Player salaries and contracts prior to 1990
- Thread starter kmad
- Start date
I have some old issues of Sport magazine; they did a salary survey every year back in the 80s.
Here are some numbers:
Top 10 NHL Salaries 1987
1. Wayne Gretzky EDM - $950,000 Canadian ($717,250 USD)
2. Marcel Dionne NYR - $700,000
3. Mike Bossy NYI - $650,000
4. Bryan Trottier NYI - $625,000
5. Dave Taylor LA - $600,000
6. Mario Lemieux PIT - $550,000
6. Denis Potvin NYI - $550,000
8. Mike Liut HAR - $450,000
9. Rod Langway WAS - $400,000
10. Barry Pederson VAN - $350,000
Top 20 NHL Salaries 1990
1. Wayne Gretzky LA - $2,720,000
2. Mario Lemieux PIT - $2,150,000
3. Chris Chelios MTL - $1,000,000
4. Bryan Trottier NYI - $975,000
5. Dave Taylor LA - $950,000
6. Ray Bourque BOS - $925,000
7. Mark Messier EDM - $875,000
8. Bernie Nicholls NYR - $725,000
9. Steve Yzerman DET - $700,000
10. Michel Goulet CHI - $600,000
11. Jimmy Carson DET - $585,000
12. Larry Robinson LA - $550,000
13. Denis Savard CHI - $525,000
14. Kevin Dineen HAR - $510,000
15. Doug Wilson CHI - $500,000
15. Ron Hextall PHI - $500,000
15. Tim Kerr PHI - $500,000
18. Paul Coffey PIT - $485,000
19. Peter Stastny QUE - $480,000
20. Dale Hawerchuk WPG - $462,000
Some other interesting numbers:
Top paid athlete 1987: Michael Spinks - Boxing - $4,000,000
Top paid baseball player 1987 - Jim Rice - Boston Red Sox - $2,412,500
Top basketball player 1987 - Moses Malone - Washington Bullets - $2,145,000
Top football player 1987 - Jim Kelly - Buffalo Bills - $1,400,000
Wayne Gretzky did not even crack the top 100 highest paid athletes in North American sports in 1987.
Top Paid athlete 1990 - Sugar Ray Leonard - Boxing - $27,450,000
Top baseball player 1990 - Robin Yount - Milwaukee Brewers - $3,200,000
Top basketball player 1990 - Patrick Ewing - NY Knicks - $3,575,000
Top football player 1990 - John Elway - Denver Broncos - $1,853,571
Wayne Gretzky was the 7th highest paid North American athlete in 1990.
Also interesting in those mags were the cigarette ads. Guys and girls having a great time, showing us how awesome smoking was for us - kinda like beer ads these days.
Here are some numbers:
Top 10 NHL Salaries 1987
1. Wayne Gretzky EDM - $950,000 Canadian ($717,250 USD)
2. Marcel Dionne NYR - $700,000
3. Mike Bossy NYI - $650,000
4. Bryan Trottier NYI - $625,000
5. Dave Taylor LA - $600,000
6. Mario Lemieux PIT - $550,000
6. Denis Potvin NYI - $550,000
8. Mike Liut HAR - $450,000
9. Rod Langway WAS - $400,000
10. Barry Pederson VAN - $350,000
Top 20 NHL Salaries 1990
1. Wayne Gretzky LA - $2,720,000
2. Mario Lemieux PIT - $2,150,000
3. Chris Chelios MTL - $1,000,000
4. Bryan Trottier NYI - $975,000
5. Dave Taylor LA - $950,000
6. Ray Bourque BOS - $925,000
7. Mark Messier EDM - $875,000
8. Bernie Nicholls NYR - $725,000
9. Steve Yzerman DET - $700,000
10. Michel Goulet CHI - $600,000
11. Jimmy Carson DET - $585,000
12. Larry Robinson LA - $550,000
13. Denis Savard CHI - $525,000
14. Kevin Dineen HAR - $510,000
15. Doug Wilson CHI - $500,000
15. Ron Hextall PHI - $500,000
15. Tim Kerr PHI - $500,000
18. Paul Coffey PIT - $485,000
19. Peter Stastny QUE - $480,000
20. Dale Hawerchuk WPG - $462,000
Some other interesting numbers:
Top paid athlete 1987: Michael Spinks - Boxing - $4,000,000
Top paid baseball player 1987 - Jim Rice - Boston Red Sox - $2,412,500
Top basketball player 1987 - Moses Malone - Washington Bullets - $2,145,000
Top football player 1987 - Jim Kelly - Buffalo Bills - $1,400,000
Wayne Gretzky did not even crack the top 100 highest paid athletes in North American sports in 1987.
Top Paid athlete 1990 - Sugar Ray Leonard - Boxing - $27,450,000
Top baseball player 1990 - Robin Yount - Milwaukee Brewers - $3,200,000
Top basketball player 1990 - Patrick Ewing - NY Knicks - $3,575,000
Top football player 1990 - John Elway - Denver Broncos - $1,853,571
Wayne Gretzky was the 7th highest paid North American athlete in 1990.
Also interesting in those mags were the cigarette ads. Guys and girls having a great time, showing us how awesome smoking was for us - kinda like beer ads these days.
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It is amazing how phenomenally underpaid Paul Coffey was. A top 25 player of all time and in 1990 - after 2 Norris Trophies, being a perennial all star and 3 Stanley Cups, he was paid less than Kevin Dineen! Gretzky and Lemieux had clearly separated themselves from the rest of the NHL in talent and in salary by 1990.
If you look at the 1987 list, it is remarkable how underpaid all of the Oilers were. Gretzky was clearly the most dominant player in the world and he made pretty much the same money as an aging Marcel Dionne. Perennial all stars like Messier, Coffey, Kurri, Fuhr and Anderson don't appear in the top 10! Pocklington's financial issues were evident even in the midst of Stanley Cup glory.
Also interesting - in 1987, the Kansas City Royals had three players in the top 10 of baseball salaries. Today, that is impossible. But, back in an era where the owners probably kept 75% of league revenues, any team could sign any player because salaries were a much smaller chunk of the pie. In pro sports today, salaries are now too large and the revenue generated in smaller markets - and even bigger markets - isn't enough to support the salary strucutre as it is. Thus, a salary cap is critical to ensure competitive balance. These days in baseball, other than maybe the Yankees, Red Sox, Angels, Dodgers and Phillies, no team could support 3 of the top 10 salaries in the game.
If you look at the 1987 list, it is remarkable how underpaid all of the Oilers were. Gretzky was clearly the most dominant player in the world and he made pretty much the same money as an aging Marcel Dionne. Perennial all stars like Messier, Coffey, Kurri, Fuhr and Anderson don't appear in the top 10! Pocklington's financial issues were evident even in the midst of Stanley Cup glory.
Also interesting - in 1987, the Kansas City Royals had three players in the top 10 of baseball salaries. Today, that is impossible. But, back in an era where the owners probably kept 75% of league revenues, any team could sign any player because salaries were a much smaller chunk of the pie. In pro sports today, salaries are now too large and the revenue generated in smaller markets - and even bigger markets - isn't enough to support the salary strucutre as it is. Thus, a salary cap is critical to ensure competitive balance. These days in baseball, other than maybe the Yankees, Red Sox, Angels, Dodgers and Phillies, no team could support 3 of the top 10 salaries in the game.
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Theokritos
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- Apr 6, 2010
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Great topic, but it should be changed from "salaries prior to 1990" to "contracts prior to 1990" so we can also discuss other aspects. Like contract length for example.
Informations from the 1961 Montreal Gazette:
Bolded are the dates of reports in the Gazette. Links to the reports are further below.
1) $7,500 is "basic NHL salary". That's what rookie Reggie Fleming earns at the Chicago Black Hawks. For his second year however he wants more. [Oct.7]
2) Bernie Geoffrion "must have made over $25,000" (advertising royalities not included) in the 1960-1961 season [Sept.12]:
-Salary: approximately $15,000 [Sept.12] or close to $20,000 [Sept.18]
-Bonus: $3,000 ($100 for every goal after the first 20; Geoffrion scored 50) [Sept.12]
-League Prize for winning the scoring championship: $1,000 [Sept.12]
-League Prize for winning the Hart Trophy: $1,000 [Sept.12]
-League Prize for making the first all-star team: $1,000 [Sept.12]
-Montreal Canadiens match the $1,000 x 3 Prize money: $3,000 [Sept.12]
-League Prize for members of the league champions and the losing team in the SC semi-finals: $1,750 [Sept.12] (Prize money awarded to players or awarded to team and then divided and handed out to players?)
