Who has the biggest contract in NHL history?

Going into his 17th season, Alex Ovechkin remains the highest-paid player in the NHL, despite the decreased salary on his current contract with the Washington Capitals. 

Alex Ovechkin has a long history with the Washington Capitals, and he is their highest-paid player and the highest-paid player in the NHL. Ovechkin was the No.1 pick for the 2004 NHL draft and has played his entire career with the Capitals.

Ovechkin started his career with an entry-level contract — a three-year deal worth $11.5 million with a signing bonus of $590,520.

The superstar had a break-out rookie season with 106 goals and scored one of the most spectacular goals during the Capital’s face-off against Phoenix Coyotes in 2006. Ovechkin went to win the Calder Trophy after his rookie season, beginning his road to stardom.

Alex Ovechkin climbs to No.1 in NHL contract rankings

Ovechkin signed the largest deal in NHL history in 2008 — a 13-year, $124 million deal with the Washington Capitals. Ovechkin averaged an average salary of $9,538,462 without a signing bonus. Ovechkin may be the first player in the NHL to sign a contract worth over $100 million, but not the longest deal. Rick DiPietro, a player of the New York Islanders, holds the record for the longest deal signed at 15 years.

The most impressive part about it all is that Ovechkin worked out the details and negotiations without an agent.

Ovechkin signed a $47.5 million five-year extension, including a $34.5 million signing bonus with the Capitals in 2021 as a free agent.

The superstar winger is not only the highest-paid player in the NHL but is on the top five best scorers in the league of all-time with 766 career goals. The nine-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner has shown why he deserves to be the highest-paid player.