The 10 Richest Ice Hockey Players in Canada – 2026 Fortune Rankings

The Richest Ice Hockey Players

Ice hockey is not only a national passion in Canada — it is also a sport that can pay off big. Some Canadian hockey players have accumulated colossal fortunes over the years through their NHL (National Hockey League) contracts, lucrative partnerships and shrewd investments. Lace up your skates, this ranking has a few surprises in store!

Top 10 Richest Canadian Ice Hockey Players in 2025

10. Rob Blake – 81.90 million Canadian dollars

Rob Blake opens this top 10 with an estimated fortune of approximately 81.90 million Canadian dollars, placing him among the richest ice hockey players in Canada. A former star defenseman, Blake enjoyed a long NHL career (notably with the Los Angeles Kings and the Colorado Avalanche), winning a Stanley Cup in 2001. His lucrative contracts at the end of his career allowed him to build up a handsome nest egg, which he preserved through prudent management. Now General Manager of the Kings, he continues to earn a living in hockey, proof that his transition off the ice is a financial success just as respectable as his sporting career.

Rob Blake

9. Jarome Iginla – 81.90 million Canadian dollars

With a fortune approaching 81.90 million Canadian dollars, Jarome Iginla is one of the most respected and prosperous players of his generation. A legend of the Calgary Flames, he dominated the NHL through the 2000s, finishing as top scorer on two occasions. Over the course of his career, Iginla pocketed nearly 100 million dollars in salaries. Added to those sporting earnings were advertising contracts (equipment brands, local sponsorships) and investments, notably in real estate and even a Canadian junior team. Known for his generosity and leadership, Iginla proved that you can be both a fearsome goal scorer and a savvy businessman.

Jarome Iginla

8. Paul Kariya – 86.36 million Canadian dollars

Paul Kariya, whose fortune is estimated at approximately 86.36 million Canadian dollars, made the most of his years at the top of hockey, placing him among the richest ice hockey players in Canada. A superstar with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in the 1990s, Kariya signed some of the most lucrative contracts of the decade for a forward.

Paul Kariya

Despite a career cut short by injuries, he had already accumulated significant earnings through his NHL salaries (it is estimated he earned more than 85 million dollars in gross salary). Discreet since his retirement, Kariya has wisely grown his wealth away from the spotlight. His financial success proves that he kept control of his finances as well as the puck during his finest years on the ice.

7. Mark Messier – 87.85 million Canadian dollars

A true living legend, Mark Messier has an estimated fortune of 87.85 million Canadian dollars, placing him among 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. While he started out at a time when hockey player salaries were more modest than today, Messier still benefited from major contracts in the 1990s (his stint in Vancouver reportedly earned him a handsome sum, not to mention a multi-million dollar financial settlement after his departure).

Mark Messier

Off the ice, he multiplied advertising appearances (remember his famous ads in Canada) and invested in various companies. More recently, he even ventured into business by backing a sports platform. A charismatic player and astute businessman, Mark Messier continues to capitalize on his hard-earned fame from the rink.

6. Joe Thornton – 95.30 million Canadian dollars

The towering Joe Thornton, nicknamed “Jumbo Joe”, has an estimated fortune of 95.30 million Canadian dollars. An exceptional center drafted first overall in 1997, Thornton enjoyed a rare longevity in the NHL spanning more than 24 seasons (Bruins, Sharks, Maple Leafs and Panthers). This longevity allowed him to accumulate salaries totaling more than 110 million dollars over the course of his career.

Joe Thornton

Although he was never the most media-savvy athlete off the ice, his consistency earned him a few partnerships and, above all, the ability to invest over the long term. He notably accepted reduced salaries late in his career in an attempt to win the Stanley Cup, a sign that he had already secured his financial situation. Now retired, Thornton enjoys a comfortable net worth built on talent and financial wisdom.

5. Joe Sakic – 95.30 million Canadian dollars

Just above him, we find Joe Sakic with an estimated fortune of 95.30 million Canadian dollars. 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 lifted the Stanley Cup twice and accumulated more than 93 million dollars in salaries during his playing career. Notably, in 1997 he signed a record offer (quickly matched by his team) that paid him a bonus of 15 million dollars in a single payment — enough to give his bank account a serious boost even then.