3) The size of salary for 1961-1962 is not reported, but Geoffrion receives a "big raise" while the bonus clauses stay the same. [Sept.12] (The $100 bonus for every goal after the first 20 only earn Geoffrion $300 this time because he doesn't score more than 23.)
4) Long contracts are very rare. Only two players "in NHL history" have received five-year deals: Jean Beliveau in 1958 and Bobby Hull in 1960. [Sept.12] Bernie Geoffrion, 31, can't even get a three-year contract after a spectactular 1960-1961 season and has to settle for a one-year offer. [Sept.18]
Sept.12: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wpgtAAAAIBAJ&sjid=kZ0FAAAAIBAJ&pg=3587%2C1956838
Sept.18: http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=Fr8DH2VBP9sC&dat=19610918&printsec=frontpage&hl=en (Page 24, can't generate automatic link to specific site and article.)
Oct.7: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SI4tAAAAIBAJ&sjid=k50FAAAAIBAJ&pg=4288%2C1283326
Informations from the 1961 Montreal Gazette:
Bolded are the dates of reports in the Gazette. Links to the reports are further below.
1) $7,500 is "basic NHL salary". That's what rookie Reggie Fleming earns at the Chicago Black Hawks. For his second year however he wants more. [Oct.7]
2) Bernie Geoffrion "must have made over $25,000" (advertising royalities not included) in the 1960-1961 season [Sept.12]:
-Salary: approximately $15,000 [Sept.12] or close to $20,000 [Sept.18]
-Bonus: $3,000 ($100 for every goal after the first 20; Geoffrion scored 50) [Sept.12]
-League Prize for winning the scoring championship: $1,000 [Sept.12]
-League Prize for winning the Hart Trophy: $1,000 [Sept.12]
-League Prize for making the first all-star team: $1,000 [Sept.12]
-Montreal Canadiens match the $1,000 x 3 Prize money: $3,000 [Sept.12]
-League Prize for members of the league champions and the losing team in the SC semi-finals: $1,750 [Sept.12] (Prize money awarded to players or awarded to team and then divided and handed out to players?)
3) The size of salary for 1961-1962 is not reported, but Geoffrion receives a "big raise" while the bonus clauses stay the same. [Sept.12] (The $100 bonus for every goal after the first 20 only earn Geoffrion $300 this time because he doesn't score more than 23.)
4) Long contracts are very rare. Only two players "in NHL history" have received five-year deals: Jean Beliveau in 1958 and Bobby Hull in 1960. [Sept.12] Bernie Geoffrion, 31, can't even get a three-year contract after a spectactular 1960-1961 season and has to settle for a one-year offer. [Sept.18]
Sept.12: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wpgtAAAAIBAJ&sjid=kZ0FAAAAIBAJ&pg=3587%2C1956838
Sept.18: http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=Fr8DH2VBP9sC&dat=19610918&printsec=frontpage&hl=en (Page 24, can't generate automatic link to specific site and article.)
Oct.7: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SI4tAAAAIBAJ&sjid=k50FAAAAIBAJ&pg=4288%2C1283326
I seem to remember reading that several Oilers stars willingly accepted relatively low salaries because they wanted to keep the team together for as long as possible and when Gretzky was traded, there was consternation that their sacrifice had come to nothing.
Arguably Glenn Anderson lost out most on that score, because he'd signed an eight-year deal back in 1984.
This source has Messier down as agreeing a $600,000 a year deal with the Oilers in 87, but playing out the season without signing the contract.
http://www.hockeydraftcentral.com/1979/79048.html
Arguably Glenn Anderson lost out most on that score, because he'd signed an eight-year deal back in 1984.
This source has Messier down as agreeing a $600,000 a year deal with the Oilers in 87, but playing out the season without signing the contract.
http://www.hockeydraftcentral.com/1979/79048.html
darkhorse686
Registered User
Assuming the players union gets the remaining 25%, that seems too low for the pension? How'd they maintain it?
LeBlondeDemon10
Registered User
Theokritos
Global Moderator
- Apr 6, 2010
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Being spread via the SIHR mail list right now: Henri Richard's first NHL contract from October 1955 (scribbled on a two year old calender sheet):
Signing bonus: $ 5,000.
Salary for 1953-54: $ 7,000.
Salary for 1954-55: $ 8,000.
Minor league salary in case: $ 5,000.
Courtesy of Denis Gibbons.
Signing bonus: $ 5,000.
Salary for 1953-54: $ 7,000.
Salary for 1954-55: $ 8,000.
Minor league salary in case: $ 5,000.
Courtesy of Denis Gibbons.
Robert Gordon Orr
Registered User
- Dec 3, 2009
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There are several old contracts viewable online:
These are barely half of the ones that I could find. (Mostly for Toronto)
If I ever find the time to compile a list again, I'll do the rest.
1921/22 (WCHL contract)
John “Jocko” Anderson (Calgary Tigers - WCHL) $1,000 (three month season)
Hugh “Muzz” Murray (Calgary Tigers - WCHL) $1,000 (three month season)
1922/23 (WCHL contract)
Jack Arbour (Calgary Tigers – WCHL): $50 per week plus any “lost time” traveling to either Saskatoon or Regina will be paid, without the same stipulation for trips to Edmonton.
1923/24-1924/25
Howie Morenz (Montreal): $1500 per season with a $100 option for a total of $1600 for each of his first two years in Montreal. Bonus addendum clause agreeing to an additional sum of $200 if the club finishes first in the league and a lesser amount for a second place finish.
1925/26 to 1927/28
Hector “Pit” Lepine (Montreal): $1,700 (1925/26), $2,000 (1926/27), $2,300 (1927/28)
1931/32 (IHL contract)
Frank Nighbor (Buffalo Bisons – IHL): Earned $4,000, with an additional $1,000 paid by the Bisons' parent company, "Fort Erie Artificial Ice Co.", to release him from the ownership of Maple Leaf Gardens.
1938/39
Gus Marker (Toronto): $3,900 + $100 option bonus
1939/40
Norman Mann (Toronto): $3,400 ($1,750 if playing in the minors)
1940/41
Murray Armstrong (Toronto): $3,400 + $100 option bonus ($2,000 if in the minors)
1942/43
Ronald Rowe (Toronto): $2,900 + $100 option bonus ($75 per week if in minors)
1943/44
Babe Pratt (Toronto): $5,400
1945/46
Maurice Richard (Montreal): $6,900 + $100 option bonus
Garth Boesch (Toronto): $3400
Ernie Dickens (Toronto): $3400 and a $1,000 bonus if making the AHL All-Star team
Gaye Stewart (Toronto): $4,900 and a $1,000 if making the second NHL All-Star team or $2,000 if making the first
1946/47
Hugh Mair (Toronto): $3,900 + $100 option bonus plus an additional $200 if recommended by the coach
Bud Poile (Toronto): $4,500 + $100 option bonus plus an additional $500 if recommended by the coach. $150 if the club does not renew the contract for 1947/48
Bill Ezinicki (Toronto): $4,900 + $100 option bonus
1947/48
Ted Kennedy (Toronto): $6,900 + $100 option bonus
Bonuses
- $1,000 for being assistant captain of the Maple Leafs
- $1,000 if making the second NHL All-Star team
- or $2,000 if making the first NHL All-Star team
Bud Kennedy (Toronto): $5,900 + $100 option bonus
Bonuses
- $1,000 if making the second NHL All-Star team
- or $2,000 if making the first NHL All-Star team
Garth Boesch (Toronto): $5,900 + $100 option bonus
Bonuses
- $1,000 if making the second NHL All-Star team
- or $2,000 if making the first NHL All-Star team
1949/50
Vic Lynn (Toronto): $7000 ($4000 if assigned to the minor leagues)
Bonuses
- $1000 bonus if making the second All-Star team
- $2000 bonus if making the first All-Star team
1950/51
Maurice Richard (Montreal): $14,000
Bonuses
- $1,000 if scoring 35 goals in the regular season
- $100 for every additional goal over 35
1952/53-1953/54
Charles Lumsden (Toronto): $7,000 (1952/53) and a $2,000 signing bonus. $7,000 (1953/54)
1955/56
Maurice Richard (Montreal): $12,000
1956/57
Dave Reid (Toronto): $6,000 (Less if playing in the minors depending on league)
1957/58 to 1962/63
Tim Horton (Toronto):
1957/58 - $9,000 plus bonuses: $1,000 1st All-Star team, $500 2nd All-Star team.
