Cale Makar and the Colorado Avalanche have reached an agreement on an eight-year contract extension valued at $163.2 million, making him the highest-paid player in NHL history. The announcement was confirmed by his agency, Bartlett Hockey. This extension sets a new record in the NHL, surpassing the previous high of $136 million signed by Minnesota Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov last year. Makar’s contract is valid through the 2034-35 season, with an annual average value of $20.4 million starting from the 2027-28 season.
In a social media video released by the team, Makar expressed his excitement about continuing his journey with the Avalanche in Denver, calling it a historic day and looking forward to the next nine years. Makar, aged 27, had an impressive season with 20 goals and 59 assists, finishing as a runner-up to Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets in the Norris Trophy voting. This award recognizes the league’s top defenseman and Makar has won it twice in his career.
The new deal for Makar, who previously signed a six-year, $54 million contract in 2021 with a cap hit of $9 million, has set a benchmark for other standout defensemen like Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski. General Manager Joe Sakic emphasized the importance of securing Makar’s long-term services this off-season, ensuring that he remains with the team for his entire career. The Avalanche drafted Makar as the fourth overall pick in 2017 from the University of Massachusetts.
The salary cap is projected to be $113.5 million when Makar’s new contract begins in 2027-28, with Makar expected to occupy roughly 18% of the cap space for the team, which boasts a competitive roster ready for a Stanley Cup run. Sakic’s busy off-season included orchestrating deals such as sending Valeri Nichushkin to the Blue Jackets for draft picks to create room for Makar’s extension.
Makar sustained an upper-body injury before the Western Conference final against the Vegas Golden Knights, where he missed Games 1 and 2 but returned for the remaining contests. Sakic has confirmed that Makar is on track to be ready for training camp. The core trio of Makar, Nathan MacKinnon, and Gabriel Landeskog played a pivotal role in the Avalanche’s Stanley Cup victory in 2022, with Makar earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP.
Makar’s younger brother, Taylor, also signed a two-year contract with the Avalanche, aligning his tenure with his brother’s extension. Cale Makar expressed gratitude for Colorado becoming a second home and is eager to hit the ice with his teammates to pursue the goal of bringing the Stanley Cup back to Denver.