Canada's 10 Richest Ice Hockey Players - 2025 Wealth Rankings

Richest Ice Hockey Players

Visit ice hockey Hockey is not only a national passion in Canada, it's also a sport that can bring in big bucks. Some Canadian field hockey players have amassed colossal fortunes over the years thanks to their NHL (National Hockey League) contracts, lucrative partnerships and shrewd investments. Strap on your skates, the rankings are full of surprises!

Top 10 Richest Canadian Ice Hockey Players in 2025

10. Rob Blake - 81.90 million Canadian dollars

Rob Blake opens the top 10 with an estimated fortune of C$81.90 million, making him one of the richest ice hockey players in Canada. A former star defenseman, Blake enjoyed a long NHL career (notably with the Los Angeles Kings and Colorado Avalanche), winning a Stanley Cup in 2001. His juicy contracts at the end of his career enabled him to amass a handsome fortune, which he was able to keep thanks to astute management. Today, as General Manager of the Kings, he continues to earn his living in field hockey, proving that his transition from the ice is just as financially successful as his sporting career.

9. Jarome Iginla - 81.90 million Canadian dollars

With a net worth approaching 81.90 million Canadian dollars, Jarome Iginla is one of the most respected and successful players of his generation. A legend with the Calgary Flames, he dominated the NHL during the 2000s, finishing as top scorer on two occasions. Over the course of his career, Iginla pocketed nearly $100 million in salaries. In addition to his sporting revenues, he also took in advertising contracts (equipment manufacturers, local sponsorships) and investments, notably in real estate and even a Canadian junior team. Known for his generosity and leadership, Iginla has proved that you can be both a formidable goalscorer and a shrewd businessman.

8. Paul Kariya - C$86.36 million

Paul Kariya, whose fortune is estimated at around 86.36 million Canadian dollars, has made the most of his years at the top of the field hockey world. This makes him one of the richest ice hockey players in Canada. Superstar of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in the 90s, Kariya signed some of the most lucrative contracts of the decade for a forward. Despite a career cut short by injury, he had already amassed significant earnings from his NHL salaries (it's estimated that he earned over $85 million in gross salary). Since retiring, Kariya has wisely built up his wealth away from the spotlight. His financial success proves that he was able to keep control of his finances as well as the puck during his golden years on the ice.

7. Mark Messier - C$87.85 million

A true living legend, Mark Messier has an estimated fortune of C$87.85 million, making him one of the richest ice hockey players in Canada. Six-time Stanley Cup champion, "The Messiah built his wealth over two decades of NHL dominance, notably with the Edmonton Oilers and then the New York Rangers. Although he started out at a time when field hockey salaries were more modest than they are today, Messier nonetheless benefited from big contracts in the 90s (his stint with Vancouver is said to have earned him a handsome sum, not to mention a multi-million financial settlement after his departure).

Away from the ice, he has made numerous advertising appearances (remember his famous commercials in Canada) and invested in various businesses. Recently, he even ventured into the business world by supporting a sports platform. A charismatic player and shrewd businessman, Mark Messier continues to capitalize on his hard-earned reputation on the ice.

6. Joe Thornton - C$95.30 million

The colossus Joe Thornton, nicknamed "Jumbo JoeHe has an estimated fortune of C$95.30 million. An exceptional center drafted first overall in 1997, Thornton has enjoyed a rare longevity in the NHL, with more than 24 seasons under his belt (Bruins, Sharks, Maple Leafs and Panthers). This longevity enabled him to accumulate salaries totalling over $110 million over the course of his career.

Although he was never the most talked-about athlete off the ice, his consistency earned him a few partnerships and, above all, the opportunity to invest for the long term. In particular, he accepted reduced salaries at the end of his career to try and win the Stanley Cup, a sign that he had already secured his financial situation. Now retired, Thornton enjoys a comfortable estate acquired thanks to his talent and financial wisdom.

5. Joe Sakic - C$95.30 million

Just above him is Joe Sakic with an estimated fortune of C$95.30 million. Sakic is not only one of the best Canadian players in history, but also one of the wealthiest. The iconic captain of the Colorado Avalanche, he has twice lifted the Stanley Cup and amassed over $93 million in salary during his playing career. Notably, in 1997 he signed a record-breaking offer (quickly matched by his team) that paid him a one-off bonus of $15 million - enough to give his bank account a serious boost from that point on.