1958/59 - $9,000 plus bonuses: $1,000 1st All-Star team or among the top six Norris candidates, $500 2nd All-Star team or among the top six Norris candidate. $500 if Leafs makes playoffs, $500 if coach recommends.
1959/60 - $10,500 plus bonuses. $1,000 if the team finishes first, $500 if second, $350 if third, $150 if fourth. $500 if scoring 30 points (regular season). $500 if the goals for is greater than the goals against by the team (Minimum 53 games played by player and excluding penalties).
1960/61 - $12,000 plus bonuses. $1,000 if the team finishes first. $500 if scoring 33 points (regular season). $500 if the goals for is greater than the goals against by the team (Minimum 53 games played by player and excluding penalties). $500 if playing in the Stanley Cup finals. $500 for winning the Stanley Cup and awards.
1961/62 - $14,000 plus bonuses. $1,000 if the team finishes first. $500 if scoring 33 points (regular season). $500 if the goals for is greater than the goals against by the team (Minimum 53 games played by player and excluding penalties). $500 for winning the Stanley Cup. $500 for awards except for making the 2nd All-Star team.
1962/63 - $17,250 plus bonuses. $1,000 if the team finishes first. $500 if scoring 35 points (regular season). $500 if the goals for is greater than the goals against by the team (excluding penalties). $500 for making the Stanley Cup finals. $500 for winning the Stanley Cup.
1958/59-1959/60
Maurice Richard (Montreal): $12,000 and $100 dollar in bonus for every goal scored (regular season+playoffs)
1960/61-1961/62
Henri Richard (Montreal): $20,000 plus a $100 bonus for every point over 60
1962/63
Jacques Plante (Montreal): $20,000 and $500 bonus for a first place finish by the team. Also a $500 bonus for a first round playoff win
1965/66
Bob Pulford (Toronto): $35,500
Bonuses
- $2,000 for first place finish
- $1,000 for second place finish
- $750 for third place finish
- $ 2,000 for reaching the Stanley Cup finals and an additional $1,000 for winning the Stanley Cup
- $750 for reaching the 21 goal plateau (regular season)
- $1,000 for reaching the 25 goal plateau (regular season)
- $200 for each goal past the 25 goal plateau (regular season)
1965/66/1966/67
Ken Hodge (Chicago): $10,000 (1965/66 - $5,000 if in the minors) and $10,000 (1966/67 - $6,000 if in the minors)
Bonuses
- $500 if scoring 15 goals during the NHL regular season (only if the player isn’t traded)
- $250 if scoring 20 goals in the minors during the regular season (only if the player isn’t traded)
- $250 additionally if scoring 25 goals in the minors during the season (only if the player isn’t traded)
1966/67 (AHL contract)
Doug Harvey (Baltimore – AHL): $11,0000
Bonuses
- $500 of the team makes the playoffs
- $500 for each additional round in the playoffs
- $300 transportation
- Player to be a free agent at the end of the season
1966/67-1967/68
Phil Esposito (Chicago): $16,000 (1966/67), $17,000 (1967/68)
Bonuses
- $1,000 if the player scores 30 goals in any of the seasons (only valid if the player is not traded)
1967/68
Gilles Marotte (Chicago): Offered $12,000 by Chicago, an offer Marotte turned down, stating that the living costs in Chicago were higher than in Boston
1968/69
Gilles Tremblay (Montreal): $27,000 salary, with a number of $1,000 bonuses listed:
Bonuses
- Canadiens finishing first in the regular season's
- Canadiens winning the first round of the playoffs
- Canadiens winning the second round of the playoffs
- Canadiens winning the Stanley Cup
- Canadiens winning the Vezina trophy
- If he’s +25 or better (plus/minus)
- If he scored 24 or more goals in the regular season
- $ 100 a point for every point over 55 including playoffs
1969/70
George Armstrong (Toronto): $30,000
Bonuses
- $500 if scoring 20 goals during the regular season
- $500 if scoring 25 goals during the regular season
- $500 if scoring 30 goals during the regular season
- $500 if scoring 35 goals during the regular season
- $1,000 for a first place finish by the team
- $500 for a second place finish by the team
Marcel Pronovost (Toronto): $27,000 ($20,000 if in the minors)
Mike Pelyk (Toronto): $15,500
Bonuses
- $50 for each plus (plus/minus)
- $1,500 for a first place finish by the team
- $1,000 for a second place finish by the team
- $750 for a third place finish by the team
- $250 of goaltending average is 2.90
- $500 of goaltending average is 2.75
1969/70-1970/71
Doug Acomb (Toronto): $11,000 (1969/70), $12,000 (1970/71). Less if playing in the minors
1970/71
Jacques Lemaire (Montreal): $32,000
Bonuses
- $2,000 if the team finishes in first place
- or $1,000 if the team finishes in second place
- $1,000 of the Canadiens are lowest scored against team in league
- $1,000 if he is +25 or better in the regular season
- $50 for every plus point over 25 during the regular season
- $1,000 if scoring 30 goals or 60 points (including the playoffs)
- $100 for each point over 60 (including playoffs)
- $2,000 for a first All-Star selection
- $1,000 for a second All-Star selection
Charlie Hodge (Vancouver): $36,000
Bonuses
- $150 per shutout
- $2,000 if Canucks make the playoffs
- $ 1,000 if under 3.00 GAA
- $1,000 good year in terms of personal and team performance
1971/72
Mike Pelyk (Toronto): $22,500
Bonuses
- $50 for each plus (plus/minus)
- $2,000 for a first place finish by the team
- $1,500 for a second place finish by the team
- $1,000 for a third place finish by the team
- $250 of goaltending average is 2.90
- $750 of goaltending average is 2.75
Don Marshall (Toronto) $55,000 to be payed out over a span of six years
1971/72 to 1973/74
Gilles Marotte (Los Angeles): $29,000 (1971/72), $ 32,000 (1972/73), $35,000 (1973/74). No minor league clause
Bonuses
- $1,000 team in 1st or 2nd place Nov.30 1971 (or 72)
- $1,000 team in 1st or 2nd place Jan.31 1972 (or 73)
- $1,000 team in 1st or 2nd place end of season
- $500 team in 3rd place Nov.30 1971 (or 72)
- $500 team in 3rd place Jan.31 1972 (or 73)
- $500 team in 3rd place end of season
- $1,000 for MVP award
- $4,000 First West Division All-Star at the end of season
- $2,500 Second West Division All-Star at the end of season
- $5,000 Best plus record (plus/minus) for defensemen on club
- $50 for each shutout
- $1,000 Weight on the basis of weekly weigh-in, or as prescribed by coach
- $1,000 Good conduct, at discretion of coach
- $1,250 Moving expenses
1972/73
Larry Pleau (Toronto): $35,000
Bonuses
- $500 is scoring 10 goals or 20 points
- $50 for each goal he scores over 10 (including playoffs)
- $50 for each point he scores over 20 (including playoffs)
- $500 if he is +10 during the regular season
- $50 for each plus point above +10
- $500 if he is used in twenty NHL games killing penalties
1972/73-1973/74
Jacques Plante (Toronto): $85,000 (1972/73) and $85,000 (1973/74)
1972/73 to 1974/75
Errol Thompson (Toronto): $27,000 (1972/73), $30,000 (1973/74), $33,500 (1974/75)
Bonuses for 1972/73 only
- $500 is scoring 15 goals
- $10 for each goal after 15
- $500 for 50 points
- $50 for each plus to plus 10 (plus/minus)
- $75 for each plus point above +10
- $500 for +20 or better
- $1,000 for third place finish or better by the team
- $ 500 for 250 hits during the regular season (Applicable only in Toronto)
Bonuses for 1973/74 and 1974/75 only
- $2,000 for making the playoffs in 1973/74
- $2,500 for making the playoffs in 1974/75
- $1,500 for 20 goals or 45 points
- $100 per goal after 20
- $1,000 for 30 goals
- $200 per goal after 30
1973/74
Mike Pelyk (Toronto): $50,000
Bonuses
- $75 for each plus (plus/minus) 1 to 10
- $750 for plus 10
- $100 for each plus (plus/minus) 11 to 20
- $1,000 for plus 20
- $100 for each plus over 20
- $1,000 for 25 points
- $500 of goaltending average is 2.90
- $1,500 of goaltending average is 2.75
- $1,000 if team wins more than two games in each playoff round
1973/74-1974/75
Les Burgess (Toronto): $20,000 (1973/74) and $25,000 (1974/75) plus a lot of bonuses
Inge Hammarstrom (Toronto): $85,000 (1973/74), $85,000 (1974/75)
Bonuses
- $2,000 for either an All-Star birth, or Rookie of the Year honors
- $1,000 for runner-up to either of the above accolades
- $50 for each plus (plus/minus) up to 10
-$100 for each plus between 11 to 25
- $150 for each plus over 25
-$500 for +20
-$500 for +25
- $1,000 for 25 goals
- $100 for each goal over 25
- $1,000 for 35 goals
- $2,000 for 45 goals
- $3,000 for 50 goals
1974/75
Eddie Shack (Toronto): $67,500
Bonuses
- $5,000 if team reaches quarterfinals
- $2,500 for 12 goals
- $1,000 for 20 goals
- $100 for each goal between 21-25
- $2,000 for 25 goals
- $250 for each goal over 25
- $50 for each plus (plus/minus) 1 to 10
- $500 for +10
- $75 for each plus over 10
- $750 for +20
1974/75 to 1976/77
Jack Valiquette (Toronto): $60,000 (1974/75 - $40,000 if in minors), $70,000 (1975/76 – same salary in minors), $80.000 (1976/77 – same salary in minors). Bonus for signing contract: $75,000 on signing contract, $50,000 in October 75, $15,000 in October 76, $15,000 in October 77, $15,000 in October 78,$15,000 in October 79,$15,000 in October 80
Brian Glennie (Toronto): $60,000 (1974/75), $70,000 (1975/76), $75,000 (1976/77)
Bonuses
- $5,000 if the player is traded
- $5,000 if the team finished first or second in the division or if it wins a playoff round
1974/75 to 1977/78
Doug Favell (Toronto): $155,000 for each season between 1974/75 and 1977/78). If traded by Toronto he would be payed $25,000 per year.
