The 2013-2014 NHL season was a successful campaign. The NHL was pleased with their ratings, especially the playoff numbers and most of the franchises weren’t complaining about revenue dollars (not that many franchises ever complain). Overall, it was a successful season for teams and players a like. Speaking of players, there are some that were rewarded handsomely for their quality of play. It’s no surprise that a list that includes the highest paid players are usually the best players in the sport minus the A-Rod anomaly. In the overall scheme of things, NHL players are the highest paid sports professionals, but they certainly aren’t going hungry either. Here are the highest paid NHL players in 2014.
5.) Alex Ovechkin – Washington Capitals – $10,000,000
Ovechkin is one of the more obvious guesses when it comes to highest paid players because at times (and more times than not) he’s one of the best players in the league. The Washington Capitals captain had a brilliant 2013-2014 campaign leading the league in goals (51) and finishing 8th overall in points. Unfortunately, the team didn’t go as deep into the playoffs as they were planning. Either way, the guy is a stud.
4.) Henrik Lundqvist – New York Rangers – $11,000,000
The list of awards and accolades is long and distinguished for the Rangers’ netminder. One could easily win an argument that Hank is the best goalie in the league because there’s plenty of evidence to support it. It’s that simple. He’s been the Rangers’ anchor for several seasons and the #1 reason they were in the Stanley Cup this Spring. Rarely do we say a professional athlete earns his paycheck completely.
3.) Ryan Suter – Minnesota Wild – $11,000,000
Casual hockey fans meet Ryan Suter. He’s one of the best defensemen in the league and he’s certainly paid like it. Suter has been a key factor in the Wild’s emergence of late. He’s also been a key cog in the United States defensive lineup for several years during international play.
2.) Sidney Crosby – Pittsburgh Penguins – $12,000,000
Duh – of course ‘Sid the Kid’ was going to be on this list. Crosby’s career has been marred by injury, but when he’s on the ice he’s one of the best. Period. Ovechkin is a goal scorer, Crosby is an everything offensively. He’s still tops in the league in scoring, but he’s also tops in the league in assists. For those keeping score at home, that makes him the league leader in points. Earned!
1.) Shea Weber – Nashville Predators – $14,000,000
If defense wins championships than you better pay the best defensemen in the league the top dollars. That’s exactly what the Predators captain is – one of the best. He’s the backbone of Nashville’s team, he’s a successful international player and he’s one of the most sought after players in all of hockey. You build a team with Weber.
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