Top 10 Highest-Paid Executives in NHL, Their Salary and net worth in 2023

The National Hockey League (NHL) is one of the most popular and profitable sports leagues in North America, with 32 teams competing for the prestigious Stanley Cup. The NHL generates billions of dollars in revenue every year, and a large portion of that money goes to the people who run the teams: the executives.

The executives are responsible for making strategic decisions, hiring and firing coaches and players, negotiating contracts, managing the salary cap, scouting prospects, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of their franchises. They are also accountable for the performance and success of their teams on the ice.

Highest-paid NHL executives, their salary and net worth in 2023

But how much do these executives get paid for their work? And what is their net worth? In this article, we will rank the top 10 highest-paid executives in the NHL, based on their average annual salary and their estimated net worth in 2023. We will also look at their career achievements, challenges, and controversies.

10. Brian MacLellan (Washington Capitals)

Salary: $5 million

Net worth: $20 million

Brian MacLellan is the general manager and president of hockey operations for the Washington Capitals. He was hired in 2014, after serving as an assistant GM under George McPhee for seven years. MacLellan played in the NHL as a forward for 10 seasons, winning a Stanley Cup with the Calgary Flames in 1989.

MacLellan is best known for building the Capitals team that won its first Stanley Cup in 2018, led by superstar captain Alex Ovechkin. He also made several bold moves to improve the team, such as signing free agents T.J. Oshie, Justin Williams, and Matt Niskanen, trading for Lars Eller and Kevin Shattenkirk, and drafting Jakub Vrana and Ilya Samsonov.

MacLellan has faced some criticism for his handling of the salary cap, which forced him to trade away or lose key players like Marcus Johansson, Nate Schmidt, Philipp Grubauer, and Braden Holtby. He also fired head coach Barry Trotz after winning the Cup, replacing him with Todd Reirden, who was later fired after two disappointing playoff exits.

9. Glen Sather (New York Rangers)

Salary: $5 million

Net worth: $25 million

Glen Sather is the senior advisor and alternate governor of the New York Rangers. He was the president and general manager of the team from 2000 to 2015, and then served as president until 2019. Sather is a legendary figure in hockey history, as he coached and managed the Edmonton Oilers to five Stanley Cups in the 1980s, with a dynasty that featured Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Jari Kurri, Paul Coffey, and Grant Fuhr.

Sather joined the Rangers in 2000, hoping to replicate his success with the Oilers. He made several big-name signings and trades, such as acquiring Eric Lindros, Jaromir Jagr, Brendan Shanahan, Marian Gaborik, Rick Nash, Martin St. Louis, and Keith Yandle. He also drafted Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan McDonagh, Derek Stepan, Chris Kreider, and Brady Skjei.

Sather’s tenure with the Rangers was marked by mixed results. He led the team to six division titles, two conference finals appearances, and one Stanley Cup final appearance in 2014. However, he also overspent on some contracts that hampered the team’s cap flexibility and long-term success. He also failed to deliver a championship to New York, which has not won a Cup since 1994.

8. Lou Lamoriello (New York Islanders)

Salary: $5 million

Net worth: $30 million

Lou Lamoriello is the president of hockey operations and general manager of the New York Islanders. He joined the team in 2018, after serving as GM for the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2015 to 2018. Lamoriello is one of the most respected and influential executives in hockey history, as he was the GM of the New Jersey Devils from 1987 to 2015, winning three Stanley Cups and five conference titles.

Lamoriello is known for his strict and secretive style of management, as well as his loyalty and commitment to winning. He has made several savvy moves to improve his teams over the years, such as signing Scott Stevens as a free agent in 1991; trading for Scott Niedermayer in 1991; drafting Martin Brodeur in 1990; trading for Patrik Elias in 1994; signing Zach Parise as a free agent in 2004; trading for Ilya Kovalchuk in 2010; signing John Tavares as a free agent in 2018; trading for Jean-Gabriel Pageau in 2020; and signing Mathew Barzal to a team-friendly contract in 2021.