Joe Sakic

After his playing career, Sakic remained within the Avalanche organization, becoming General Manager and then President of Hockey Operations, a role that provides him with a comfortable income. Between his wisely invested player earnings and his executive salary, Joe Sakic continues to see his net worth grow while adding titles to his record — this time in a suit and tie.

4. Chris Pronger – 101.25 million Canadian dollars

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

Chris Pronger

Known for his intelligence, Pronger prepared for life after hockey long before hanging up his skates. He worked for a time in the NHL’s front offices and co-founded a luxury bespoke travel company for athletes and celebrities. Always attentive to financial matters, he even made headlines by offering money management advice to young players. Between his investments, his executive salary and a few advertising contracts during his career (equipment brands, etc.), Chris Pronger successfully turned his powerful checks into solid financial success.

3. Sidney Crosby – 101.25 million Canadian dollars

In third place, Sidney Crosby stands with an estimated fortune of approximately 101.25 million Canadian dollars. Still active, the Pittsburgh Penguins captain is often considered the best player of his generation, and his bank accounts reflect this success. Crosby has already pocketed more than 140 million dollars in NHL salaries since his debut in 2005, thanks notably to two long-term mega-contracts with the Penguins.

Sidney Crosby

But his financial empire does not stop there: “Sid The Kid” has established marketing partnerships with several major brands. He is, for example, the face of Reebok/CCM for hockey equipment, appears in Tim Hortons commercials (a rite of passage for Canadian celebrities!) and in Gatorade ads, and has agreements with local Pittsburgh companies.

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

2. Wayne Gretzky – 335.03 million Canadian dollars

Wayne Gretzky’s name is synonymous with records and excellence on the ice, and it could just as well be synonymous with wealth. The fortune of “The Great One” is today estimated at nearly 335.03 million Canadian dollars. Although Gretzky earned “only” 46 million dollars in direct salary during his career (NHL salaries were much lower in the 1980s and 90s), he capitalized on his legendary status to build a true empire. During his glory years, he signed countless advertising contracts with prestigious brands — from sporting equipment to major corporations — making him one of the most marketed athletes on the planet.

Wayne Gretzky

After his playing career, Gretzky took on multiple roles: minority team owner (he held a stake in the Phoenix Coyotes), coach, and above all businessman. He launched Wayne Gretzky Estates, including a range of wines and whiskies in Ontario, which has enjoyed considerable success. He also owns restaurants and does not hesitate to invest in various sports-related businesses. Legendary contracts, entrepreneurial flair and an unsullied image have allowed him to preserve and grow his wealth. To this day, Wayne Gretzky remains not only the “Great One” of hockey, but also one of the most financially prosperous Canadian athletes of all time.

1. Mario Lemieux – 406.51 million Canadian dollars

At the top of this ranking, Mario “The Magnificent” Lemieux surpasses even Gretzky with an estimated fortune of 406.51 million Canadian dollars. How did the former Pittsburgh Penguins great manage to accumulate such wealth, surpassing all of his peers? The answer can be summed up in one word: investments. An exceptional player, Lemieux still earned very large salaries during his playing career (he was one of the first to sign multi-million dollar annual contracts in the 1990s) and benefited from a few well-placed advertising contracts. But it was after retiring that his fortune truly exploded.

In the 2000s, facing the Penguins’ financial difficulties — the team owed him tens of millions in deferred salary — Lemieux agreed to take an ownership stake in the franchise in exchange for his claim. This bold gamble made him the first former player to become owner of the team he played for. What followed was like a financial fairy tale: under his leadership, the Penguins’ value skyrocketed (aided by the successes of the Crosby era), and Mario sold the majority of his shares in 2021 for several hundreds of millions of dollars when the franchise was valued at nearly 900 million.

Mario Lemieux

Added to this are real estate holdings and other personal investments. Today, Mario Lemieux is officially the richest Canadian (and even global, with rare exceptions) ice hockey player of all time. A remarkable achievement for the man who saved his club and grew his money in spectacular fashion!

These ten Canadian players have not only left their mark on hockey history through their exploits, but have also managed to transform their sporting success into financial achievement. Between enormous contracts, advertising endorsements and well-considered investments, they have built true empires. Let’s now look at some frequently asked questions about hockey players’ wealth and income.