Bonuses
- $1,500 for each shutout
1974/75 to 1978/79
Bob Sirois (Philadelphia): $35,000 (1974/75 - $20,000 if in minors), $40,000 (1975/76), $45,000 (1976/77), $ 55,000 (1977/78), $65,000 (1978/79). Also several signing bonuses.
Bonuses
- $1,000 if scoring 15 goals as a rookie
- $100 for each additional goal (16-25) as a rookie
- $1,000 if scoring 20 goals (only for his second year)
- $100 for each additional goal (21-25) (only for his second year)
- $150 for each additional goal (26-35)
- $200 for each additional goal over 35
- $1,000 for 35 points as a rookie
- $1,000 for 40 points (only for his second year)
- $300 each additional 5 points to 50 points
- $100 51 points & up (per point)
- $1,500 plus or equal player (plus/minus)
- $100 each additional plus
1975/76-1976/77
Paul Evans (Toronto): $30,000 (1974/75 - $11,000 if playing in minors), $35,000 (1975/76 - $12,000 if playing in minors). Signing bonus $2500 plus additional $2500 later on.
Bonuses
- $7,500 if player plays a minimum of 35 NHL games in either season
1976/77
Pat Boutette (Toronto): $50,000
Bonuses
- $2,000 if scoring 20 goals or 45 points
- $200 for each goal over 20
Blaine Stoughton (Toronto): $50,000 ($22,500 if in the minors)
Bonuses
- $3,000 for 20 goals or 50 points
- $200 for each goal over 20
- $1,000 extra for 25 goals
- $2,000 extra for 30 goals
- $3,000 extra for 35 goals
- $4,000 extra for 40 goals
- $500 for +10 (plus/minus)
- $100 for each plus over 10
- $2,500 if a regular member of the club in the opinion of the management
Rod Seiling (Toronto): $95,000
1976/77-1977/78
George Ferguson (Toronto): $70,000 (1976/77) and $75,000 (1977/78)
Bonuses
- $1,000 if scoring 25 goals or 60 points
- $ 1,500 if scoring 30 goals or 70 points
Blair MacKasey (Toronto): $45,000 (1976/77 - $14,500 if in minors) and 47,500 (1977/78 - $15,000 in minors)
Bonuses
- $2,000 if playing 20 games in the NHL
- $2,000 if playing 40 games in the NHL
- $1,000 if playing 50 games in the NHL
- $2,000 if playing 70 games in the NHL
- $2,000 if playing 90 games in the NHL
- $1,000 if playing 100 games in the NHL
- $50 for each plus (plus/minus) to 20
- $100 for each plus 11 and over
1979/80 to 1981/82
Paul Gardner (Colorado): $90,000 (1979/80), $100,000 (1980/81), $100,000 (1981/82 – Option year)
Bonuses for 1978/79
- $2,500 for 40 goals or 80 points
- $5,000 for 50 goals and 100 points
- $5,000 annual salary increase if team gets 76 points and makes the playoffs
- $2,500 for each round advanced in playoffs
Bonuses for 1979/80
- $2,500 for 40 goals or 80 points
- $5,000 for 50 goals and 100 points
- $5,000 annual salary increase if team gets 82 points and makes the playoffs
- $2,500 for each round advanced in playoffs
Bonuses for 1980/81
- $2,500 for 40 goals or 80 points
- $5,000 for 50 goals and 100 points
- $5,000 annual salary increase if team gets 86 points and makes the playoffs
- $2,500 for each round advanced in playoffs
*In order to qualify for all the above bonuses the player must play at least 40 NHL games or more in each season
Benoit Laporte (Toronto) $45,000 (1979/80 - $14,000 if in the minors), $50,000 (1980/81 - $16,000 if in the minors), $50,000 (1981/82 option year - $16,000 if in the minors)
Bonuses
- $5,000 signing bonus
- $20,000 if the player plays in 40 NHL games in any one of the above seasons
1979-80 to 1982/83
Dan Maloney (Toronto): $137,500 (1979/80), $142,500 (1980/81), $147,500 (1981/82), $152,500 (1982/83)
Bonuses
- $1,000 if team finishes first in their division
- $2,500 for a first round win in the playoffs
- $2,500 for a second round win in the playoffs
- $5,000 for a third round win in the playoffs
- $5,000 for a fourth round win in the playoffs
- $50 for each “plus” from 0 to 10, plus an additional $500 for the tenth “plus”
- From the 11th to the 20th “plus”, $100 for each “plus”, plus $1,000 for the 20th “plus”
- For the 30th plus, an additional $1,500
- $2,500 for scoring 25 goals or 60 points
- $200 for each goal over 25
- $1,000 of the teams goals against is less than 225 during the regular season
- $1,000 of the teams goals against is less than 210 during the regular season
- or $2,000 if Toronto is one of the top four teams in goals against
1979/80 to 1983/84
Dave Farrish (Quebec): $90,000 (1979/80), $95,000 (1980/81), $100,000 (1981/82), $105,000 (1982/83), $110,000 (1983/84)
Bonuses
- $10,000 if selected to the NHL:s first All-Star team
- $5,000 if selected to the NHL:s second All-Star team
1980/81
Bill Riley (Toronto): $50,000 ($25,000 if in minors)
1980/81-1981/82
Curt Ridley (Toronto): $85,000 (1980/81 - $30,000 if playing in the minors), $80,000 (1981/82), $80,000 (1982/83 – Option year)
Bonuses
- $1,500 if players’ goals against average is 3.50 or less*
- $1,500 if players’ goals against average is 3.25 or less (additional)*
- $1,500 if players’ goals against average is 3.00 or less (additional)*
- $2,500 if players’ goals against average is 2.50 or less (additional)*
- $4,500 if players’ goals against average is best in the NHL*
- $3,000 if players’ goals against average is second best in the NHL*
- $1,500 if players’ goals against average is third best in the NHL*
*The player must play at least 30 NHL games to receive the bonuses
- $250 for each shutout
- $100 for each win over 15 that player plays in
- $500 if player plays 30 NHL games during season
Jim Rutherford (Toronto): $130,000 (1980/81), $125,000 (1981-82 – Option year)
Bob Manno (Toronto): $85,000 (1980/81 - $25,000 if in the minors), $85,000 (1981-82 – Option year - - $25,000 if in the minors)
Bonuses
- $1,000 if the player finishes as a plus player (plus/minus) (min 40 games played)
- Minor league bonus – will match all awards
1980/81 to 1982/83
Stewart Gavin (Toronto): $55,000 (1980/81 - $25,000 if in minors), $65,000 (1981/82 - $22,500 if in minors), $65,000 (1982/83 - $22,500 if in minors)
1980/81 to 1983/84
Craig Muni (Toronto): $60,000 (1980/81), $65,000 (1981/82), $75,000 (1982/83 - $30,000 if in the minors), $70,000 (1983/84 - $25,000 if in the minors). Also bonuses in the contract.