After his retirement from sports, Sakic remained with the Avalanche organization, becoming General Manager and then President of Hockey Operations, a role that provides him with a comfortable income. Between his smartly invested player earnings and his executive salary, Joe Sakic continues to see his wealth grow while adding titles to his list of honors, this time in a suit and tie.

4. Chris Pronger - C$101.25 million

Chris Pronger, an imposing defenseman with an impressive track record, has amassed a fortune estimated at 101.25 million Canadian dollars. During his 18 NHL seasons (including stints with the St. Louis Blues, Anaheim Ducks and Philadelphia Flyers), Pronger earned cumulative salaries in excess of $110 million. His impact on the ice has earned him numerous honors (Hart Trophy and Stanley Cup in 2007), as well as contracts commensurate with his talent.

Known for his intelligence, Pronger prepared for his post-career long before hanging up his skates. He worked for a time in NHL offices and co-founded a luxury travel company catering to athletes and celebrities. Always attentive to financial matters, he even made a name for himself by giving advice on money management to young players. Between his investments, his executive salary and a few advertising contracts during his career (equipment manufacturers, etc.), Chris Pronger has managed to turn his hard-hitting tackles into solid financial success.

3. Sidney Crosby - C$101.25 million

In third place, Sidney Crosby sits on the throne with a fortune estimated at around 101.25 million Canadian dollars. Still active, the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins is often considered the best player of his generation, and his bank accounts reflect this success. Crosby has already pocketed over $140 million in NHL salaries since his debut in 2005, thanks in particular to two long-term mega-contracts with the Penguins. But his financial empire doesn't stop there: "Sid The Kid" has forged marketing partnerships with several major brands. He is, for example, the face of Reebok/CCM field hockey equipment, appears in ads for Tim Hortons (a rite of passage for Canadian stars!) and Gatorade, and has agreements with local Pittsburgh businesses.

Despite his great wealth, Crosby remains discreet and carefully manages his image, which has not prevented him from increasing his income through various investments (real estate, local businesses). At 37, he is already one of the richest players in the world, and could climb even higher in the rankings by the end of his career and beyond.

2. Wayne Gretzky - C$335.03 million

The name Wayne Gretzky is synonymous with records and excellence on the ice, and it could just as easily be synonymous with wealth. The fortune of "The Wonder is now valued at nearly $335.03 million Canadian. Although Gretzky earned "only" $46 million in direct salary during his career (NHL salaries were much lower in the 1980s-90s), he capitalized on his legend to build a veritable empire. During his glory years, he signed countless advertising contracts with prestigious brands - from sports equipment to major corporations - making him one of the most marketed athletes on the planet.

After retiring from sports, Gretzky took on many roles: minority team owner (he owned part of the Phoenix Coyotes), coach and, above all, businessman. He launched the Wayne Gretzky EstatesHe also owns restaurants and invests in various sports-related businesses. He also owns restaurants and invests in various sports-related ventures. Legendary contracts, entrepreneurial flair and an untarnished image have enabled him to maintain and increase his wealth. To this day, Wayne Gretzky remains not only the "Great One but also one of the most financially successful Canadian athletes of all time.

1. Mario Lemieux - C$406.51 million

At the top of the ranking, Mario "The Magnificent Lemieux even surpasses Gretzky with an estimated fortune of 406.51 million Canadian dollars. How did the former glory of the Pittsburgh Penguins accumulate such wealth, surpassing all his peers? The answer can be summed up in one word: investments. An exceptional player, Lemieux also earned very large salaries during his playing career (he was one of the first to sign multi-million-dollar annual contracts in the 90s) and benefited from a few well-placed advertising contracts. But it was after he put away his skates that his fortunes really exploded.

In the 2000s, faced with the financial difficulties of the Penguins, who owed him tens of millions in deferred salary, Lemieux agreed to take a stake in the franchise in exchange for his debt. This bold gamble made him the first ex-player to become an owner of the team he had played for. The rest is a financial fairy tale: under his leadership, the Penguins' value soared (helped by the success of the Crosby era), and Mario sold the majority of his shares in 2021 for several million dollars. hundreds of millions of dollars when the franchise was estimated at nearly 900 million.

Added to this are real estate and other personal investments. Today, Mario Lemieux is officially the richest ice hockey player in Canada (and in the world, apart from a few exceptions). Revenge for the man who saved his club and made his money grow spectacularly!

These ten Canadian players not only made field hockey history with their exploits, but also turned their sporting success into financial success. Between astronomical contracts, advertising endorsements and well-thought-out investments, they have built veritable empires. Let's take a look at some of the questions we often ask about field hockey players' wealth and income.

