League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

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 becomes highest-paid NHL player for 2026-27 season

Summary

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.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•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.

Latest Updates

4:56 PMYahoo Sports — Who are highest-paid NHL players for 2026-27 season? See top 50 list

What they're saying

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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.
— Yahoo Sports

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