Referees from Leafs/Bolts Game 4 have cost themselves a lot of money after they were cut from the playoffs
Like players, NHL officials' contracts technically don't pay them in the playoffs. However, and also like players, they do receive "bonuses". While player bonuses are more lucrative and are typically only given for winning the conference or Stanley Cup, unless otherwise written in contracts, officials receive round bonuses. Of course the NHL pays these bonuses, but with how favourable some of the games and series have been called, you would think certain teams are paying them instead *cough* Tampa *cough*.
For referees, their bonus per round is $27,000 and linesmen receive $17,500 per round. All officials are only able to officiate a maximum of 7 games per round, which averages out to $4000-$5000 per game for referees. That average is on par with what officials earn during the regular season. Of course, as we saw earlier this week, if you suck at your job in one round, you don't get the opportunity to redeem yourself in the next round and will find yourself watching from the couch. In all honesty though, being sent home after just 1 round wouldn't be a bad thing after making $27,000 in less than 2 weeks.
For comparison to the regular season, a first year official starts at just over $200,000 for referees and $137,000 for linesmen, increasing each year. A 15-year referee would earn $430,000 this season, while a linesman with 15 years of service would draw $228,000. While the money is certainly eye catching, unlike players and teams that can have lengthy home stands, officials can be on the road much more frequently depending on scheduling.
| POLL | ||
MAI 18 | 706 ANSWERS Referees from Leafs/Bolts Game 4 have cost themselves a lot of money after they were cut from the playoffs Knowing now how much NHL referees and linesmen make, do you think they should be susceptible to fines for poor performance? | ||
| Definitely | 625 | 88.5 % |
| Not worth it | 38 | 5.4 % |
| They don't need any more reasons to hold a grudge | 43 | 6.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
