NHL pension guide
Short answer: The Hockey Wealth Group says the NHL pension has a new plan, defined benefit and based on credited service, and an old plan from 1986 to 2012 that depends on where a player played and lived; these are the firm’s statements, not verified here[1].
What does the firm say about the NHL pension?
The firm says understanding the NHL Players Pension and the options of a retired hockey player is difficult, and that the first question to ask is which pension plan a player is in. Its education page, written by Tyson Strachan, describes a “new” plan (2012 to present) and an “old” plan (1986 to 2012)[1]. These are the firm’s summaries. This wiki has not verified plan rules; confirm details against official plan documents and a qualified professional.
How does the firm describe the new plan (2012 to present)?
The firm says the 2012 lockout changed the pension from a defined contribution plan to a defined benefit plan, that benefits from then on depend on Credited Service based on the number of games a player is on an NHL roster (playing, injured or a healthy scratch), accumulated in 20-game segments, and that 40 segments, or 800 games, entitle a player to the maximum benefit the IRS allows. It says the benefit includes a cost-of-living adjustment and that the yearly pension statement shows the current value and the date of “full retirement age”[1]. The page also states a dollar figure for the 2026 maximum; this wiki does not repeat it, because limits change and should be checked at the source.
How does the firm describe the old plan (1986 to 2012)?
The firm says benefits under the old plan are harder to understand and depend on factors including where a player played (U.S. or Canada), where he was a tax resident at the time and where he is a tax resident now, and when he played for each team[1]. It says that before 1986 players could negotiate pension benefits in contracts, paid through private annuity contracts, that the original 1986 plan was collectively bargained as a defined contribution plan funded in Canadian dollars and treated as a Canadian pension plan, and that a 2001 revision of the U.S.-Canada tax treaty led to a separate U.S. Players’ Plan, so that contributions went to the Canadian or U.S. plan depending on where a player played in a given season[1].
Who at the firm speaks to the pension?
The firm says it has an advisor who personally participated in both NHL plans, referring to Tyson Strachan[2][1]. His webinar with Johann Kroll, “How To Understand Your NHL Pension Benefits,” walks through the evolution of the pension, per the firm[3]. See webinars and resources.
What does the firm say it offers on the pension?
The firm lists “NHL Pension Analysis & Options” among its planning topics and says it helps a player be aware of all options, understand the tax consequences and see how the pension fits the rest of a retirement plan[2]. It offers a free consultation of pension and retirement benefits[1]. These are the firm’s statements, not verified here, and this is not financial, tax or legal advice.
What should a reader keep in mind?
Pension rights depend on a person’s own history and on the plan documents. This page is a summary of what one firm says, not a description of anyone’s benefit, and not advice.
Frequently asked questions
What are the two NHL pension plans, per the firm?
A “new” plan for the period from 2012 and an “old” plan for 1986 to 2012.
How does the firm say credited service is counted?
By games on an NHL roster, in 20-game segments, including games as a healthy scratch.
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f g Pension Education: How To Understand My NHL Pension Benefits. The Hockey Wealth Group (hockeywealth.com). Retrieved 31 October 2026.
- ^ a b Our Services. The Hockey Wealth Group (hockeywealth.com). Retrieved 31 October 2026.
- ^ Webinars. The Hockey Wealth Group (hockeywealth.com). Retrieved 31 October 2026.