The Toronto Maple Leafs might not have won a Stanley Cup recently, but they know how to spend money. From doling out money to keep Nick Robertson around to locking in Anthony Stolarz at a reasonable rate, they have demonstrated their prudence in many recent deals.
The organization has made mistakes, but their $53 million deal with captain Auston Matthews isn’t one of them. According to Forbes, Matthews will be the top-earning player in the NHL for a second consecutive season.
Auston Matthews Record-Breaking Earnings
According to a new report from Forbes, Matthews is the top-earning NHL player in back-to-back years. Forbes has him set to earn $20.2 million between his playing contract and off-ice endorsements.
This is the first time a player has earned more than $20 million for two years in the 15-year history of the Forbes earnings list.
How Much Money Will Auston Matthews Make?
As stated above, Matthews will rake in approximately $20.2 million this season.
Matthews’ total salary will decline this year compared to last season, according to PuckPedia. In 2024-25, he earned $16.7 million, comprising his base salary and signing bonus. For the 2025-26 season, he will earn $15.2 million.
The Maple Leafs’ pivot will earn approximately $5 million from endorsements this season. Matthews currently holds endorsement deals with Nike, Uber Eats, and Prime sports drinks.
The Rest of the Top 5 Earning NHLers After Matthews
GettyThe Maple Leafs have the top-paid superstar in the NHL.
The NHL is filled with players making a sizeable living for themselves. Here are some other players that made the list and what they are making.
Nathan MacKinnon
GettyNathan MacKinnon
Total: $19.1 million, On-Ice: $16.1 million, Endorsements: $3 million
Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche is ranked second in earnings, with $19.1 million expected to be deposited into his bank account this year. He earns $3 million from endorsement deals with Tylenol, Tim Hortons, and Cizzle Brands.
Leon Draisaitl
GettyLeon Draisaitl.
Total: $19 million, On-Ice: $16.5 million, Endorsements: $2.5 million
Surprisingly, the top-paid Edmonton Oilers player is not the recently extended captain, but Leon Draisaitl. The German pivot will earn $19 million this season, with $2.5 million coming from his off-ice deals with Puma, Plyrs sports drinks, and Skip the Dishes.
Mitch Marner
GettyDid the Toronto Maple Leafs do the right thing in letting Mitch Marner go?
Total: $17 million, On-Ice: $15 million, Endorsements: $2 million
Former Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner is the highest-paid player with the Vegas Golden Knights. The fourth-highest NHL earner will collect $17 million this season, with $2 million coming in from his endorsements with Red Bull, PSD underwear, and Nulo pet food.
Connor McDavid
GettyConnor McDavid
Total: $16.5 million, On-Ice: $10 million, Endorsements: $6.5 million
The newly extended Connor McDavid rounds out the top five earners. The Ontario-born superstar will collect $16.5 million this season. He makes the most of any NHLer on endorsements, collecting $6.5 million from deals with Rogers, Alo, and BodyArmor.
Matthews is One of the Best
GettyAuston Matthews
The Maple Leafs have one of the best players in the NHL on their roster. His production backs up his position as the top-earning NHLer.
He experienced a down season in the 2024-25 season. Matthews collected 33 goals and 45 assists for 78 points, which is good for 30th overall in the NHL. That point total might be career-high for some players, but not Matthews.
Matthews is one of the top goal-scorers to ever play in the NHL. He’s never scored fewer than 30 goals in a season. He has two seasons with 60 or more goals under his belt. Additionally, he’s scored at least 40 goals in six of his nine years.
Seems like money well spent.
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