Gretzky Pay Still Tops Despite $2 Million Cut

Wayne Gretzky, who took a $2.3 million paycut, still drew the top salary in the NHL this season.

In a survey compiled last week, Gretzky’s 1994-95 salary was $6,540,028. His contract was structured so that he would earn $2.3 million less this year than last.

The Los Angeles Kings superstar is just ahead of former teammate Mark Messier. The New York Rangers captain is second on the salary list at $6,293,103.

In all, there are 106 players earning $1 million or more. Because salaries are prorated over a shorter 48-game schedule, that’s 32 more millionaires from a year ago.

The survey goes from Gretzky on top to goalie Martin Brodeau of the New Jersey Devils and defenseman Karl Dykhuis of the Philadelphia Flyers on the bottom at $140,000 apiece.