The 1995–96 NHL season was defined by the Nordiques' relocation to Denver, where they became the Colorado Avalanche. Boosted by the mid-season acquisition of goalie Patrick Roy, the Avalanche swept the Florida Panthers to win the Cup in their first year in Colorado. The Detroit Red Wings set a then-record with 62 regular-season wins but were upset by Colorado in the playoffs. Mario Lemieux returned from a year-long hiatus to lead the league with 161 points, while the "Rat Trick" craze swept Florida during the Panthers' improbable playoff run.
| vs previous season | ||||||
| Rank | Player | NHL Salary ($US) | In today's $ | +/- ($) | +/- (%) | |
| 1 | Wayne Gretzky | $6,545,363 | $13,844,143 | $2,808,204 | 75% | |
| 2 | Keith Tkachuk | $6,000,000 | $12,690,642 | $5,163,429 | 617% | |
| 2 | Mark Messier | $6,000,000 | $12,690,642 | $2,403,941 | 67% | |
| 4 | Mario Lemieux | $4,571,429 | $9,669,061 | $2,244,898 | 96% | |
| 5 | Pavel Bure | $4,500,000 | $9,517,981 | $1,928,571 | 75% | |
| 6 | Pat LaFontaine | $4,300,000 | $9,094,960 | $2,263,546 | 111% | |
| 7 | Eric Lindros | $4,182,000 | $8,845,377 | $2,102,000 | 101% | |
| 8 | Sergei Fedorov | $4,162,033 | $8,803,145 | $2,450,667 | 143% | |
| 9 | Brett Hull | $3,800,000 | $8,037,406 | $1,914,286 | 102% | |
| 10 | Alexander Mogilny | $3,750,000 | $7,931,651 | $2,321,429 | 163% | |
| 11 | Steve Yzerman | $3,703,803 | $7,833,940 | $1,880,677 | 103% | |
| 12 | Paul Coffey | $3,600,000 | $7,614,385 | $2,771,429 | 334% | |
| 13 | Brendan Shanahan | $3,475,000 | $7,349,997 | $1,475,000 | 74% | |
| 14 | Pierre Turgeon | $3,400,000 | $7,191,364 | $2,114,286 | 164% | |
| 15 | Jaromir Jagr | $3,250,000 | $6,874,098 | $1,650,000 | 103% | |
| 16 | Scott Stevens | $3,200,000 | $6,768,342 | -$114,286 | -3% | |
| 16 | Al MacInnis | $3,200,000 | $6,768,342 | $1,200,000 | 60% | |
| 18 | Mike Richter | $3,000,000 | $6,345,321 | $1,571,429 | 110% | |
| 19 | Kevin Stevens | $2,937,614 | $6,213,368 | $2,213,043 | 305% | |
| 20 | Patrick Roy | $2,929,997 | $6,197,257 | $1,472,156 | 101% | |
| 21 | Mike Modano | $2,921,875 | $6,180,078 | $1,386,161 | 90% | |
| 22 | Joe Sakic | $2,900,000 | $6,133,810 | $1,707,886 | 143% | |
| 23 | Teemu Selanne | $2,750,000 | $5,816,544 | $1,913,429 | 229% | |
| 23 | Ed Belfour | $2,750,000 | $5,816,544 | $1,921,429 | 232% | |
| 23 | Chris Chelios | $2,750,000 | $5,816,544 | $1,235,714 | 82% | |