1981/82-1982/83
Gary Dillon (Quebec): $70,000 both in 1981/82 and 1982/83 (option year)
Don Luce (Toronto): $122,500 both in 1981/82 and 1982/83 (option year)
Jiri Crha (Toronto): $100,000 both in 1981/82 and 1982/83 (option year)
1981/82 to 1984/85
Jim Benning (Toronto): $70,000 (1981/82), $80,000 (1982/83), $90,000 (1983/84), $100,000 (1984/85 – Option year). $25,000 per year if in minors
Bonuses
- $10,000 if playing 40 NHL games
- +$5,000 if playing 80 NHL games
- +$5,000 if playing 120 NHL games
- +$5,000 if playing 160 NHL games
- $1,000 if a plus player (plus/minus)
- $1,000 for each round won in playoffs
1982/83-1983/84
Dan Daoust (Toronto): $85,000 (1983/84), $85,000 (1984/85). $30.000 if in the minors
1982/83 to 1986/87
Vladimir Ruzicka (Toronto): Contract offer: $100,000 signing bonus. $125,000 (1982/83), $135,000 (1983/84), $145,000 (1984/85), $155,000 (1985/86), $155,000 (1986/87 option year)
1983/84
Bill Stewart (Toronto): $90,000
1983/84-1986/87
Russ Courtnall (Toronto): $75,000, $85,000 (1984/85), $95,000 (1985/86), $105,000 (1986/87). If demoted to the minors $25,000 (1985/86, 86/87, 87/88). Also a bunch of performance bonuses
Bonuses
- $10,000 if winning the Calder Trophy
- $7,500 if finishing second for the Calder Trophy
- $5,000 if finishing third for the Calder Trophy
Bonuses only if making the playoffs
- $5,000 if the player scores 30 goals or 60 points
- $10,000 if the player scores 35 goals or 70 points
- $15,000 if the player scores 40 goals or 80 points
- $20,000 if the player scores 45 goals or 90 points
- $25,000 if the player scores 50 goals or 100 points
Jim Korn (Toronto): $131,000 (1983/84), $135,000 (1984/85), $135,000 (1985/86 ), $135,000 (1986/87 – Option year)
Bonuses
- $1,000 if the teams goals against average is between 3.51 and 3.75*
- $1,000 if the teams goals against average is 3.50 or less (additional)*
- $500 if player has the third best plus/minus rating of the top six defensemen on the team*
- $1,000 if player has the second best plus/minus rating of the top six defensemen on the team*
- $3,000 if player has the best plus/minus rating of the top six defensemen on the team*
- $1,000 if player is among the top players’ plus/minus record of entire team*
*Player must play at least 40 NHL games and the team must make the playoffs for the bonuses to kick in
- $2,000 if team advances past the first round in the playoffs (player must play at least one game in the round)**
- $5,000 if teams advances to the Stanley Cup finals (player must play at least one game in each of the rounds)**
**If player is unable to participate in the Stanley Cup playoffs due to a hockey related injury, then the requirement for playing at least one playoff game is waived
Allan Bester (Toronto): $70,000 (1983/84), $80,000 (1984/85), $90,000 (1985/86), $90,000 (1986/87). $25,000 per year if in minors
Bonuses
-$20,000 signing bonus
- $10,000 if playing 40 NHL games
- $10,000 if playing 80 NHL games (additional)
- $10,000 if playing 120 NHL games (additional)
- $10,000 if playing 160 NHL games (additional)
- $10,000 Vezina or Jennings trophy
1984/85
Terry Martin (Toronto): $125,000 ($28,000 if playing in the minors) and $125,000 for option year 1985/86
Bonuses
- $5,000 if the team makes the playoffs
- $5,000 if player scores 25 goals (only valid if making the playoffs)
1984/85 to 1988/89
Peter Slanina (Toronto): Contract offer: $50,000 signing bonus. $125,000 (1984/85 - $40,000 any other pro league),$125,000 (1985/86 - $40,000 any other pro league),$125,000 (1986/87 - $40,000 any other pro league),$125,000 (1987/88 - $40,000 any other pro league),$125,000 (1988/89 - $40,000 any other pro league)
1986/87
Dan Daoust (Toronto): $130,000 and $130,000 in option year 1987/88
Dean DeFazio (Toronto): $90,000
Bonuses
- $2,500 if the team makes the playoffs (player must play in at least 40 NHL games)
- $2,500 for each playoff round won (must play at least 1 game in each round)
Jim Benning (Toronto): $135,000
1987/88
Dale DeGray (Toronto): $115,000 ($35,000 if playing In minors) and $115,000 ($ 35,000 minors) in option year (1988/89)
Bonuses
- $5,000 if player plays 30 NHL games (regular season)
- $5,000 if teams finishes first in division (player must play at least 40 games)
- or $ 4,000 if team finishes second in division (player must play at least 40 games)
- or $ 3,000 if team finishes third in division (player must play at least 40 games)
- $2,500 for each playoff round won (Must play at least 1 game in the round)
- $750 for being selected to the first AHL All-Star team
- $500 for being selected to the second AHL All-Star team
1987/88 to 1989/90
Ed Olczyk (Chicago): $145,000 (1987/88), $150,000 (1988/89), $155,000 (1989/90)
Peter Sidorkiewicz (Hartford): $250,000 (1987/88), $267,000 (1988/89) , $267,000 (1989/90 – Option year)
These are barely half of the ones that I could find. (Mostly for Toronto)
If I ever find the time to compile a list again, I'll do the rest.
1921/22 (WCHL contract)
John “Jocko” Anderson (Calgary Tigers - WCHL) $1,000 (three month season)
Hugh “Muzz” Murray (Calgary Tigers - WCHL) $1,000 (three month season)
1922/23 (WCHL contract)
Jack Arbour (Calgary Tigers – WCHL): $50 per week plus any “lost time” traveling to either Saskatoon or Regina will be paid, without the same stipulation for trips to Edmonton.
1923/24-1924/25
Howie Morenz (Montreal): $1500 per season with a $100 option for a total of $1600 for each of his first two years in Montreal. Bonus addendum clause agreeing to an additional sum of $200 if the club finishes first in the league and a lesser amount for a second place finish.
1925/26 to 1927/28
Hector “Pit” Lepine (Montreal): $1,700 (1925/26), $2,000 (1926/27), $2,300 (1927/28)
1931/32 (IHL contract)
Frank Nighbor (Buffalo Bisons – IHL): Earned $4,000, with an additional $1,000 paid by the Bisons' parent company, "Fort Erie Artificial Ice Co.", to release him from the ownership of Maple Leaf Gardens.
1938/39
Gus Marker (Toronto): $3,900 + $100 option bonus
1939/40
Norman Mann (Toronto): $3,400 ($1,750 if playing in the minors)
1940/41
Murray Armstrong (Toronto): $3,400 + $100 option bonus ($2,000 if in the minors)
1942/43
Ronald Rowe (Toronto): $2,900 + $100 option bonus ($75 per week if in minors)
1943/44
Babe Pratt (Toronto): $5,400
1945/46
Maurice Richard (Montreal): $6,900 + $100 option bonus
Garth Boesch (Toronto): $3400
Ernie Dickens (Toronto): $3400 and a $1,000 bonus if making the AHL All-Star team
Gaye Stewart (Toronto): $4,900 and a $1,000 if making the second NHL All-Star team or $2,000 if making the first
1946/47
Hugh Mair (Toronto): $3,900 + $100 option bonus plus an additional $200 if recommended by the coach
Bud Poile (Toronto): $4,500 + $100 option bonus plus an additional $500 if recommended by the coach. $150 if the club does not renew the contract for 1947/48
Bill Ezinicki (Toronto): $4,900 + $100 option bonus
1947/48
Ted Kennedy (Toronto): $6,900 + $100 option bonus
Bonuses
- $1,000 for being assistant captain of the Maple Leafs
- $1,000 if making the second NHL All-Star team
- or $2,000 if making the first NHL All-Star team
Bud Kennedy (Toronto): $5,900 + $100 option bonus
Bonuses
- $1,000 if making the second NHL All-Star team
- or $2,000 if making the first NHL All-Star team
Garth Boesch (Toronto): $5,900 + $100 option bonus
Bonuses
- $1,000 if making the second NHL All-Star team
- or $2,000 if making the first NHL All-Star team
1949/50
Vic Lynn (Toronto): $7000 ($4000 if assigned to the minor leagues)
Bonuses
- $1000 bonus if making the second All-Star team
- $2000 bonus if making the first All-Star team
1950/51
Maurice Richard (Montreal): $14,000
Bonuses
- $1,000 if scoring 35 goals in the regular season
- $100 for every additional goal over 35
1952/53-1953/54
Charles Lumsden (Toronto): $7,000 (1952/53) and a $2,000 signing bonus. $7,000 (1953/54)
1955/56
Maurice Richard (Montreal): $12,000
1956/57
Dave Reid (Toronto): $6,000 (Less if playing in the minors depending on league)
1957/58 to 1962/63
Tim Horton (Toronto):
1957/58 - $9,000 plus bonuses: $1,000 1st All-Star team, $500 2nd All-Star team.