Conclusion

This ranking includes the richest ice hockey players demonstrates that success on the ice is not limited to sporting achievements. From legends such as Mario Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky, to current stars like Sidney Crosby, players have combined on-court performance with financial strategy to build impressive fortunes. Thanks to NHL contracts, advertising endorsements and diversified investments, these players are perfect examples of how field hockey can be a veritable springboard to prosperity. Their inspiring journeys prove that, in the world of Canadian field hockey, passion and talent can be transformed into lasting economic success.

FAQ : Frequently Asked Questions about Hockey Wealth

Q: Who is the richest field hockey player in the world?
R : If we're talking strictly about former field hockey players, the world's richest is a businessman by the name of Ion Țiriac. A former Romanian field hockey player (and tennis player) in the 1970s, he built up a financial empire in banking and insurance after his retirement. His fortune is estimated at around 1.3 billion euroswhich makes him the only billionaire "field hockey player" to date. However, Țiriac had only a brief sporting career, and his wealth comes almost exclusively from his business dealings. If we consider the real stars of the NHL, the richest field hockey player in the world is Mario Lemieuxwith a personal fortune of around 273 million euros, closely followed by Wayne Gretzky (around 250 million euros).

Q: Who is the richest active Canadian field hockey player?
R : Currently, the wealthiest active Canadian player is Sidney Crosby. With a net worth of around 68-70 million euros, Crosby is the most financially well-off of his compatriots still in the game. It has to be said that with his massive NHL contracts and advertising sponsorships, he's got a head start. By way of comparison, the richest active player in any country might be Russian forward Alex Ovechkin (estimated fortune around 75-80 million euros), but Crosby is not far behind. Other active Canadians include stars such as Connor McDavid or Carey Price have also accumulated substantial fortunes, but far less than Crosby's at the moment.

Q: How do field hockey players earn money off the ice?
R : Professional field hockey players build their wealth on more than just their playing salary - which is often already very high for the stars. They have several sources of income outside the rink :

• Advertising and sponsorship contracts : The biggest stars sign endorsement contracts with equipment brands (skates, sticks, sportswear), food or beverage companies, automobiles, and so on. For example, Sidney Crosby has partnerships with brands such as Gatorade and Tim Hortons, which earn him millions on top of his NHL salary.
• Licensing and merchandising : Players earn royalties from the sale of jerseys bearing their names, video games (their inclusion in titles such as EA Sports' NHL) and other official merchandising.
• Investment and business : Many players invest their money in real estate, the stock market or start their own businesses. Mario Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky have each launched businesses (wine, restaurants, etc.), Chris Pronger has co-founded a luxury travel agency, Jarome Iginla has owned a share in a junior team, and so on. Some also join sports management (manager, coach) after their careers, which provides them with an additional salary.
  In short, the best players diversify their income. Their notoriety opens lucrative doors outside field hockey, and many of them become true businessmen while remaining in the world of sport.

Q: Are any field hockey players billionaires?
R : With the exception of the aforementioned Ion Țiriac (who didn't make his fortune in field hockey, but in business long afterwards), no field hockey player is a billionaire in dollars or euros. Ice hockey, even at the highest level of the NHL, does not (yet) reach the financial heights of other sports such as basketball or European soccer.

The two richest field hockey players in history - Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux - have fortunes estimated at around 250-270 million euros, which is considerable but still a long way from the billion mark. By way of comparison, stars in other disciplines (Michael Jordan in basketball, Tiger Woods in golf) have managed to surpass the billion mark thanks to enormous extra-sporting income. Perhaps one day we'll see a field hockey player join the exclusive club of billionaire athletes, but that's not yet the case.

Q: What's the biggest contract in NHL history?
R : The most lucrative NHL contract ever signed (in total value) is that ofAlexander Ovechkin. In 2008, the Russian striker signed a 124 million dollars (around 110 million euros) over 13 years with the Washington Capitals. This was an absolute record at the time, and the contract still runs until 2021. Other giant contracts include that of Shea Weber ($110 million over 14 years) or Sidney Crosby (104.4 million over 12 years).

These astronomical amounts show just how much teams are willing to invest in their star players. However, it's worth noting that the NHL has put limits in place (salary cap) to frame this spending, and the maximum length of contracts is now limited, making it unlikely that we'll see a contract as long as Ovechkin or Weber any time soon. In terms of average annual salaryToday, the best-paid players are earning around $12-13 million per season (this has been the case for Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon in recent years).