AHL Salary 2023, Highest Paid Players Earning history

The American Hockey League (AHL) is one of the most competitive and prestigious ice hockey leagues in the world. It serves as the developmental or minor league for the National Hockey League (NHL), and features 31 teams across the United States and Canada. Many AHL players aspire to play in the NHL someday, while others enjoy the thrill and challenge of playing in the AHL.

But how much do AHL players make? What factors affect their salary? And who are the highest paid players in the AHL? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, using the latest data and information available as of 2023.

How Much Do AHL Players Make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median average salary for athletes and sports competitors is $50,850¹. However, this figure does not reflect the specific salary of AHL players, which can vary significantly depending on various factors.

One of the main factors that determine the salary of an AHL player is their contract type. There are two types of contracts that AHL players can sign: a standard player contract (SPC) or a two-way contract.

• A standard player contract (SPC) is a contract that binds a player to a specific AHL team for a fixed period of time and salary. The salary is usually negotiated between the player and the team, and can range from $51,000 to $75,000 per year. The SPC also includes benefits such as health insurance, travel expenses, and bonuses.
• A two-way contract is a contract that allows a player to play for both an AHL team and an NHL team during the same season. The salary of a two-way contract depends on which league the player is playing in at any given time. The NHL salary is usually much higher than the AHL salary, and can range from $700,000 to $1 million per year. The two-way contract also includes benefits such as health insurance, travel expenses, and bonuses.

Another factor that affects the salary of an AHL player is their skill level and performance. The most skilled and talented players usually earn more than their less experienced or less proficient counterparts. This is because they have more bargaining power when negotiating their contracts, and they also attract more attention from NHL teams who may want to sign them or call them up.

Additionally, some AHL players may earn extra income from other sources such as endorsements, sponsorships, or coaching. These sources can provide additional revenue for players who have a high level of fame, name recognition, or expertise in the field.

Highest Paid Players in the AHL

The exact salary data for individual AHL players is not publicly available, so it is difficult to determine who are the highest paid players in the league. However, based on some estimates and reports, we can make some educated guesses based on their contract type, skill level, and performance.

Here are some of the possible candidates for the highest paid players in the AHL as of 2023:

• Cole Caufield: Cole Caufield is a 22-year-old forward who plays for the Laval Rocket, the AHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Canadiens in 2021, which pays him $925,000 per year in the NHL and $70,000 per year in the AHL. He is considered one of the most promising prospects in hockey, and has scored 32 goals and 48 points in 40 games with the Rocket in 2022-23. He has also played 10 games with the Canadiens in 2022-23, scoring four goals and six points.
• Spencer Knight: Spencer Knight is a 21-year-old goaltender who plays for the Charlotte Checkers, the AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Panthers in 2021, which pays him $925,000 per year in the NHL and $70,000 per year in the AHL. He is regarded as one of the best young goaltenders in hockey, and has posted a record of 18-8-2 with a 2.34 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage with the Checkers in 2022-23. He has also played six games with the Panthers in 2022-23, winning four of them with a 1.98 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage.
• Quinton Byfield: Quinton Byfield is a 20-year-old center who plays for the Ontario Reign, the AHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Kings in 2020, which pays him $925,000 per year in the NHL and $80,000 per year in the AHL. He is the second overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, and has recorded 15 goals and 35 points in 36 games with the Reign in 2022-23. He has also played four games with the Kings in 2022-23, registering one assist.

Conclusion

The AHL is a highly competitive and prestigious ice hockey league that offers a lot of opportunities and challenges for its players. The salary of an AHL player can vary depending on their contract type, skill level, performance, and other factors. Some of the highest paid players in the AHL are Cole Caufield, Spencer Knight, and Quinton Byfield, who have shown exceptional talent and potential in their respective positions.

Most Asked Questions and Answers

Here are some of the most asked questions and answers about the AHL and its players:

Q: How many teams are in the AHL?

A: There are 31 teams in the AHL as of 2023, divided into two conferences and six divisions.

Q: How long is the AHL season?

A: The AHL season consists of 76 regular-season games and 16 playoff games for each team. The regular season runs from October to April, while the playoffs run from April to June.

Q: What is the name of the AHL championship trophy?

A: The name of the AHL championship trophy is the Calder Cup, named after Frank Calder, the first president of the NHL.

Q: Which team has won the most Calder Cups?

A: The team that has won the most Calder Cups is the Hershey Bears, with 11 titles. The most recent champion is the Cleveland Monsters, who won their second title in 2022.

Q: Which player has scored the most goals in AHL history?

A: The player who has scored the most goals in AHL history is Willie Marshall, with 523 goals. He played for various teams from 1952 to 1972.

Q: Which player has recorded the most points in AHL history?

A: The player who has recorded the most points in AHL history is Mike Nykoluk, with 1,018 points. He played for various teams from 1956 to 1973.

Q: Which player has won the most MVP awards in AHL history?

A: The player who has won the most MVP awards in AHL history is Les Cunningham, with five awards. He played for the Cleveland Barons from 1938 to 1949.

Q: Which player has won the most scoring titles in AHL history?

A: The player who has won the most scoring titles in AHL history is Paul Gardner, with four titles. He played for various teams from 1976 to 1986.

Q: Which player has won the most rookie of the year awards in AHL history?

A: The player who has won the most rookie of the year awards in AHL history is Brett Hull, with two awards. He played for the Moncton Golden Flames in 1986 and 1987.

Q: Which player has won the most goaltender of the year awards in AHL history?

A: The player who has won the most goaltender of the year awards in AHL history is Johnny Bower, with three awards. He played for various teams from 1945 to 1958.