Cale Makar and the Colorado Avalanche have reached an agreement on an eight-year contract extension worth $163.2 million US, positioning him as the highest-paid player in NHL history. The deal was confirmed by his agency, Bartlett Hockey. Makar’s extension surpasses the previous NHL record held by Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov, with a contract value of $136 million over eight years signed last September. The new deal will keep Makar with the Avalanche until the 2034-35 season.
With an annual average value of $20.4 million starting in the 2027-28 season, Makar’s contract exceeds that of San Jose Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini, who secured a $94 million extension with a $18.8 million AAV for five years in late July. This groundbreaking deal by Makar could potentially set a higher benchmark for upcoming extensions for top players like Edmonton’s Connor McDavid and Toronto’s Auston Matthews next year.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Makar stated in a social media video posted by the team, “I couldn’t be more excited to continue my journey here with the Avalanche in this amazing city of Denver,” highlighting the significance of the day and looking forward to the next nine years.
Makar, 27, had an impressive season with 20 goals and 59 assists, finishing as the runner-up to Zach Werenski of Columbus for the Norris Trophy, which recognizes the league’s top defenseman. Makar, a two-time winner of the award, previously had a $9 million cap hit for the last season under his six-year, $54 million contract signed in 2021, setting a new standard for elite defensemen like Quinn Hughes and Werenski.
Anticipated Readiness for Camp
President of hockey operations and general manager Joe Sakic prioritized securing Makar’s long-term commitment this off-season, affirming that Makar is destined to remain with the Avalanche for his career. Drafted fourth overall in 2017 from the University of Massachusetts, Makar’s new deal will align with the projected $113.5 million salary cap in 2027-28, representing approximately 18% of a team prepared for a championship push.
Despite an upper-body injury during the Western Conference final that sidelined him for Games 1 and 2, Makar is expected to be fully ready for training camp, as confirmed by Sakic. The team’s active off-season included strategic moves by Sakic, such as trading Valeri Nichushkin to the Blue Jackets to create financial flexibility for Makar’s extension.
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