1958/59 - $9,000 plus bonuses: $1,000 1st All-Star team or among the top six Norris candidates, $500 2nd All-Star team or among the top six Norris candidate. $500 if Leafs makes playoffs, $500 if coach recommends.
1959/60 - $10,500 plus bonuses. $1,000 if the team finishes first, $500 if second, $350 if third, $150 if fourth. $500 if scoring 30 points (regular season). $500 if the goals for is greater than the goals against by the team (Minimum 53 games played by player and excluding penalties).
1960/61 - $12,000 plus bonuses. $1,000 if the team finishes first. $500 if scoring 33 points (regular season). $500 if the goals for is greater than the goals against by the team (Minimum 53 games played by player and excluding penalties). $500 if playing in the Stanley Cup finals. $500 for winning the Stanley Cup and awards.
1961/62 - $14,000 plus bonuses. $1,000 if the team finishes first. $500 if scoring 33 points (regular season). $500 if the goals for is greater than the goals against by the team (Minimum 53 games played by player and excluding penalties). $500 for winning the Stanley Cup. $500 for awards except for making the 2nd All-Star team.
1962/63 - $17,250 plus bonuses. $1,000 if the team finishes first. $500 if scoring 35 points (regular season). $500 if the goals for is greater than the goals against by the team (excluding penalties). $500 for making the Stanley Cup finals. $500 for winning the Stanley Cup.
1958/59-1959/60
Maurice Richard (Montreal): $12,000 and $100 dollar in bonus for every goal scored (regular season+playoffs)
1960/61-1961/62
Henri Richard (Montreal): $20,000 plus a $100 bonus for every point over 60
1962/63
Jacques Plante (Montreal): $20,000 and $500 bonus for a first place finish by the team. Also a $500 bonus for a first round playoff win
1965/66
Bob Pulford (Toronto): $35,500
Bonuses
- $2,000 for first place finish
- $1,000 for second place finish
- $750 for third place finish
- $ 2,000 for reaching the Stanley Cup finals and an additional $1,000 for winning the Stanley Cup
- $750 for reaching the 21 goal plateau (regular season)
- $1,000 for reaching the 25 goal plateau (regular season)
- $200 for each goal past the 25 goal plateau (regular season)
1965/66/1966/67
Ken Hodge (Chicago): $10,000 (1965/66 - $5,000 if in the minors) and $10,000 (1966/67 - $6,000 if in the minors)
Bonuses
- $500 if scoring 15 goals during the NHL regular season (only if the player isn’t traded)
- $250 if scoring 20 goals in the minors during the regular season (only if the player isn’t traded)
- $250 additionally if scoring 25 goals in the minors during the season (only if the player isn’t traded)
1966/67 (AHL contract)
Doug Harvey (Baltimore – AHL): $11,0000
Bonuses
- $500 of the team makes the playoffs
- $500 for each additional round in the playoffs
- $300 transportation
- Player to be a free agent at the end of the season
1966/67-1967/68
Phil Esposito (Chicago): $16,000 (1966/67), $17,000 (1967/68)
Bonuses
- $1,000 if the player scores 30 goals in any of the seasons (only valid if the player is not traded)
1967/68
Gilles Marotte (Chicago): Offered $12,000 by Chicago, an offer Marotte turned down, stating that the living costs in Chicago were higher than in Boston
1968/69
Gilles Tremblay (Montreal): $27,000 salary, with a number of $1,000 bonuses listed:
Bonuses
- Canadiens finishing first in the regular season's
- Canadiens winning the first round of the playoffs
- Canadiens winning the second round of the playoffs
- Canadiens winning the Stanley Cup
- Canadiens winning the Vezina trophy
- If he’s +25 or better (plus/minus)
- If he scored 24 or more goals in the regular season
- $ 100 a point for every point over 55 including playoffs
1969/70
George Armstrong (Toronto): $30,000
Bonuses
- $500 if scoring 20 goals during the regular season
- $500 if scoring 25 goals during the regular season
- $500 if scoring 30 goals during the regular season
- $500 if scoring 35 goals during the regular season
- $1,000 for a first place finish by the team
- $500 for a second place finish by the team
Marcel Pronovost (Toronto): $27,000 ($20,000 if in the minors)
Mike Pelyk (Toronto): $15,500
Bonuses
- $50 for each plus (plus/minus)
- $1,500 for a first place finish by the team
- $1,000 for a second place finish by the team
- $750 for a third place finish by the team
- $250 of goaltending average is 2.90
- $500 of goaltending average is 2.75
1969/70-1970/71
Doug Acomb (Toronto): $11,000 (1969/70), $12,000 (1970/71). Less if playing in the minors
1970/71
Jacques Lemaire (Montreal): $32,000
Bonuses
- $2,000 if the team finishes in first place
- or $1,000 if the team finishes in second place
- $1,000 of the Canadiens are lowest scored against team in league
- $1,000 if he is +25 or better in the regular season
- $50 for every plus point over 25 during the regular season
- $1,000 if scoring 30 goals or 60 points (including the playoffs)
- $100 for each point over 60 (including playoffs)
- $2,000 for a first All-Star selection
- $1,000 for a second All-Star selection
Charlie Hodge (Vancouver): $36,000
Bonuses
- $150 per shutout
- $2,000 if Canucks make the playoffs
- $ 1,000 if under 3.00 GAA
- $1,000 good year in terms of personal and team performance
1971/72
Mike Pelyk (Toronto): $22,500
Bonuses
- $50 for each plus (plus/minus)
- $2,000 for a first place finish by the team
- $1,500 for a second place finish by the team
- $1,000 for a third place finish by the team
- $250 of goaltending average is 2.90
- $750 of goaltending average is 2.75
Don Marshall (Toronto) $55,000 to be payed out over a span of six years
1971/72 to 1973/74
Gilles Marotte (Los Angeles): $29,000 (1971/72), $ 32,000 (1972/73), $35,000 (1973/74). No minor league clause
Bonuses
- $1,000 team in 1st or 2nd place Nov.30 1971 (or 72)
- $1,000 team in 1st or 2nd place Jan.31 1972 (or 73)
- $1,000 team in 1st or 2nd place end of season
- $500 team in 3rd place Nov.30 1971 (or 72)
- $500 team in 3rd place Jan.31 1972 (or 73)
- $500 team in 3rd place end of season
- $1,000 for MVP award
- $4,000 First West Division All-Star at the end of season
- $2,500 Second West Division All-Star at the end of season
- $5,000 Best plus record (plus/minus) for defensemen on club
- $50 for each shutout
- $1,000 Weight on the basis of weekly weigh-in, or as prescribed by coach
- $1,000 Good conduct, at discretion of coach
- $1,250 Moving expenses
1972/73
Larry Pleau (Toronto): $35,000
Bonuses
- $500 is scoring 10 goals or 20 points
- $50 for each goal he scores over 10 (including playoffs)
- $50 for each point he scores over 20 (including playoffs)
- $500 if he is +10 during the regular season
- $50 for each plus point above +10
- $500 if he is used in twenty NHL games killing penalties
1972/73-1973/74
Jacques Plante (Toronto): $85,000 (1972/73) and $85,000 (1973/74)
1972/73 to 1974/75
Errol Thompson (Toronto): $27,000 (1972/73), $30,000 (1973/74), $33,500 (1974/75)
Bonuses for 1972/73 only
- $500 is scoring 15 goals
- $10 for each goal after 15
- $500 for 50 points
- $50 for each plus to plus 10 (plus/minus)
- $75 for each plus point above +10
- $500 for +20 or better
- $1,000 for third place finish or better by the team
- $ 500 for 250 hits during the regular season (Applicable only in Toronto)
Bonuses for 1973/74 and 1974/75 only
- $2,000 for making the playoffs in 1973/74
- $2,500 for making the playoffs in 1974/75
- $1,500 for 20 goals or 45 points
- $100 per goal after 20
- $1,000 for 30 goals
- $200 per goal after 30
1973/74
Mike Pelyk (Toronto): $50,000
Bonuses
- $75 for each plus (plus/minus) 1 to 10
- $750 for plus 10
- $100 for each plus (plus/minus) 11 to 20
- $1,000 for plus 20
- $100 for each plus over 20
- $1,000 for 25 points
- $500 of goaltending average is 2.90
