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"Probably don’t get paid what we’re deserved": Leon Draisaitl claims NHL players are underpaid compared to other sports' stars

Modified Sep 21, 2024 02:47 GMT

Edmonton Oilers star forward Leon Draisaitl recently agreed to a historic eight-year, $112 million contract extension that makes him the highest-paid player in National Hockey League history.

Any questions regarding his long-term future with the Oilers have now been put to rest. Edmonton management, led by new general manager Stan Bowman, are expected to shift their focus to getting Connor McDavid. The Oilers captain enters the final year of his contract this season.

But Draisaitl pointed out the differences in earning potential for NHL players compared to their peers in the other major North American Sports, noting that in many cases, it's far less.

“We probably don’t get paid what we’re deserved or don’t get paid what (other leagues) get paid. That’s the sport we’re in,” he said. “Each of us, if we can bump it up and get more money into hockey and get players some higher salaries, I’m sure all the other players would say they’re for it.”

However, Draisaitl made it clear that he didn't press Oilers management to raise his AAV higher than $14 million - a number that he's content with.

“I don’t think I necessarily pushed my contract all the way to the limit,” Draisaitl said. “I’d like to state that. But I am very happy with it.”

The top NHL Players don't earn as much as stars in other Leagues

Draisaitl and McDavid are regarded as two of the highest-profile players in the NHL, but to put their earnings in perspective, they're far lower than stars in the other major professional sports leagues.

For example, NBA star Stephen Curry's annual salary is just over $55 million, while Nikola Jokic earns just over $51 million a season. Moving to the NFL, quarterback Joe Burrow will be making $65.714 million this season, followed by quarterback Jordan Love at $58 million per season.

Meanwhile, MLB star Shohei Ohtani agreed to a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers during the offseason. Pitchers Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander each make $43.3 million this season, while slugger Aaron Judge is making $40 million this season.

However, the NHL operates within a salary cap with the expressed purpose of competitive balance, keeping bigger market cities from having an advantage over smaller markets. The salary cap last season was set at $81.5 million, considerably lower than the $182.5 million cap in the NFL and $112.4 million in the NBA; Major League Baseball has no salary cap.

Additionally, the NHL also brings in less money from television contracts as well as advertising and merchandise compared to the other three major North American sports.