Escrow has been a dirty word for NHL players and agents for years, as player salaries were docked to make NHL accounting work under terms of the CBA. But with league revenue outpacing salaries, the NHL stopped money for escrow in January 2025.
Players will now reap the rewards of the NHL’s 50-50 revenue split system, with players on track to receive roughly $170 million in additional compensation for the 2025-26 season, according to someone familiar with the details. It would be a record payout and represent about 5.5% on top of each player’s salary from last season.
The precise amount going back to players will not be known for several months, as the league finalizes its accounting. The union also holds the right to review the books, but there are not expected to be any big tweaks to the number.
The league’s top earners are the biggest beneficiaries—but they also bear the biggest hit when league revenue comes in light. Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl had the highest 2025-26 salary of $16.5 million and will receive an additional $910,000 or so. Nathan MacKinnon, Igor Shesterkin, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and Mikko Rantanen, who all earned at least $15 million, are set for at least $825,000 in their pockets.