- $1,500 of goaltending average is 2.75
- $1,000 if team wins more than two games in each playoff round
1973/74-1974/75
Les Burgess (Toronto): $20,000 (1973/74) and $25,000 (1974/75) plus a lot of bonuses
Inge Hammarstrom (Toronto): $85,000 (1973/74), $85,000 (1974/75)
Bonuses
- $2,000 for either an All-Star birth, or Rookie of the Year honors
- $1,000 for runner-up to either of the above accolades
- $50 for each plus (plus/minus) up to 10
-$100 for each plus between 11 to 25
- $150 for each plus over 25
-$500 for +20
-$500 for +25
- $1,000 for 25 goals
- $100 for each goal over 25
- $1,000 for 35 goals
- $2,000 for 45 goals
- $3,000 for 50 goals
1974/75
Eddie Shack (Toronto): $67,500
Bonuses
- $5,000 if team reaches quarterfinals
- $2,500 for 12 goals
- $1,000 for 20 goals
- $100 for each goal between 21-25
- $2,000 for 25 goals
- $250 for each goal over 25
- $50 for each plus (plus/minus) 1 to 10
- $500 for +10
- $75 for each plus over 10
- $750 for +20
1974/75 to 1976/77
Jack Valiquette (Toronto): $60,000 (1974/75 - $40,000 if in minors), $70,000 (1975/76 – same salary in minors), $80.000 (1976/77 – same salary in minors). Bonus for signing contract: $75,000 on signing contract, $50,000 in October 75, $15,000 in October 76, $15,000 in October 77, $15,000 in October 78,$15,000 in October 79,$15,000 in October 80
Brian Glennie (Toronto): $60,000 (1974/75), $70,000 (1975/76), $75,000 (1976/77)
Bonuses
- $5,000 if the player is traded
- $5,000 if the team finished first or second in the division or if it wins a playoff round
1974/75 to 1977/78
Doug Favell (Toronto): $155,000 for each season between 1974/75 and 1977/78). If traded by Toronto he would be payed $25,000 per year.
Bonuses
- $1,500 for each shutout
1974/75 to 1978/79
Bob Sirois (Philadelphia): $35,000 (1974/75 - $20,000 if in minors), $40,000 (1975/76), $45,000 (1976/77), $ 55,000 (1977/78), $65,000 (1978/79). Also several signing bonuses.
Bonuses
- $1,000 if scoring 15 goals as a rookie
- $100 for each additional goal (16-25) as a rookie
- $1,000 if scoring 20 goals (only for his second year)
- $100 for each additional goal (21-25) (only for his second year)
- $150 for each additional goal (26-35)
- $200 for each additional goal over 35
- $1,000 for 35 points as a rookie
- $1,000 for 40 points (only for his second year)
- $300 each additional 5 points to 50 points
- $100 51 points & up (per point)
- $1,500 plus or equal player (plus/minus)
- $100 each additional plus
1975/76-1976/77
Paul Evans (Toronto): $30,000 (1974/75 - $11,000 if playing in minors), $35,000 (1975/76 - $12,000 if playing in minors). Signing bonus $2500 plus additional $2500 later on.
Bonuses
- $7,500 if player plays a minimum of 35 NHL games in either season
1976/77
Pat Boutette (Toronto): $50,000
Bonuses
- $2,000 if scoring 20 goals or 45 points
- $200 for each goal over 20
Blaine Stoughton (Toronto): $50,000 ($22,500 if in the minors)
Bonuses
- $3,000 for 20 goals or 50 points
- $200 for each goal over 20
- $1,000 extra for 25 goals
- $2,000 extra for 30 goals
- $3,000 extra for 35 goals
- $4,000 extra for 40 goals
- $500 for +10 (plus/minus)
- $100 for each plus over 10
- $2,500 if a regular member of the club in the opinion of the management
Rod Seiling (Toronto): $95,000
1976/77-1977/78
George Ferguson (Toronto): $70,000 (1976/77) and $75,000 (1977/78)
Bonuses
- $1,000 if scoring 25 goals or 60 points
- $ 1,500 if scoring 30 goals or 70 points
Blair MacKasey (Toronto): $45,000 (1976/77 - $14,500 if in minors) and 47,500 (1977/78 - $15,000 in minors)
Bonuses
- $2,000 if playing 20 games in the NHL
- $2,000 if playing 40 games in the NHL
- $1,000 if playing 50 games in the NHL
- $2,000 if playing 70 games in the NHL
- $2,000 if playing 90 games in the NHL
- $1,000 if playing 100 games in the NHL
- $50 for each plus (plus/minus) to 20
- $100 for each plus 11 and over
1979/80 to 1981/82
Paul Gardner (Colorado): $90,000 (1979/80), $100,000 (1980/81), $100,000 (1981/82 – Option year)
Bonuses for 1978/79
- $2,500 for 40 goals or 80 points
- $5,000 for 50 goals and 100 points
- $5,000 annual salary increase if team gets 76 points and makes the playoffs
- $2,500 for each round advanced in playoffs
Bonuses for 1979/80
- $2,500 for 40 goals or 80 points
- $5,000 for 50 goals and 100 points
- $5,000 annual salary increase if team gets 82 points and makes the playoffs
- $2,500 for each round advanced in playoffs
Bonuses for 1980/81
- $2,500 for 40 goals or 80 points
- $5,000 for 50 goals and 100 points
- $5,000 annual salary increase if team gets 86 points and makes the playoffs
- $2,500 for each round advanced in playoffs
*In order to qualify for all the above bonuses the player must play at least 40 NHL games or more in each season
Benoit Laporte (Toronto) $45,000 (1979/80 - $14,000 if in the minors), $50,000 (1980/81 - $16,000 if in the minors), $50,000 (1981/82 option year - $16,000 if in the minors)
Bonuses
- $5,000 signing bonus
- $20,000 if the player plays in 40 NHL games in any one of the above seasons
1979-80 to 1982/83
Dan Maloney (Toronto): $137,500 (1979/80), $142,500 (1980/81), $147,500 (1981/82), $152,500 (1982/83)
Bonuses
- $1,000 if team finishes first in their division
- $2,500 for a first round win in the playoffs
- $2,500 for a second round win in the playoffs
- $5,000 for a third round win in the playoffs
- $5,000 for a fourth round win in the playoffs
- $50 for each “plus” from 0 to 10, plus an additional $500 for the tenth “plus”
- From the 11th to the 20th “plus”, $100 for each “plus”, plus $1,000 for the 20th “plus”
- For the 30th plus, an additional $1,500
- $2,500 for scoring 25 goals or 60 points
- $200 for each goal over 25
- $1,000 of the teams goals against is less than 225 during the regular season
- $1,000 of the teams goals against is less than 210 during the regular season
- or $2,000 if Toronto is one of the top four teams in goals against
1979/80 to 1983/84
Dave Farrish (Quebec): $90,000 (1979/80), $95,000 (1980/81), $100,000 (1981/82), $105,000 (1982/83), $110,000 (1983/84)
Bonuses
- $10,000 if selected to the NHL:s first All-Star team
- $5,000 if selected to the NHL:s second All-Star team
1980/81
Bill Riley (Toronto): $50,000 ($25,000 if in minors)
1980/81-1981/82
Curt Ridley (Toronto): $85,000 (1980/81 - $30,000 if playing in the minors), $80,000 (1981/82), $80,000 (1982/83 – Option year)
Bonuses
- $1,500 if players’ goals against average is 3.50 or less*
- $1,500 if players’ goals against average is 3.25 or less (additional)*
- $1,500 if players’ goals against average is 3.00 or less (additional)*
- $2,500 if players’ goals against average is 2.50 or less (additional)*
- $4,500 if players’ goals against average is best in the NHL*
- $3,000 if players’ goals against average is second best in the NHL*
- $1,500 if players’ goals against average is third best in the NHL*
*The player must play at least 30 NHL games to receive the bonuses
- $250 for each shutout
- $100 for each win over 15 that player plays in
- $500 if player plays 30 NHL games during season
Jim Rutherford (Toronto): $130,000 (1980/81), $125,000 (1981-82 – Option year)
Bob Manno (Toronto): $85,000 (1980/81 - $25,000 if in the minors), $85,000 (1981-82 – Option year - - $25,000 if in the minors)
Bonuses
- $1,000 if the player finishes as a plus player (plus/minus) (min 40 games played)
- Minor league bonus – will match all awards
1980/81 to 1982/83
Stewart Gavin (Toronto): $55,000 (1980/81 - $25,000 if in minors), $65,000 (1981/82 - $22,500 if in minors), $65,000 (1982/83 - $22,500 if in minors)
1980/81 to 1983/84
Craig Muni (Toronto): $60,000 (1980/81), $65,000 (1981/82), $75,000 (1982/83 - $30,000 if in the minors), $70,000 (1983/84 - $25,000 if in the minors). Also bonuses in the contract.
