Cale Makar and the Colorado Avalanche have reached a landmark agreement on an eight-year contract extension valued at $163.2 million US, setting a new record as the highest-paid player in NHL history. The deal, confirmed by Makar’s agency, Bartlett Hockey, surpasses the previous top contract held by Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov and will run through the 2034-35 season.
With an annual average value of $20.4 million commencing in the 2027-28 season, Makar’s contract eclipses that of San Jose Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini, who signed a $94 million five-year extension with an $18.8 million AAV in July. This groundbreaking deal for Makar may pave the way for increased contract values for other star players like Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews next year.
Expressing his excitement, Makar shared in a social media video by the team that he is thrilled to continue his journey with the Avalanche in Denver, marking a historic day for him. The 27-year-old defenseman, who had an impressive season with 20 goals and 59 assists, finished second in Norris Trophy voting behind Zach Werenski, winning the award twice in his career.
Makar’s previous contract had a $9 million cap hit for the last season following a six-year, $54 million deal in 2021, setting a new benchmark for defensemen like Quinn Hughes and Werenski. President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Joe Sakic prioritized securing Makar’s long-term commitment, ensuring he remains a pivotal part of the team’s future plans.
As Makar readies for the upcoming season, Sakic confirmed his expected readiness for training camp despite sustaining an upper-body injury during the Western Conference final against the Vegas Golden Knights. This off-season has been dynamic for Sakic, orchestrating key moves like the Valeri Nichushkin trade to create space for Makar’s extension negotiations.
Sakic praised Makar as a generational talent and expressed his delight in finalizing the contract, emphasizing Makar’s impact on and off the ice for the Avalanche and the region. Makar’s exceptional achievements include multiple 20-goal seasons and reaching his 500th NHL point in a remarkable career that positions him among the league’s elite defensemen.
With a core comprising Makar, Nathan MacKinnon, and captain Gabriel Landeskog, the Avalanche clinched the Stanley Cup in 2022, with Makar’s standout performance earning him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP. Notably, Makar’s brother, Taylor, has also joined the Avalanche, marking a unique milestone as the first siblings to play in the same game for the team.
Looking ahead, Makar expressed his gratitude for the support and camaraderie in Colorado, eagerly anticipating hitting the ice with his teammates to pursue their shared goal of bringing the Stanley Cup back to Denver.