Conclusion

This ranking of the richest ice hockey players demonstrates that success on the ice is not limited to sporting achievements. Legends such as Mario Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky, through to current stars like Sidney Crosby, have combined on-ice performance with financial strategy to build impressive fortunes. Through NHL contracts, advertising endorsements and diversified investments, these players perfectly illustrate how hockey can be a genuine springboard to prosperity. Their inspiring journeys prove that in the world of Canadian hockey, passion and talent translate into lasting economic success.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Hockey Players’ Wealth

Who is the richest hockey player in the world?

When speaking strictly of former hockey players, the richest in the world is a businessman named Ion Țiriac. A former Romanian hockey player (and tennis player) from the 1970s, he built a financial empire after his retirement in banking and insurance. His fortune is estimated at approximately 1.3 billion euros, making him the only “hockey player” billionaire to date.

However, Țiriac only had a brief sporting career and his wealth comes almost entirely from his business ventures. If we consider the true NHL stars, the richest hockey player in the world is Mario Lemieux, with approximately 273 million euros in personal fortune, closely followed by Wayne Gretzky (approximately 250 million euros).

Who is the wealthiest active Canadian hockey player?

Currently, the wealthiest active Canadian player is Sidney Crosby. With a net worth approaching 68–70 million euros, Crosby leads his compatriots still playing at the professional level in financial terms. It must be said that with his massive NHL contracts and advertising sponsorships, he has built up a significant lead.

By comparison, the wealthiest active player across all nationalities could be Russian forward Alex Ovechkin (fortune estimated at around 75–80 million euros), but Crosby is not far behind. Among other still-active Canadians, stars such as Connor McDavid or Carey Price have also accumulated significant fortunes, though considerably smaller than Crosby’s for the time being.

How do hockey players earn money off the ice?

Professional hockey players do not rely solely on their player salary — already very high for the stars — to build their wealth. They have several income sources off the rink:

• Advertising contracts and sponsorships: The biggest stars sign endorsement contracts with equipment brands (skates, sticks, sports clothing), food and beverage companies, car manufacturers, etc. For example, Sidney Crosby has partnerships with brands like Gatorade and Tim Hortons, which earns him millions on top of his NHL salary.
• Licences and merchandise: Players receive royalties from the sale of jerseys bearing their name, video games (their inclusion in titles like EA Sports’ NHL) and other official merchandise.
• Investments and business ventures: Many players put their money into real estate, the stock market or start their own companies. Mario Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky each launched businesses (wine, restaurants, etc.), Chris Pronger co-founded a luxury travel agency, Jarome Iginla owned a stake in a junior team, etc. Some also move into sports management (general manager, coach) after their career, which provides them with additional income.
  In short, the best players diversify their income. Their notoriety opens lucrative doors outside of hockey, and many of them become true businesspeople while remaining in the world of sport.

Are there any billionaire hockey players?

With the exception of Ion Țiriac mentioned above (who did not make his fortune through hockey, but afterwards in business), no hockey player is a billionaire in dollars or euros. Ice hockey, even at the highest NHL level, has not (yet) reached the financial heights of other sports such as basketball or European football.

The two wealthiest hockey players in history — Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux — have fortunes valued at around 250–270 million euros, which is considerable but still far from the billion mark. By comparison, stars from other disciplines (Michael Jordan in basketball, Tiger Woods in golf) have managed to surpass the billion mark through enormous off-sport income. We may one day see a hockey player join the very exclusive club of sports billionaires, but that is not the case today.

What is the largest contract in NHL history?

The most lucrative contract ever signed in the NHL (in total value) is that of Alexander Ovechkin. In 2008, the Russian forward signed a deal worth 124 million dollars (approximately 110 million euros) over 13 years with the Washington Capitals. It was an absolute record at the time, and the contract ran until 2021. Among other giant contracts, we can mention that of Shea Weber (110 million dollars over 14 years) or Sidney Crosby (104.4 million over 12 years).

These astronomical figures show just how willing teams are to invest in their star players. However, it should be noted that the NHL has implemented caps (salary ceiling) to govern these expenditures, and the maximum contract length is now limited, making it unlikely we will soon see another contract as long as Ovechkin’s or Weber’s. In terms of average annual salary, the highest-paid players today earn around 12 to 13 million dollars per season (as is the case for Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon in recent years).