Who Pays the Highest Wages in the NHL – Ranked
The NHL salary cap landscape continues to shape the league, with some teams spending right up to the limit and others staying flexible with significant room to maneuver. Here’s a detailed look at every team’s cap hit, starting from the lowest spenders and working up to the teams right against the ceiling.
32. Anaheim Ducks – $74,923,689
The Ducks sit at the very bottom of the league in cap hit, signaling a roster still focused on rebuilding. With over $20 million in cap space, Anaheim has plenty of flexibility to add veteran presence or extend young talent.
31. San Jose Sharks – $76,675,834
San Jose remains in a retooling phase with one of the lowest payrolls in the NHL. The extra space could be used strategically to acquire picks or prospects by taking on contracts from cap-strapped contenders.
30. Chicago Blackhawks – $77,862,976
The Blackhawks are building around their young core led by Connor Bedard. Their low cap hit gives them the ability to shape the roster around their emerging stars in the next few years.
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29. Pittsburgh Penguins – $82,483,096
Despite having Sidney Crosby and an aging core, the Penguins are in the bottom tier of cap spending. This opens the possibility for future moves if they choose to remain competitive during the final years of their stars’ careers.
28. Columbus Blue Jackets – $83,243,334
Columbus maintains a modest cap hit with a roster blending youth and experience. Their cap situation allows them to potentially be buyers if their young group shows progress.
27. Calgary Flames – $84,155,000
The Flames have been retooling on the fly, and their cap hit reflects a middle-ground approach. With room to maneuver, they could still look to add depth or make moves at the trade deadline.
26. Nashville Predators – $84,433,961
Nashville boasts one of the more flexible rosters in the NHL thanks to their cap space. They are well-positioned to make trades or extend players as their competitive window begins to open again.
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25. Carolina Hurricanes – $84,852,709
The Hurricanes maintain a disciplined cap structure despite being perennial contenders. This approach gives them enough flexibility to strengthen their roster if they need reinforcements during the season.
24. Detroit Red Wings – $85,188,373
Detroit’s rebuild is nearing its end, and their cap situation allows for adding key veterans. Their current spending shows a careful balance between developing prospects and fielding a competitive team.
23. St. Louis Blues – $88,279,849
St. Louis has a healthy cap situation and a balanced roster. Their spending level reflects a team that wants to stay competitive without overextending financially.
22. Minnesota Wild – $88,508,166
Despite significant buyout penalties on their books, the Wild remain competitive. Their cap hit shows management has been resourceful in building a playoff-caliber lineup.
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21. New Jersey Devils – $89,230,833
The Devils are paying their young stars but remain in good financial shape. Their cap hit suggests they still have room to make impactful moves if they choose.
20. Utah Mammoth – $89,341,357
In their inaugural season, Utah’s cap hit reflects a full roster ready to compete. Their spending is balanced and gives them a chance to be competitive right away.
19. Colorado Avalanche – $89,425,000
Colorado remains a powerhouse despite managing their cap carefully. Their relatively modest cap hit keeps them in position to contend while staying flexible.
18. Montréal Canadiens – $89,821,666
Montreal’s cap hit reflects a young team still finding its identity. They have room to grow and could be active as they look to accelerate their rebuild.
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17. Buffalo Sabres – $90,309,682
Buffalo’s roster is young and talented, and their cap hit shows they have space to add experienced help. This could be the year they make a serious playoff push.
16. Seattle Kraken – $90,540,714
Seattle continues to build a competitive and deep roster while keeping their finances under control. Their cap hit suggests they have the flexibility to add pieces if they remain in the playoff picture.
15. Winnipeg Jets – $90,701,191
The Jets have locked up their core players while still maintaining a manageable payroll. This positions them well for a strong push in the Western Conference.
14. Washington Capitals – $91,300,000
Washington’s cap hit reflects a veteran team still chasing one more run with Alex Ovechkin. They remain committed to staying competitive even as their window gradually closes.
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13. Philadelphia Flyers – $91,997,261
Philadelphia is focused on rebuilding but already has a significant cap hit. Their financial situation could lead to future trades as they look to stockpile more assets.
12. Vancouver Canucks – $92,230,000
The Canucks are spending aggressively to maximize their current competitive window. Their cap hit shows a team fully invested in making a deep playoff run.
11. Ottawa Senators – $92,755,714
Ottawa’s cap hit reflects a young team transitioning into a contender. With a talented core locked in, they are aiming for meaningful progress in the standings this season.
10. New York Islanders – $92,975,000
The Islanders maintain a structured and defense-first roster with a near-cap-level payroll. Their spending shows commitment to competing in a tough Metropolitan Division.
9. Dallas Stars – $93,544,916
Dallas is one of the top contenders in the West, and their cap hit reflects a roster full of stars. They are built to win now while still having some flexibility for future moves.
8. Los Angeles Kings – $93,606,666
The Kings are balancing a mix of veteran leadership and young talent. Their cap hit shows they are ready to contend while still developing their next generation of stars.
7. Tampa Bay Lightning – $93,630,000
Tampa Bay continues to spend aggressively to stay in contention. Their high cap hit reflects a roster full of championship experience and elite talent.
6. New York Rangers – $93,972,024
The Rangers boast one of the most expensive rosters in the league. Their spending signals a win-now mentality as they chase a deep playoff run.
5. Vegas Golden Knights – $94,313,572
Vegas remains one of the league’s most aggressive spenders. Their cap hit reflects a team built to compete for the Stanley Cup every single year.
4. Toronto Maple Leafs – $94,362,295
Toronto’s spending remains focused on its core of star forwards. The Leafs are all-in on competing and hoping this is finally the year they break through in the playoffs.
3. Boston Bruins – $95,039,167
Boston continues to ice one of the most competitive rosters in the NHL. Their cap hit reflects a commitment to staying among the league’s elite despite recent roster changes.
2. Edmonton Oilers – $95,274,167
The Oilers’ cap hit shows a heavy investment in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl’s supporting cast. This is a team built for immediate success and a potential Stanley Cup push.
1. Florida Panthers – $99,225,000
Florida sits at the very top with the highest cap hit in the NHL, even over the limit. They are clearly in win-now mode, loading up to maximize their championship window.