Lamoriello has also faced some challenges and controversies in his career, such as losing Stevens, Niedermayer, Parise, and Kovalchuk to free agency; dealing with the Devils’ financial troubles and ownership changes; clashing with head coaches like Jacques Lemaire, Larry Robinson, Pat Burns, Brent Sutter, and Mike Babcock; and imposing strict rules on his players, such as banning facial hair and social media.

7. Steve Yzerman (Detroit Red Wings)

Salary: $5.5 million

Net worth: $40 million

Steve Yzerman is the executive vice president and general manager of the Detroit Red Wings. He returned to the team in 2019, after serving as GM for the Tampa Bay Lightning from 2010 to 2018. Yzerman is one of the greatest players of all time, as he played for the Red Wings for 22 seasons, winning three Stanley Cups, one Conn Smythe Trophy, one Selke Trophy, and one Lester B. Pearson Award. He is also a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and the Order of Canada.

Yzerman has proven to be a successful executive as well, as he built the Lightning into a powerhouse team that won two Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. He drafted or signed stars like Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Victor Hedman, Brayden Point, Andrei Vasilevskiy, and Ryan McDonagh. He also made smart trades for players like Martin St. Louis, Ben Bishop, Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat, J.T. Miller, and Ryan McDonagh.

Yzerman has also faced some difficulties and disappointments in his career, such as losing Stamkos to injury in 2016; trading away Jonathan Drouin in 2017; stepping down as GM of the Lightning in 2018; inheriting a rebuilding team in Detroit; and trading away Anthony Mantha in 2021.

6. Julien BriseBois (Tampa Bay Lightning)

Salary: $6 million

Net worth: $15 million

Julien BriseBois is the vice president and general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning. He was promoted to the position in 2018, after serving as assistant GM under Steve Yzerman for eight years. BriseBois is a lawyer by training, and he worked as a legal advisor and director of hockey operations for the Montreal Canadiens from 2001 to 2010.

BriseBois has continued the legacy of Yzerman in Tampa Bay, as he led the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021. He made several shrewd moves to improve the team, such as signing Pat Maroon, Kevin Shattenkirk, Zach Bogosian, Blake Coleman, Barclay Goodrow, David Savard, and Corey Perry as free agents; trading for Ryan McDonagh, J.T. Miller, Erik Cernak, Jan Rutta, Mikhail Sergachev, and Curtis McElhinney; and drafting Cal Foote and Ross Colton.

BriseBois has also faced some criticism and controversy for his management of the salary cap, which forced him to trade away or lose players like Tyler Johnson, Braydon Coburn, Cedric Paquette, Carter Verhaeghe, Mitchell Stephens, Alex Killorn, Yanni Gourde, Blake Coleman, Barclay Goodrow, Tyler Johnson again. He also exploited a loophole that allowed him to keep Nikita Kucherov on long-term injured reserve for the entire regular season in 2021, saving $9.5 million in cap space and allowing him to return for the playoffs.

5. Bill Guerin (Minnesota Wild)

Salary: $6 million

Net worth: $25 million

Bill Guerin is the general manager of the Minnesota Wild. He was hired in 2019, after serving as assistant GM for the Pittsburgh Penguins for five years. Guerin played in the NHL as a right winger for 18 seasons, winning two Stanley Cups with the New Jersey Devils in 1995 and the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009. He also won a World Cup of Hockey with Team USA in 1996.

Guerin has made a significant impact on the Wild since taking over as GM. He hired Dean Evason as head coach; traded away Jason Zucker, Eric Staal, Devan Dubnyk, Ryan Donato; bought out Zach Parise and Ryan Suter; signed Kirill Kaprizov to an entry-level contract; drafted Marco Rossi and Matt Boldy; signed Cam Talbot and Alex Goligoski as free agents; traded for Nick Bonino and Marcus Johansson; and extended Jonas Brodin and Jared Spurgeon.

some challenges and controversies in his career, such as negotiating a long-term contract with Kaprizov; dealing with the backlash from Parise and Suter; facing a lawsuit from former assistant GM Tom Kurvers’ estate; and coping with the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the league.

