Professional Hockey
Explore professional hockey leagues worldwide with salary ranges, career length, and realistic odds.
Manitoba Player Development Funnel
Official registration data from Hockey Canada showing how Manitoba's hockey players progress through the development system.
27,850
Total MB Players (2023-24)
2,510
U7 (Timbits) Players
35-40
WHL Draft Picks/Year
5-8
NHL Draft Picks/Year
The Development Funnel
Note: These are estimates based on Hockey Manitoba registration data and draft statistics. Actual numbers vary by year. The funnel shows what percentage of the original Timbits cohort remains at each level.
Manitoba NHL Draft History
| Year | Total Picks | First Round | Notable Picks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 | 1 | Carter Bear (13th overall) |
| 2024 | 5 | — | Multiple mid-round selections |
| 2023 | 6 | — | Strong depth picks |
| 2022 | 8 | 3 | Geekie (11th), Mateychuk (12th), Pickering (21st) |
| 2021 | 4 | — | Below average year |
5-year average: 6 NHL draft picks per year from Manitoba
How We Calculate NHL Odds
We believe in transparency. Here's exactly how we calculate the odds of a Manitoba hockey player reaching the NHL.
Odds of Being NHL Drafted
Important: This shows draft odds only. National research indicates ~1 in 4,000 minor hockey players reach a sustained NHL career (400+ games). Being drafted does not guarantee an NHL career.
Odds of Being WHL Drafted
Roughly 1 in 68-76 Manitoba U7 players will be drafted to the WHL. Most WHL draftees do not reach the NHL.
⚠️ Important Methodology Limitations
- We compare current draft picks to current U7 registration as a rough proxy, but draft picks come from players who started 12-15 years ago
- Not all drafted players play in the NHL/WHL - being drafted ≠ making the league
- National research shows only ~0.025% (1 in 4,000) of minor hockey players reach a sustained NHL career
- These are rough estimates only; individual outcomes vary significantly based on talent, training, and opportunity
NHL Draft*
WHL Draft
Junior Hockey*
*Draft odds only. Sustained NHL career odds are ~1 in 4,000 nationally. Junior Hockey ratio based on 1,939 junior players vs 2,510 U7 players.
💡 What This Means for Parents
The honest truth: Very few Manitoba kids who start hockey will reach the NHL. National research shows about 1 in 4,000 minor hockey players reach a sustained NHL career. That's not meant to discourage anyone - it's meant to encourage realistic expectations.
The good news: Hockey provides tremendous value beyond the NHL. The vast majority of players benefit from physical fitness, teamwork, discipline, friendships, and fun - all of which are guaranteed, unlike an NHL career.
Our recommendation: Focus on your child's enjoyment and development at their current level. The players who do make it to elite levels almost always loved the game first - not the other way around.
Professional Hockey Leagues Worldwide
There are professional hockey opportunities around the world beyond the NHL. Here's what you need to know about salaries, career length, and your realistic odds.
Professional Hockey Opportunities
9+
Major Pro Leagues
$15k-$15M
Salary Range
2-8 yrs
Career Length Range
Key Insight: Professional hockey opportunities exist beyond the NHL. European leagues, the AHL, and ECHL provide viable career paths with competitive salaries. Research each league carefully to understand the opportunities and requirements.
Salary data from official league sources where available. European salary ranges are estimates from hockey industry sources.