The leader is Toronto's captain, American Auston Matthews. This season, he will earn about $20.2 million from his contract with the club, as well as from endorsement deals and other business ventures. After earning $21.7 million in the 2024/2025 season, the center became the only player in the 15-year history of Forbes' ranking of NHL player earnings to earn over $20 million for two consecutive years (not accounting for inflation). The top five for the new season also includes Canadian player Nathan MacKinnon from Colorado ($19.1 million), German player Leon Draisaitl from Edmonton ($19 million), Canadian forward Mitch Marner from Vegas ($17 million), and another Canadian player Connor McDavid from Edmonton ($16.5 million).