Cale Makar has signed a groundbreaking eight-year contract extension with the Colorado Avalanche, totaling $163.2 million US, making him the highest-paid player in NHL history. Bartlett Hockey, his agency, confirmed the details of the agreement. This deal surpasses the previous record set by Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild with an eight-year, $136 million extension. Makar’s contract extends until the 2034-35 season, with an annual average value of $20.4 million starting in 2027-28, exceeding the $18.8 million AAV of San Jose Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini.
The historic agreement sets a new benchmark for elite defensemen, potentially influencing upcoming extensions for players like Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers and Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Makar expressed his excitement about continuing his career with the Avalanche in Denver, emphasizing the significance of the day and looking forward to the next nine years.
Makar, at 27 years old, is coming off a remarkable season with 20 goals and 59 assists, finishing second in Norris Trophy voting to Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets. His previous contract had a $9 million cap hit for the last season. The Avalanche prioritized securing Makar’s long-term services, as stated by President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Joe Sakic, who affirmed Makar’s commitment to Colorado until the end of his career.
As Makar prepares for the upcoming season, Sakic is confident in his readiness for training camp following a minor injury during the Western Conference final against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Avalanche made strategic moves, including trading Valeri Nichushkin to free up space for Makar’s extension. Makar’s consistent performance has solidified his status as a generational defenseman, achieving milestones like four 20-goal seasons and his 500th NHL point in a relatively short career.
Makar’s impact extends beyond the ice, as he embodies the values of a great teammate and ambassador for the Avalanche and the Rocky Mountain region. His partnership with Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog contributed to the team’s Stanley Cup victory in 2022. His younger brother, Taylor Makar, also joined the Avalanche, marking a unique milestone as the first siblings to play in the same game for the team. Makar looks forward to continuing the pursuit of the Stanley Cup and expresses gratitude for Colorado becoming a second home for him and his family.