The Colorado Avalanche and Cale Makar have reached an agreement on an eight-year contract extension valued at $163.2 million US, establishing him as the highest-paid player in NHL history. Bartlett Hockey, his agency, confirmed the deal terms. This extension surpasses the previous record set by Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild with an eight-year, $136 million contract signed last September. Makar’s contract is set to run through the 2034-35 season, with an annual average value of $20.4 million starting in 2027-28, exceeding the deal of San Jose Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini, who signed a five-year, $94 million extension with an $18.8 million AAV.
The historic agreement sets a new benchmark for elite defensemen like Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski. Makar expressed his excitement to continue with the Avalanche, emphasizing his commitment to the team and the city of Denver in a social media video. Makar, who recently turned 27, had an impressive season, scoring 20 goals and providing 59 assists. Despite finishing as the runner-up in Norris Trophy voting to Zach Werenski, Makar is a two-time winner of the award.
President of hockey operations/general manager Joe Sakic prioritized securing Makar’s long-term services, affirming that Makar will conclude his career with the Avalanche. The team drafted Makar in 2017 as the fourth overall pick from the University of Massachusetts. Makar’s new deal, commencing in 2027-28 with a projected salary cap of $113.5 million, will account for approximately 18% of the team’s cap room. The Avalanche are preparing for the upcoming season, aiming to bounce back from a challenging Western Conference final where Makar battled an upper-body injury.
Sakic’s proactive off-season included strategic moves like trading Valeri Nichushkin to the Blue Jackets to facilitate Makar’s extension negotiations. The Avalanche GM expressed his confidence in Makar’s exceptional skills and character, highlighting his significant contributions both on and off the ice. Makar’s remarkable achievements, including four 20-goal seasons and reaching his 500th NHL point in just 467 games, underscore his elite status among defensemen.
The core trio of Makar, Nathan MacKinnon, and Gabriel Landeskog propelled the Avalanche to a Stanley Cup victory in 2022, with Makar’s standout performance earning him the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. Makar’s younger brother, Taylor, also joined the Avalanche on a two-year contract, marking a unique moment in NHL history as they became the first siblings to play in the same game for the team. Cale Makar expressed gratitude for the support from the Colorado community and his eagerness to pursue another championship with his teammates.