How much does Marie-Philip Poulin make

Marie-Philip Poulin, captain of the Montreal Victoire in the PWHL, earned around $120,000 USD annually during the league's first two seasons. But here's the surprising part: for 2025-26, she voluntarily accepted a pay cut. So how much does Marie-Philip Poulin make now? Less than before, but her decision reveals something important about women's hockey leadership and what really matters in a developing professional league.

What Poulin earns and why it matters

Poulin previously ranked among the PWHL's top earners at $120,000 per year. For context, the league operates under a $1.34 million salary cap spread across 23 players. That creates an average salary of about $58,350. Only roughly eight players earn over $100,000 annually. Sarah Fillier of New York leads the league at around $125,000, while Emily Clark of Ottawa also commands top dollar. Poulin's earnings reflected her status as a franchise cornerstone and Olympic gold medalist (which definitely carries weight in recruiting). Even at the reduced rate for 2025-26, she remains among Montreal's highest-paid athletes. Her salary represents the modest but growing pay scale in women's professional hockey compared to men's leagues.

Why Marie-Philip Poulin accepted less money

Poulin took the pay cut to help Montreal Victoire stay under the salary cap while building a stronger roster. Tight budget constraints force tough choices even for star players. Rather than maximize personal earnings, Poulin prioritized team depth and competitive advantage. Her decision demonstrates leadership beyond the ice. In women's hockey, players often accept lower compensation to strengthen their squads. Men's leagues occasionally see similar moves, but women's hockey culture emphasizes collective sucess more consistently. Poulin's choice sends a message to teammates about what matters most winning championships, not individual paychecks.

Poulin's salary decisions reveal important truths about women's hockey growth. As the PWHL matures, top players balance personal financial goals with league development. Salaries increase roughly three percent annually, showing steady progress. Professional women's hockey remains underfunded compared to men's sports, yet players commit fully to building sustainable careers. Poulin's leadership on contract restructuring demonstrates how star athletes shape professional sports culture. Her willingness to take less money encourages younger players to view professional hockey as a long-term investment rather than a quick paycheck (honestly, that's pretty inspiring). Team commitment like Poulin's might reshape expectations across all levels of professional sports.