Leo Carlsson becomes highest-paid NHL player for 2026-27 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 29, 2026, 4:56 PM
Last updated Jul 29, 2026
Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks is set to be the highest-paid player in the NHL during the 2026-27 season with a cap hit of $18 million. He was signed to a five-year deal that will be unmatched until Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks takes over in 2027-28 with an average of $18.8 million. Other players among the top earners include Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild at $17 million and Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks at $15 million. The NHL salary cap has risen from $95.5 million last season to $104 million, affecting player contracts across the league. The ramifications of these contracts may continue to influence team decisions and player movements in the coming seasons.
- •Carlsson's $18 million cap hit leads the NHL for 2026-27.
- •Kaprizov's $17 million places him second among players.
- •Bedard ranks third with a $15 million cap hit.
- •Carlsson's deal comes after a stagnant salary cap period.
- •Celebrini's deal will start in the 2027-28 season.
- 4:56 PMYahoo Sports — Who are highest-paid NHL players for 2026-27 season? See top 50 list
"Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson will be the top-paid NHL player in 2026-27, though San Jose's Macklin Celebrini will pass him the following season.
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