Professional hockey is known for its speed, skill, and toughness. But for the elite few who reach the absolute peak of the sport, it is also known for massive financial rewards. Through huge player contracts, smart business investments, and lucrative endorsement deals, the biggest stars in history have built impressive fortunes.

Below, we examine how the wealthiest icons in the sport earned their money on and off the ice. Here is our guide to the Top 5 Richest Hockey Players in the World and Their Net Worth.

A Look at the Top 5 Richest Hockey Players in the World

1. Wayne Gretzky

Estimated Net Worth: $250 Million

Wayne Gretzky is widely considered the greatest hockey player of all time. Known simply as “The Great One,” he holds countless NHL records for goals, assists, and points that may never be broken.

While he earned a significant salary during his playing days in the 80s and 90s, most of Gretzky’s massive wealth comes from his off-ice activities. He has always been highly sought after for endorsements, working with major brands for decades. Furthermore, his smart investments in sports ownership, real estate, and other business ventures have secured his top spot on this list long after retirement.

2. Mario Lemieux

Estimated Net Worth: $200 Million

Mario Lemieux had incredible talent and is one of the most gifted scorers the game has ever seen despite battling significant health issues during his career. Super Mario’s path to immense wealth is unique.

While he earned high salaries as a player for the Pittsburgh Penguins, his biggest financial move was converting millions of dollars in deferred salary owed to him by the team into equity. He eventually became the majority owner of the Penguins, saved the franchise from bankruptcy, and later sold a large stake in the team for a massive profit.

3. Alexander Ovechkin

Estimated Net Worth: $85 Million

Alexander Ovechkin is arguably the greatest goal-scorer of the modern era and is chasing Gretzky’s all-time goal record. As the face of the Washington Capitals for nearly two decades, “The Great Eight” has consistently signed massive contracts that make him one of the league’s highest earners year after year.

Ovechkin is also a global superstar. His marketability has led to huge endorsement deals with international brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, and various hockey equipment manufacturers, significantly boosting his net worth while he is still an active player.

4. Sidney Crosby

Estimated Net Worth: $80 Million

Since entering the league as “Sid the Kid,” Crosby has been the face of the NHL. He has led the Pittsburgh Penguins to three Stanley Cup championships and won almost every individual award possible.

Like Ovechkin, Crosby has benefited from playing his entire career during the salary cap era’s highest-paying period. He has commanded top-tier salaries for almost 20 years. His clean image and on-ice success have also made him a favorite for long-term, high-value endorsement deals in Canada and the US.

5. Jaromir Jagr

Estimated Net Worth: $55 Million

Jaromir Jagr is famous for his incredible skill and his amazing longevity. His professional hockey career has spanned over 30 years across the NHL and international leagues.

During the peak of his NHL career in the 1990s and early 2000s, Jagr was consistently among the highest-paid players in the game. Those years of high earnings, combined with a very long career and smart financial management, have kept him firmly among the wealthiest hockey players in history.

Conclusion

These athletes have proven that incredible talent on the rink can lead to generational wealth. By combining record-breaking playing careers with smart business sense and marketable personalities, these five stars have set the financial standard for the sport. They truly represent the Top 5 Richest Hockey Players in the World and Their Net Worth.