of the team for his entire 21-year career. His high-quality displays and loyalty were clearly rewarded as a result, as Sakic is adored in that part of the world.
Mark Messier ($65 million)
Mark Messier must have done something right if he has a net worth of $65 million. In fact, he rarely didn’t deliver on the ice. Over 25 seasons playing for the likes of the Edmonton Oilers, the New York Rangers, and the Vancouver Canucks, Mark Messier had a remarkable career filled with iconic moments. With six unforgettable Stanley Cup victories to his name, Mark Messier is NHL royalty.
Alexander Ovechkin ($80 million)
Alexander Ovechkin is the only player on the list who’s still playing today, meaning he could easily add even more to his net worth in the near future. As of today, though, the Russian star and captain of the Washington Capitals is worth $80 million.
Wayne Gretzky ($250 million)
Despite retiring in 1999, Wayne Gretzky’s exploits in the hockey sphere are still being discussed today. A true icon of the sport, he has won four Stanley Cups, he has over 60 NHL records under his belt, and his various businesses, alongside his hockey success stories, have enabled him to be worth a staggering $250 million at the time of writing. For any aspiring hockey players out there, watching some footage of Wayne Gretzky in action is essential. He’s a legend.
Mario Lemieux ($300 million)
At the time of writing, Mario Lemieux’s $300 million in the bank makes him the richest hockey star we’ve ever seen. While he probably wasn’t as talented as some of the other names on the list, the two-time Stanley Cup winner still had a number of attributes many of his rivals didn’t possess. His 17-season career in the NHL was fruitful, even leading him to own the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1999, a franchise he currently has a minority stake in.