4. Kyle Dubas (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Salary: $6.5 million

Net worth: $10 million

Kyle Dubas is the general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was promoted to the position in 2018, after serving as assistant GM under Lou Lamoriello for four years. Dubas is one of the youngest and most progressive executives in the NHL, as he embraces analytics, sports science, and diversity in his approach to hockey management. He started his career as a GM for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League at age 25.

Dubas has made several bold moves to transform the Maple Leafs into a contender, such as signing John Tavares, Jake Muzzin, Jason Spezza, Joe Thornton, Wayne Simmonds, Nick Foligno, and Petr Mrazek as free agents; trading for Tyson Barrie, Jack Campbell, David Rittich, and Nick Foligno; and drafting Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, Morgan Rielly, and Rasmus Sandin.

Dubas has also faced intense scrutiny and pressure from the media and fans in Toronto, as he has failed to deliver a playoff series win since taking over as GM. He has also been criticized for his handling of the salary cap, which forced him to trade away or lose players like Nazem Kadri, Kasperi Kapanen, Andreas Johnsson, Zach Hyman, and Frederik Andersen. He also had to deal with contract disputes with Nylander, Matthews, and Marner.

3. Joe Sakic (Colorado Avalanche)

Salary: $7 million

Net worth: $60 million

Joe Sakic is the executive vice president of hockey operations and general manager of the Colorado Avalanche. He was appointed to the position in 2013, after serving as an advisor and assistant GM for two years. Sakic is one of the greatest players of all time, as he played for the Avalanche for 20 seasons, winning two Stanley Cups, one Hart Trophy, one Conn Smythe Trophy, one Lester B. Pearson Award, and one Olympic gold medal. He is also a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Sakic has proven to be a savvy executive as well, as he has built the Avalanche into one of the best teams in the NHL. He drafted or signed stars like Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, Gabriel Landeskog, Cale Makar, Samuel Girard, Bowen Byram, Philipp Grubauer, and Pavel Francouz. He also made brilliant trades for players like Matt Duchene, Ryan O’Reilly, Tyson Jost, Nazem Kadri, Andre Burakovsky, Devon Toews, Brandon Saad, and Darcy Kuemper.

Sakic has also faced some challenges and setbacks in his career,

such as losing Grubauer, Saad, and Joonas Donskoi to free agency in 2021; dealing with injuries to key players like MacKinnon, Rantanen, Landeskog, and Makar; and falling short of the Stanley Cup final in 2020 and 2021.

2. Doug Armstrong (St. Louis Blues)

Salary: $7.5 million

Net worth: $35 million

Doug Armstrong is the president of hockey operations and general manager of the St. Louis Blues. He was hired in 2010, after serving as GM for the Dallas Stars from 2002 to 2007. Armstrong is a highly regarded executive in the NHL, as he has won the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award twice, in 2012 and 2019. He has also been the GM for Team Canada at several international tournaments, winning two Olympic gold medals, two World Cup of Hockey titles, and one World Championship.

Armstrong is best known for leading the Blues to their first Stanley Cup in franchise history in 2019, after a remarkable turnaround from being last in the league in January. He made several smart moves to improve the team, such as hiring Craig Berube as head coach; trading for Ryan O’Reilly, Brayden Schenn, David Perron, and Oskar Sundqvist; signing Jordan Binnington, Tyler Bozak, Pat Maroon, and Justin Faulk as free agents; and drafting Colton Parayko, Vince Dunn, Robert Thomas, and Jordan Kyrou.

Armstrong has also faced some difficulties and disappointments in his career, such as losing Alex Pietrangelo, Jaden Schwartz, and Vince Dunn to free agency; trading away Kevin Shattenkirk, Paul Stastny, and Robby Fabbri; dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the league; and losing in the first round of the playoffs in 2020 and 2021.

1. Marc Bergevin (Montreal Canadiens)

Salary: $8 million

Net worth: $40 million

Marc Bergevin is the executive vice president and general manager of the Montreal Canadiens. He was hired in 2012, after serving as assistant GM for the Chicago Blackhawks for two years. Bergevin played in the NHL as a defenseman for 20 seasons, winning a Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1992.

