Matt Nieto is an American professional ice hockey left winger, playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL as of 2025. Born on November 5, 1992, in Long Beach, California, he grew up in a tough neighborhood but found his passion for hockey at a young age. Inspired by rollerblading, he transitioned to ice hockey and quickly showcased his talent. Nieto’s hockey journey took him from playing in the U.S. National Team Development Program to Boston University, where he became a standout player. In 2011, the San Jose Sharks selected him 47th overall in the NHL Entry Draft, making him the first Californian drafted by the team.
Matt Nieto Contract
Matt Nieto signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins worth $1,800,000, fully guaranteed, according to Sportrac. The deal carries an average annual salary (AAV) of $900,000, with no signing bonus included. After the completion of his contract, Nieto will become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) in 2025. Over his NHL career, Nieto’s total earnings will reach $12,295,423.
Matt Nieto's contract breakdown
Below is the contract breakdown table of Nietto as per Puck Pedia:
| Details | 2023–24 | 2024–25 | Total |
| Cap Hit | $900,000 | $900,000 | $1,800,000 |
| Average Annual Value (AAV) | $900,000 | $900,000 | $1,800,000 |
| Base Salary | $900,000 | $900,000 | $1,800,000 |
| Performance Bonuses | - | - | - |
| Signing Bonuses | - | - | - |
| Total Salary | $900,000 | $900,000 | $1,800,000 |
| Minors Salary | $900,000 | $900,000 | $1,800,000 |
| Signing Date | July 1, 2023 | ||
| Signed By | Pittsburgh Penguins | ||
| Signing Agent | Darren Ferris |
Matt Nieto salary
In the 2023–24 season, Nieto earned a base salary of $900,000, bringing his cumulative career earnings to $900,000 for that season. For the 2024–25 season, he will again earn a base salary of $900,000, as per Spotrac.
| Year | Age | Cap Hit | Annual Cap % | League Cap | Annual Cash | Cumulative Cash | Contract Status |
| 2024-25 | 32 | $900,000 | 1.02% | $900,000 | $900,000 | $1,800,000 | Active (Final Year) |
How much of Matt Nieto’s contract is guaranteed?
Nieto’s two-year contract worth $1,800,000 with the Penguins is fully guaranteed, according to Spotrac. He has no signing and performance bonus included in his contract.
Matt Nieto’s career earnings
Matt Nieto has earned $12,295,423 throughout his NHL career from 2013 to 2024, according to Spotrac. Below is a detailed breakdown of his earnings by year:
| Year | Age | Earnings (Cash) | Cumulative Earnings |
| 2013 | 21 | $692,983 | $692,983 |
| 2014 | 22 | $925,000 | $1,617,983 |
| 2015 | 23 | $792,500 | $2,410,483 |
| 2016 | 24 | $387,885 + $347,055 | $3,145,423 |
| 2017 | 25 | $1,000,000 | $4,145,423 |
| 2018 | 26 | $1,975,000 | $6,120,423 |
| 2019 | 27 | $1,975,000 | $8,095,423 |
| 2020 | 28 | $700,000 | $8,795,423 |
| 2021 | 29 | $850,000 | $9,645,423 |
| 2022 | 30 | $358,378 + $491,622 | $10,495,423 |
| 2023 | 31 | $900,000 | $11,395,423 |
| 2024 | 32 | $900,000 | $12,295,423 |
Matt Nieto’s contract history
Matt Nieto has signed a total of eight contracts throughout his NHL career as per Spotrac. Here is a detailed breakdown:
| Team & Years | Term | Value | Average Annual Value (AAV) | Signing Bonus | Free Agent Status |
| Pittsburgh Penguins (2023-2025) | 2 years | $1,800,000 | $900,000 | N/A | 2025 / UFA |
| Colorado Avalanche (2021-2023) | 2 years | $1,700,000 | $850,000 | N/A | 2023 / UFA |
| San Jose Sharks (2020-2021) | 1 year | $700,000 | $700,000 | N/A | 2021 / UFA |
| Colorado Avalanche (2018-2020) | 2 years | $3,950,000 | $1,975,000 | N/A | 2020 / UFA |
| Colorado Avalanche (2017-2018) | 1 year | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | N/A | 2018 / RFA |
| San Jose Sharks (2016-2017) | 1 year | $735,000 | $735,000 | N/A | 2017 / RFA |
| San Jose Sharks (2013-2016) | 3 years | $2,775,000 | $925,000 | $277,500 | 2016 / RFA |
FAQs on Matt Nieto Contract & Salary
A. Matt Nieto is from Long Beach, California.
A. Matt Nieto wears 83 for the Penguins because the no. is close to his sister Erin's heart who has Down syndrome and autism
