Social media was stunned to learn just how little the NHL’s No. 1 pick (this year, Matthew Schaefer to the New York Islanders) compared to the top choices in the NFL, NBA, and MLB.
As most expected, the lucky winners of the 2025 NHL Draft lottery used the top pick on Matthew Schaefer, a standout defenseman from the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League.
After Schaefer was drafted, Front Office Sports posted the difference in his rookie pay ($975,000) compared to the No .1 picks in the NFL, NBA and MLB.
Cam Ward, who went first overall to the NFL’s Tennessee Titans, is getting an $8.84 million salary. Cooper Flagg of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks is getting $13.8 million, with the No. 1 pick of MLB (projected to be LSU pitcher Kade Anderson) set to get $11.8 million.
Not all salaries are created equal.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 28, 2025
Here are the first year salaries for the #1 picks in the MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL in 2025. pic.twitter.com/jH91bahwzd
Insane: 1st year salaries for the #1 overall pick in the NHL, NFL, MLB, and NBA.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 28, 2025
• NHL – $975K+
• NFL – $8.84 Million
• MLB – $11.08 Million
• NBA – $13.8 Million
These young stars are getting PAID 🤯🤯
(via @FOS) pic.twitter.com/enCEK70j0o
Sports fans had a lot to say upon learning that Matthew Schaefer’s $975,000 salary is a fraction of the other No. 1 picks of 2025.
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“Poor guy, hope he scrapes up enough funds to get through his first season. That’s pocket change for a guy like me,” a fan said.
Poor guy, hope he scrapes up enough funds to get through his first season. That’s pocket change for a guy like me
— bennymac (@bennymac2186873) June 28, 2025
“this is like stating apples and oranges are the same because they are about the same shape… because sport payments go on the money generated from viewers/supporters numbers… and not on the ability of the sports people themselves,” another quipped.
this is like stating apples and oranges are the same because they are about the same shape… because sport payments go on the money generated from viewers/supporters numbers… and not on the ability of the sports people themselves.
— Stanley Waite (@stanleywaite1) June 28, 2025
“That’s a big drop off to the NHL,” said a fan.
That’s a big drop off to the NHL
— The Option Trader and Dividend Investor (@DividendInves11) June 28, 2025
“MLB is that high!???” asked another.
MLB is that high!???
— T (@bobbybouche__) June 28, 2025
“Sheesh, the NBA really ballin’ out huh 🤑,” a fan commented.
Sheesh, the NBA really ballin' out huh 🤑
— jaime (@jaime_solis) June 28, 2025
“It’s more amazing the NHL makes next to nothing compared to the other 3 sports,” said a user.
It’s more amazing the NHL makes next to nothing compared to the other 3 sports
— Matt Reichl (@matt12r) June 28, 2025
The NHL has enjoyed a giant growth in popularity over the past 15 years, but it’s well behind the pay scale compared to the NFL, NBA and MLB. Washington Capitals superstar Alexander Ovechkin holds the record for the richest deal in league history at $124 million, signed back in 2008.
Juan Soto ($765 million) and Shohei Ohtani ($700 million) have the richest deals in North American sports history. Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes holds the record for largest NFL contract $450 million), with Jayson Tatum’s $314 million deal marking the richest in NBA history.
Matthew Schaefer Brings Islanders New Hope
The Islanders haven’t won a playoff series since 2021 and are coming off just their second non-postseason appearance since 2019. With a world-class defenseman like Schaefer leading the blue line, the franchise mired in long-term mediocrity suddenly has hope again.