Bergevin has made a remarkable impact on the Canadiens since taking over as GM. He led the team to its first Stanley Cup final appearance since 1993 in 2021, after a surprising playoff run that saw them upset the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, and Vegas Golden Knights. He made several bold moves to improve the team, such as trading for Shea Weber, Jeff Petry, Phillip Danault, Jake Allen, Tyler Toffoli, Josh Anderson, Joel Edmundson, Eric Staal, and Christian Dvorak; signing Carey Price, Brendan Gallagher, Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Mike Hoffman, David Savard, and Cedric Paquette as free agents; and drafting Alex Galchenyuk, Artturi Lehkonen, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Alexander Romanov.

Bergevin has also faced some criticism and controversy for his management of the team,

such as trading away P.K. Subban, Max Pacioretty, and Alex Galchenyuk; signing Karl Alzner, Ben Chiarot, and Keith Kinkaid to bad contracts; firing head coaches Michel Therrien and Claude Julien; hiring Dominique Ducharme and Sean Burke; and drafting Logan Mailloux, who was convicted of a sex crime in Sweden.

These are the top 10 highest-paid executives in the NHL, their salary and net worth in 2023. They are the ones who shape the future of their teams and the league, with their vision, strategy, and decisions. They are also the ones who face the most scrutiny, pressure, and responsibility for their actions. They are the leaders of the hockey world.

Conclusion

The NHL is a highly competitive and lucrative business, where the executives play a vital role in the success or failure of their teams. They have to balance the short-term and long-term goals, the financial and hockey aspects, and the expectations and realities of their markets. They have to deal with the challenges and opportunities of the ever-changing landscape of the league, such as the expansion, the draft, the free agency, the trade deadline, the playoffs, the awards, and the international events.

The executives are also rewarded for their work, as they earn millions of dollars in salary and have millions more in net worth. They also enjoy the prestige and respect of being part of the hockey elite, as well as the satisfaction and joy of winning championships and trophies. They are the ones who make hockey history.

Most Asked Questions and Answers

Q: Who is the highest-paid executive in the NHL in 2023?

A: Marc Bergevin, the GM of the Montreal Canadiens, is the highest-paid executive in the NHL in 2023, with a salary of $8 million.

Q: Who is the lowest-paid executive in the NHL in 2023?

A: Brian MacLellan, the GM of the Washington Capitals, is the lowest-paid executive in the NHL in 2023, with a salary of $5 million.

Q: Who is the richest executive in the NHL in 2023?

A: Joe Sakic, the GM of the Colorado Avalanche, is the richest executive in the NHL in 2023, with a net worth of $60 million.

Q: Who is the poorest executive in

the NHL in 2023?

A: Kyle Dubas, the GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs, is the poorest executive in the NHL in 2023, with a net worth of $10 million.

Q: Who is the youngest executive in the NHL in 2023?

A: Kyle Dubas, the GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs, is the youngest executive in the NHL in 2023, at age 37.

Q: Who is the oldest executive in the NHL in 2023?

A: Glen Sather, the senior advisor of the New York Rangers, is the oldest executive in the NHL in 2023, at age 79.

Q: Who is the most experienced executive in the NHL in 2023?

A: Glen Sather, the senior advisor of the New York Rangers, is the most experienced executive in the NHL in 2023, with 41 years of service.

Q: Who is the least experienced executive in the NHL in 2023?

A: Bill Guerin, the GM of the Minnesota Wild, is the least experienced executive in the NHL in 2023, with four years of service.

Q: Who is the most successful executive in the NHL in 2023?

A: Joe Sakic, the GM of the Colorado Avalanche, is the most successful executive in the NHL in 2023, with five Stanley Cups and two General Manager of the Year Awards.

Q: Who is the least successful executive in the NHL in 2023?

A: Kyle Dubas, the GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs, is the least successful executive in the NHL in 2023, with zero Stanley Cups and zero playoff series wins.

Q: Who is the most controversial executive in the NHL in 2023?

A: Marc Bergevin, the GM of the Montreal Canadiens, is the most controversial executive in nhl