1981/82-1982/83
Gary Dillon (Quebec): $70,000 both in 1981/82 and 1982/83 (option year)
Don Luce (Toronto): $122,500 both in 1981/82 and 1982/83 (option year)
Jiri Crha (Toronto): $100,000 both in 1981/82 and 1982/83 (option year)
1981/82 to 1984/85
Jim Benning (Toronto): $70,000 (1981/82), $80,000 (1982/83), $90,000 (1983/84), $100,000 (1984/85 – Option year). $25,000 per year if in minors
Bonuses
- $10,000 if playing 40 NHL games
- +$5,000 if playing 80 NHL games
- +$5,000 if playing 120 NHL games
- +$5,000 if playing 160 NHL games
- $1,000 if a plus player (plus/minus)
- $1,000 for each round won in playoffs
1982/83-1983/84
Dan Daoust (Toronto): $85,000 (1983/84), $85,000 (1984/85). $30.000 if in the minors
1982/83 to 1986/87
Vladimir Ruzicka (Toronto): Contract offer: $100,000 signing bonus. $125,000 (1982/83), $135,000 (1983/84), $145,000 (1984/85), $155,000 (1985/86), $155,000 (1986/87 option year)
1983/84
Bill Stewart (Toronto): $90,000
1983/84-1986/87
Russ Courtnall (Toronto): $75,000, $85,000 (1984/85), $95,000 (1985/86), $105,000 (1986/87). If demoted to the minors $25,000 (1985/86, 86/87, 87/88). Also a bunch of performance bonuses
Bonuses
- $10,000 if winning the Calder Trophy
- $7,500 if finishing second for the Calder Trophy
- $5,000 if finishing third for the Calder Trophy
Bonuses only if making the playoffs
- $5,000 if the player scores 30 goals or 60 points
- $10,000 if the player scores 35 goals or 70 points
- $15,000 if the player scores 40 goals or 80 points
- $20,000 if the player scores 45 goals or 90 points
- $25,000 if the player scores 50 goals or 100 points
Jim Korn (Toronto): $131,000 (1983/84), $135,000 (1984/85), $135,000 (1985/86 ), $135,000 (1986/87 – Option year)
Bonuses
- $1,000 if the teams goals against average is between 3.51 and 3.75*
- $1,000 if the teams goals against average is 3.50 or less (additional)*
- $500 if player has the third best plus/minus rating of the top six defensemen on the team*
- $1,000 if player has the second best plus/minus rating of the top six defensemen on the team*
- $3,000 if player has the best plus/minus rating of the top six defensemen on the team*
- $1,000 if player is among the top players’ plus/minus record of entire team*
*Player must play at least 40 NHL games and the team must make the playoffs for the bonuses to kick in
- $2,000 if team advances past the first round in the playoffs (player must play at least one game in the round)**
- $5,000 if teams advances to the Stanley Cup finals (player must play at least one game in each of the rounds)**
**If player is unable to participate in the Stanley Cup playoffs due to a hockey related injury, then the requirement for playing at least one playoff game is waived
Allan Bester (Toronto): $70,000 (1983/84), $80,000 (1984/85), $90,000 (1985/86), $90,000 (1986/87). $25,000 per year if in minors
Bonuses
-$20,000 signing bonus
- $10,000 if playing 40 NHL games
- $10,000 if playing 80 NHL games (additional)
- $10,000 if playing 120 NHL games (additional)
- $10,000 if playing 160 NHL games (additional)
- $10,000 Vezina or Jennings trophy
1984/85
Terry Martin (Toronto): $125,000 ($28,000 if playing in the minors) and $125,000 for option year 1985/86
Bonuses
- $5,000 if the team makes the playoffs
- $5,000 if player scores 25 goals (only valid if making the playoffs)
1984/85 to 1988/89
Peter Slanina (Toronto): Contract offer: $50,000 signing bonus. $125,000 (1984/85 - $40,000 any other pro league),$125,000 (1985/86 - $40,000 any other pro league),$125,000 (1986/87 - $40,000 any other pro league),$125,000 (1987/88 - $40,000 any other pro league),$125,000 (1988/89 - $40,000 any other pro league)
1986/87
Dan Daoust (Toronto): $130,000 and $130,000 in option year 1987/88
Dean DeFazio (Toronto): $90,000
Bonuses
- $2,500 if the team makes the playoffs (player must play in at least 40 NHL games)
- $2,500 for each playoff round won (must play at least 1 game in each round)
Jim Benning (Toronto): $135,000
1987/88
Dale DeGray (Toronto): $115,000 ($35,000 if playing In minors) and $115,000 ($ 35,000 minors) in option year (1988/89)
Bonuses
- $5,000 if player plays 30 NHL games (regular season)
- $5,000 if teams finishes first in division (player must play at least 40 games)
- or $ 4,000 if team finishes second in division (player must play at least 40 games)
- or $ 3,000 if team finishes third in division (player must play at least 40 games)
- $2,500 for each playoff round won (Must play at least 1 game in the round)
- $750 for being selected to the first AHL All-Star team
- $500 for being selected to the second AHL All-Star team
1987/88 to 1989/90
Ed Olczyk (Chicago): $145,000 (1987/88), $150,000 (1988/89), $155,000 (1989/90)
Peter Sidorkiewicz (Hartford): $250,000 (1987/88), $267,000 (1988/89) , $267,000 (1989/90 – Option year)
tarheelhockey
Offside Review Specialist
I would recommend keeping an eye on auction sites like classicauctions, ebay, etc where it is fairly common to see old contracts come up for bid. Usually you can get a good look at the fine print (and buy it if you want!).
For example, until tomorrow you can still have a shot at the final version of Henri Richard's 1955-57 contract (the one @Theokritos posted above in scribbled-on-calendar form) for a mere $2k+: Lot Detail - Henri Richard's 1955-56/1956-57 Montreal Canadiens Official NHL Contract Signed by Deceased HOFers Richard, Northey and Campbell - His Rookie Season Contract!
If that's a bit rich for your blood, you can still use the magnifying glass to see that he made the following:
1955-56 - $7K
1956-57 - $8K
But if he were demoted to the Quebec Royals (lol) it would have only been $5K.
Theokritos
Global Moderator
- Apr 6, 2010
- 12,667
- 5,071
Thanks for those!
Good to see they came up with something more formal after that first version.
alko
Registered User
What is :
- $1,000 Weight on the basis of weekly weigh-in, or as prescribed by coach
- $1,000 Good conduct, at discretion of coach
Voight
#winning
Wow, based on this site thats not too much more than the average person. I do understand and realize it wasn't until 20 or 30 years ago that players started getting stupid rich contracts.
Anyone recall if players were getting paid in CDN or USD at the time? Currently its USD, but I feel like in the O6 era it may have been Canadian dollars for some reason.
Average earnings of male and female employees in manufacturing, survey week 1956 to 1965, and percentage increases over previous year
Theokritos
Global Moderator
- Apr 6, 2010
- 12,667
- 5,071
A bonus he got if he kept a certain weight throughout the season.
A bonus he got if the coach thought he behaved well.
alko
Registered User
1987
National cable penetration (television households with cable) reaches 50.5 percent.
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