Leo Carlsson Surpassed as NHL's Highest-Paid Player

Leo Carlsson, whose five-year deal with an $18 million AAV previously set the record for the richest contract in NHL history, has been officially surpassed by Macklin Celebrini's new $18.8 million AAV agreement. While Carlsson remains the top-paid player for the 2026-27 season, he will move to the second spot the following campaign. Recent discussions regarding Philadelphia's aggressive offer sheet for Carlsson now appear less significant following the league's new contract benchmark.